How to deal with BMWNA for ongoing problems?

homer2424 · 03-16-2009, 11:51 AM

I purchased a 2006 330i on April of last year. Love the car and the way it drives but i have constant problems, particularly with rattles. The back deck has a horrible rattle (yes, I am picky but everyone can here it) and I have had the car in 6 times about it. The dealership has been very responsive and in the last appointment took instructions printed from here and padded everything as instructed (according to them of course). The last time it stopped for a day and came back.

On top of this I have a rattle in the sunroof (admittedly harder to identify) that has been mentioned in 4 of the appointments and has not been fixed either. On top of this I have had to have the door handles replaced, brackets put on the headlight, "ignition" fixed (wasn't grabbing key which would fall out when I floored it) and a few other small items I cannot recall at the moment.

At this point I just want to get rid of the car. What is the best way to contact BMWNA on this matter? Are they usually responsive? I would appreciate any suggestions. I love the car and would ideallly like BMW to buy it back or replace in with a similar (not a new) car. Any chance of either?

While I bought this used from a Lexus dealership (only manual I could find) in reading up on lemon laws in virginia they would still apply and I meet two of the 3 criteria (only need one). 1. Car has been in more than 3 times on the same problem 2. car has been in the shop more than 30 days in the past 18 months (I would say more like 40-45 in less than a year). This should give me significant leverage in talking to BMW.

ragingclue · 03-16-2009, 11:55 AM

There is a representative for BMW NA who lurks on here. Make enough noise, and he'll show up in your thread like herpes.

Orient330iNYC · 03-16-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer2424

While I bought this used from a Lexus dealership (only manual I could find) in reading up on lemon laws in virginia they would still apply and I meet two of the 3 criteria (only need one). 1. Car has been in more than 3 times on the same problem 2. car has been in the shop more than 30 days in the past 18 months (I would say more like 40-45 in less than a year). This should give me significant leverage in talking to BMW.

What's the Lemon Law?

If your new vehicle is a lemon, Virginia's Lemon Law requires the manufacturer of the car to refund your money or replace the vehicle.

RBBMWE46M3 · 03-16-2009, 12:00 PM

BMWNA???? hahahahahahah good luck!!

STE92VE · 03-16-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer2424

At this point I just want to get rid of the car. What is the best way to contact BMWNA on this matter? Are they usually responsive? I would appreciate any suggestions. I love the car and would ideallly like BMW to buy it back or replace in with a similar (not a new) car. Any chance of either?

Send a letter (return receipt requested) outlining your problems along copies of all the service records you have saved, addressed to:

BMW of North America, LLC
300 Chestnut Ridge Road
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677-7731

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer2424

While I bought this used from a Lexus dealership (only manual I could find) in reading up on lemon laws in virginia they would still apply and I meet two of the 3 criteria (only need one). 1. Car has been in more than 3 times on the same problem 2. car has been in the shop more than 30 days in the past 18 months (I would say more like 40-45 in less than a year). This should give me significant leverage in talking to BMW.

I didn't think that lemon laws pertained to used cars...Caveat Emptor?

ejazbmw · 03-16-2009, 12:06 PM

bmwna is a joke they wouldn't help me with my problem

Fraggy · 03-16-2009, 12:27 PM

The way BMW manages problems these days is pathetic. Its very sad to see our company go down this road.

blue2fire · 03-16-2009, 12:34 PM

Wow, so your four year old E90 has a few rattles? Deal with it.
We bought a CPO 330i recently and i have ALL the rattles that you mention, i have never asked for the dealer to buy the car back. The golden rule is never to take the car back about rattles, they only get worse.

This is such a Joke...

Fugly M3 · 03-16-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

The golden rule is never to take the car back about rattles, they only get worse.

yea because when/if they take it apart to fix one rattle, it will go back together slightly different creating 4 more, rattles breed like rabbits

homer2424 · 03-16-2009, 12:43 PM

As to the lemon law there was a VA supreme court ruling in 1998 that held Subaru liable on a for a car that was formerly a Hertz rental car! Not saying a agree with it but that was the ruling.

I hear what everyone is saying about rattles but I live in a row house with no driveway or place to work on the car myself. I'm pretty much at the mercy of the dealer.

To the person that says deal with the rattle, I disagree. If they car is under warranty and rattles are covered it should be fixed. I'm not talking a tiny rattle, I can hear it with the stereo almost all the way up!

blue2fire · 03-16-2009, 01:01 PM

Okay, try getting it fixed properly then. I refuse to believe that a car this old and with more than one owner stands a chance of getting bought back by BMW. They are delinquent even dealing with problems on brand new cars.

p4junk · 03-16-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue2fire

Wow, so your four year old E90 has a few rattles? Deal with it.
We bought a CPO 330i recently and i have ALL the rattles that you mention, i have never asked for the dealer to buy the car back. The golden rule is never to take the car back about rattles, they only get worse.

This is such a Joke...

For what it's worth, i have NONE of the problems mentioned - no problems at all so far. Just wanted to reflect that it's not necessarily normal/expected that a 4/5 year old 330i rattle.

Have you thought of what your next step is going to be if you take it in and it has MORE rattles? It's certainly a possibility.

I would assume that you would have far better success getting rid of the car on your own than getting BMWNA involved.

Finally, you take-off and the key pops out??? Door handles replaced? RATTLES? Is this thing CPO'd? I would also be looking to dump this thing before it looses any more value, ESPECIALLY if this is your first BMW (it is for me).

blue2fire · 03-16-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p4junk

Finally, you take-off and the key pops out??? Door handles replaced? RATTLES? Is this thing CPO'd? I would also be looking to dump this thing before it looses any more value, ESPECIALLY if this is your first BMW (it is for me).

Dont know what the point is. If you had read some of the OP's posts, you would know that the car he bought is not a CPO. As for mine, it is doing fine except for rattles and the occasional software glitch.

homer2424 · 03-16-2009, 02:06 PM

I am hoping it is just my particular car. I LOVE the car other than the problems I've had. I am not neccessarily looking to get BMW to buy it back, I just want it fixed! I would be perfectly happy if they replaced it with another of the same car.

raleedy · 03-16-2009, 02:31 PM

BMW NA sells new cars to BMW dealers. The dealers are their customers. The dealers' customers are of limited interest to BMW NA.

p4junk · 03-16-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raleedy

BMW NA sells new cars to BMW dealers. The dealers are their customers. The dealers' customers are of limited interest to BMW NA.

I generally agree with you, though i think you could've phrased your opinion a little better. BMW does care about the dealer's customers - that's who they(BMW) are in business for.

In this case, i think BMWNA will care less because the car's had more than one owner, and it's not CPO'd. Moreover, the OP isn't complaining about a life threatening issue - were he to, i'm sure he'd get their attention - fast. So the question is, will BMWNA spend resources on this 4/5yr old discontinued car, or on issues with a '09 335?

bmw-hoya · 03-16-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raleedy

BMW NA sells new cars to BMW dealers. The dealers are their customers. The dealers' customers are of limited interest to BMW NA.

I think that's taking it to the extreme. Realistically speaking, BMWNA is more on the hook than the dealers are, since they are the deeper pocket. I think the OP just has to make enough noise (even though I agree with the other posters that the problem isn't worth it in this instance).

canucklion · 03-16-2009, 04:28 PM

let me sum up your story.

Your car's got lots of rattles.

You want to use the Lemon Law for rattles. LOL

You want BMW to buy it back, more LOL.

Good Luck, that's all I can say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer2424

I purchased a 2006 330i on April of last year. Love the car and the way it drives but i have constant problems, particularly with rattles. The back deck has a horrible rattle (yes, I am picky but everyone can here it) and I have had the car in 6 times about it. The dealership has been very responsive and in the last appointment took instructions printed from here and padded everything as instructed (according to them of course). The last time it stopped for a day and came back.

On top of this I have a rattle in the sunroof (admittedly harder to identify) that has been mentioned in 4 of the appointments and has not been fixed either. On top of this I have had to have the door handles replaced, brackets put on the headlight, "ignition" fixed (wasn't grabbing key which would fall out when I floored it) and a few other small items I cannot recall at the moment.

At this point I just want to get rid of the car. What is the best way to contact BMWNA on this matter? Are they usually responsive? I would appreciate any suggestions. I love the car and would ideallly like BMW to buy it back or replace in with a similar (not a new) car. Any chance of either?

While I bought this used from a Lexus dealership (only manual I could find) in reading up on lemon laws in virginia they would still apply and I meet two of the 3 criteria (only need one). 1. Car has been in more than 3 times on the same problem 2. car has been in the shop more than 30 days in the past 18 months (I would say more like 40-45 in less than a year). This should give me significant leverage in talking to BMW.

canucklion · 03-16-2009, 04:31 PM

rattles are addressed within first year of new car ownership, after that, you're SOL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by homer2424

As to the lemon law there was a VA supreme court ruling in 1998 that held Subaru liable on a for a car that was formerly a Hertz rental car! Not saying a agree with it but that was the ruling.

I hear what everyone is saying about rattles but I live in a row house with no driveway or place to work on the car myself. I'm pretty much at the mercy of the dealer.

To the person that says deal with the rattle, I disagree. If they car is under warranty and rattles are covered it should be fixed. I'm not talking a tiny rattle, I can hear it with the stereo almost all the way up!

nicknaz · 03-16-2009, 04:39 PM

In my experience with older cars it seems that rattles result from worn/aging rubber that starts to squeak or from trim that is slightly loose. If you took the trim apart, put some lubricant on the rubber and put some double sided tape on the areas that rattle you should be able to resolve the issue. have someone else drive, sit in the area with the rattle, and then when it rattles put your hand on the trim to see if that stops the rattle to identify areas that need attention

also, take all of your stuff out of the door pockets and center console. sometimes the squeak seems to come from trim but is really from loose items

good luck. i read the cpo warranty a while ago and i'm pretty sure squeaks aren't covered. you're lucky your dealership is stepping up to the plate to try and help you. proceed with caution about making a stink, because you would likely be penalizing your dealer for trying to help you

homer2424 · 03-16-2009, 05:39 PM

Thanks again for everyone offering suggestions. I have ridden and ID'd the location, ridden with the tech several times to help locate them and taken everything out of the car too. Its not that they don't hear them, they just can't fix them. I have no complaints as to the dealership, they have spent a ton of time on it and I have been as nice as possible. FYI - the car is not a CPO but still under the factory warranty and rattles are covered under the original warranty (not under CPO).

To those making it out like I want BMW to buy my car back due to one rattle, I am not trying to get BMW to buy it back necessarily, I would prefer to just get it fixed. I would also be happy with some assistance on getting a different one or having it replaced with an identical car. I am not trying to take advantage of anyone, I just want a car than performs as advertised.

Dascamel · 03-16-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ejazbmw

bmwna is a joke they wouldn't help me with my problem

I had my issue resolved, need to make an intelligent case.

03-16-2009, 11:51 AM	#1
homer2424 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	How to deal with BMWNA for ongoing problems? I purchased a 2006 330i on April of last year. Love the car and the way it drives but i have constant problems, particularly with rattles. The back deck has a horrible rattle (yes, I am picky but everyone can here it) and I have had the car in 6 times about it. The dealership has been very responsive and in the last appointment took instructions printed from here and padded everything as instructed (according to them of course). The last time it stopped for a day and came back. On top of this I have a rattle in the sunroof (admittedly harder to identify) that has been mentioned in 4 of the appointments and has not been fixed either. On top of this I have had to have the door handles replaced, brackets put on the headlight, "ignition" fixed (wasn't grabbing key which would fall out when I floored it) and a few other small items I cannot recall at the moment. At this point I just want to get rid of the car. What is the best way to contact BMWNA on this matter? Are they usually responsive? I would appreciate any suggestions. I love the car and would ideallly like BMW to buy it back or replace in with a similar (not a new) car. Any chance of either? While I bought this used from a Lexus dealership (only manual I could find) in reading up on lemon laws in virginia they would still apply and I meet two of the 3 criteria (only need one). 1. Car has been in more than 3 times on the same problem 2. car has been in the shop more than 30 days in the past 18 months (I would say more like 40-45 in less than a year). This should give me significant leverage in talking to BMW.
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03-16-2009, 11:55 AM	#2
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	There is a representative for BMW NA who lurks on here. Make enough noise, and he'll show up in your thread like herpes.
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03-16-2009, 12:00 PM	#4
RBBMWE46M3 blaupunkt 56 Rep 525 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spman montego Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: THE REGION iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 x5 [0.00] 1972 R75/5 [0.00] 2008 335xi [0.00]	BMWNA???? hahahahahahah good luck!! __________________ BMW ENGINEERS
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03-16-2009, 12:06 PM	#6
ejazbmw blahhh 302 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	bmwna is a joke they wouldn't help me with my problem
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03-16-2009, 12:27 PM	#7
Fraggy Brigadier General 193 Rep 3,469 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (11)	The way BMW manages problems these days is pathetic. Its very sad to see our company go down this road. __________________ 2016 Alpine White M3 (gone) 2019 Alfa Romeo Guilia (Totaled) 2020 Car-less 😁 (no more) 2020 M340
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03-16-2009, 12:43 PM	#10
homer2424 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	As to the lemon law there was a VA supreme court ruling in 1998 that held Subaru liable on a for a car that was formerly a Hertz rental car! Not saying a agree with it but that was the ruling. I hear what everyone is saying about rattles but I live in a row house with no driveway or place to work on the car myself. I'm pretty much at the mercy of the dealer. To the person that says deal with the rattle, I disagree. If they car is under warranty and rattles are covered it should be fixed. I'm not talking a tiny rattle, I can hear it with the stereo almost all the way up!
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03-16-2009, 02:06 PM	#14
homer2424 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	I am hoping it is just my particular car. I LOVE the car other than the problems I've had. I am not neccessarily looking to get BMW to buy it back, I just want it fixed! I would be perfectly happy if they replaced it with another of the same car.
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03-16-2009, 02:31 PM	#15
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	BMW NA sells new cars to BMW dealers. The dealers are their customers. The dealers' customers are of limited interest to BMW NA.
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03-16-2009, 04:39 PM	#20
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	In my experience with older cars it seems that rattles result from worn/aging rubber that starts to squeak or from trim that is slightly loose. If you took the trim apart, put some lubricant on the rubber and put some double sided tape on the areas that rattle you should be able to resolve the issue. have someone else drive, sit in the area with the rattle, and then when it rattles put your hand on the trim to see if that stops the rattle to identify areas that need attention also, take all of your stuff out of the door pockets and center console. sometimes the squeak seems to come from trim but is really from loose items good luck. i read the cpo warranty a while ago and i'm pretty sure squeaks aren't covered. you're lucky your dealership is stepping up to the plate to try and help you. proceed with caution about making a stink, because you would likely be penalizing your dealer for trying to help you
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03-16-2009, 05:39 PM	#21
homer2424 New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Sedan Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (0)	Thanks again for everyone offering suggestions. I have ridden and ID'd the location, ridden with the tech several times to help locate them and taken everything out of the car too. Its not that they don't hear them, they just can't fix them. I have no complaints as to the dealership, they have spent a ton of time on it and I have been as nice as possible. FYI - the car is not a CPO but still under the factory warranty and rattles are covered under the original warranty (not under CPO). To those making it out like I want BMW to buy my car back due to one rattle, I am not trying to get BMW to buy it back necessarily, I would prefer to just get it fixed. I would also be happy with some assistance on getting a different one or having it replaced with an identical car. I am not trying to take advantage of anyone, I just want a car than performs as advertised.
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