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BMW Care & Maintenance
Well, after 14 months, and 11,500 miles, the computer said it was time for the first dreaded trip to the dealer service department. Coincidently I started hearing a metal to metal noise coming from the rear of the car. When I called to schedule an appointment, I was told that there was a several week waiting list for an appointment with a loaner car. So I took the next available appointment without one due to my concern over the noise.
I had a few issues that I was not too happy about at the dealer that I will share:
One of the wheels had a slow leak, and I asked the service advisor to have the tech check for anything stuck in the tire. They called me later with an update, and told me that the rim appeared to be bent, and that's why the air was leaking. I asked them to take that wheel off, and put the spare on. They wanted to charge me $30 for that "service", plus $240 to fix the rim. I declined, and when I got my car back, I went to a tire shop that specializes in bent rims. When they pulled the wheel off the car, they discovered a nail stuck in the tire. $10 for a patch, and $15 for high speed balance, and I was back in business....unreal!!!
Oh, also when I picked up the car, they charged me $19 for "inspecting" the wheel!!! This, the service manager refunded to me after I called and told him what happened at the tire shop.
They also isolated the metal noise to something wrong with the drive shaft. They had to order a new drive shaft bearing. Warranty repair. The noise went away.......until the beginning of this week. It's back. And now I have another appointment to bring the car back in....again without a loaner, as only "scheduled maintainance" appointments get a loaner.
I'll post my "results" after my next visit.
I had a few issues that I was not too happy about at the dealer that I will share:
One of the wheels had a slow leak, and I asked the service advisor to have the tech check for anything stuck in the tire. They called me later with an update, and told me that the rim appeared to be bent, and that's why the air was leaking. I asked them to take that wheel off, and put the spare on. They wanted to charge me $30 for that "service", plus $240 to fix the rim. I declined, and when I got my car back, I went to a tire shop that specializes in bent rims. When they pulled the wheel off the car, they discovered a nail stuck in the tire. $10 for a patch, and $15 for high speed balance, and I was back in business....unreal!!!
Oh, also when I picked up the car, they charged me $19 for "inspecting" the wheel!!! This, the service manager refunded to me after I called and told him what happened at the tire shop.
They also isolated the metal noise to something wrong with the drive shaft. They had to order a new drive shaft bearing. Warranty repair. The noise went away.......until the beginning of this week. It's back. And now I have another appointment to bring the car back in....again without a loaner, as only "scheduled maintainance" appointments get a loaner.
I'll post my "results" after my next visit.
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Interesting side note....saw a Z8 on the road today...the guy was definitely enjoying his ride back from "moms"....400hp, and he knew what to do with it
A dealer is trying to sell me permaplate for $989. A friend who is a car broker tells me not to get it - it is just the dealer selling me a warranty on the exterior for 7 years. Any advice?
Also, the dealer is pushing the additional year maintenance warranty at $689. I am inclined to shop around - anyone think this is a good idea?
Thanks.
After being without my car for a full work week (Monday thru Friday), I am really dissapointed in BMW. My car was back in the service department for a second time for the same issue ( as well as a few other items), and I was not provided a loaner. I have owned various other makes of lesser cost, and those manufacturers/dealers had some type of "alternate transportation" available. It was either a loaner car, or a free rental car from an on site company or a rental car allowance. But BMW.... nothing!!!
Anyway, details on the service:
Metal to metal noise from the rear.... they replaced the whole drive shaft this time.
One rear door stopped unlocking.... actuator mechanism replaced.
A regulator inside a front door window was rubbing on the glass as it went up and down, causing the glass to be etched... they adjusted the regulator, and replaced the glass.
On the upside, it is comforting knowing that there was no hesitation in the dealer/BMW replacing items as needed.
On the down side, the rear door panel became a casualty of the repair job for the actuator, and was damaged.... thereby necessitating another visit as it had to be special ordered.
And yes,.... still love the car!!!!
my dealer is telling me its $499 for my 2001 525.
what dealer quoted you (name and city) and do you know if I can purchase it through any dealer?
Thanks
also, thanks for the info re the hitch--they also have a different model no. for my 2001 525iT.
So the guys at MT think it's a 2004 redesign--other rumors have said 2003. So let's guess--maybe it's a 2004 introduced in mid 2003 ?!?!?!
Just have her drive the 530i. That should do it. I haven't driven the 525, but my guess is the extra power in the 530 makes it that much more responsive and fun to drive.
Get the BMW and be pleased with your decision each time you get behind the wheel!
We bought a Titanium Silver with grey interior. It looks great. It's a Premium package, in dash cd, convience package and steptronic. I purchased the 6 cd changer from pacific bmw for $400 and put it in myself (I am slightly challenged, but did it in less than an hour, beats the $200 my dealer wanted to install it).
Such an amazing car. The only thing I would like to do is have the drivers seat move back another 2-3 inches as my right knee seems to be bothering me more as its always bent.
The back seat is useless now behind the driver, but you will love it.
I have been disappointed by the dealer many times since but I remain thankful to the salesman who knew his product.
For comparison's sake only, I drove a used BOW 5, and I was immediately sold on it. The 5 handles beautifully, rides more compliantly, and is generally more comfortable. It's hard to describe the experience of driving a 5----it feels like a big car when it should, with silky-smooth manners on the highway, and yet feels like a small sports car when you're maneuvering in city traffic. The Jag is beautiful to look at, and a good car besides, but if you drive both your choice will be easy. Nothing drives like the 5.
builds up on the rotor due to wear of the rotor. You either replace the rotor
or turn it. He recommended replacement because turning (in a lathe) would
take off too much material if the Rotor has already been worn down to the
limits. Mine were very near there at 40,000 miles
If you are in Birmingham, AL I would HIGHLY recommend Stephen's Garage. Don't have the number handy, but will track it down if someone needs it. He is very talented at diagnosis and does great work for a fair price! I wish I could find the time to take my wagon back to Birmingham!
Thanks!
Are most or all other BMW dealers like this regarding loaners? When BMW surveyed me after some recent work on our cars, I made sure to comment negatively about this dealer's irritating loaner policy.
Guess it bugs me since my wife's former Infiniti was bought thru a Chicago IL dealer by a Des Moines IA dealer. The Omaha Infiniti dealer gave her a loaner for every routine service visit (there were no non routine service events in the 60,000 miles she owned the car). And we had a Ford product a while back. While on vacation in places like upstate NY or Georgia dealers had no problem giving loaner cars for warranty and routine service work.
As I told Markel, don't they realize people travel, move, take vacations, etc?
I test drove the 530i and I am leaning more toward purchasing the 530i.
However, from an economic standpoint for an additional $4k for 35 additional horses-- it is worth it???
I would be interested in hearing from current 525i owners. Do you have any regrets? Do you wish you would have paid extra for the 530i to gain the additional horsepower?
You may also want to post your question on the main 5-series board, which is less specialized and has more traffic than this one.
If you still desire an EMA, consider negotiating for a longer agreement at a slightly higher price. Beverly Hills BMW is offering an EMA up to 100K for $998.00. Good luck.
Since the oil service will hit you around 15,000 and 45,000 miles, this alone isn't worth getting it. The Schedule 1 will hit around 30,000 miles and be covered by the original 3yr/36k interval. The Schedule 2 will hit around 60,000 miles, after the extended agreement hits. So what might it logically cover? Besides wiper blades (which you can just ask for before 3/36--which is what I did at about 35,000 miles) and burned out bulbs, brake work is likely the most probable. But whether, what, and when you need brake work depends on a lot of factors.
My wife's '00 323iA needed brake work (i.e., the brake service light came on) at about 34,500 miles. So it was covered free under the 3/36. Praying there won't be any more brake work until after 50,000 miles.
Unfortunately for me, at 36,050 miles one of her rear brake lights burned out. Won't cost much. If that is all I need, then the extra time and mileage wouldn't be worth it. That kind of money essentially just for the Oil Service isn't a good investment. But it depends.
So far, for me, glad we didn't buy the extended agreement. But if the brake work had come after 36,000 miles, then I would've been better off getting it.
Also, I am wondering if it is better to get work done by dealer or would you rather go to an indepedant repair shop with factory trained mechanics ?
If any of you know of any in Silicon Valley/Bay area with good or bad experieince would be appreciated. I could use any feedback any of you may have.
Thanks.
But once car out of warranty, then I wouldn't hesitate to go to a good independent BMW service shop. There is a professional group of them that collectively advertise. I've seen ads for this grouping of them in Roundel magazine. Forget the name of the group. Is supposedly a way to find a good independent shop. Roundel and Bimmer magazines also have a ton of ads from various independent shops. You should see if one is nearby you. Guessin' there are a lot in your area.
Also, have you joined BMW CCA? You should. For the magazine. And many shops, BMW dealers and independents, give a BMW CCA discount on parts.
Thanks
Since you're still under warranty, I wouldn't worry about it; have them replace the pump. I'd assume the problem will then be fixed.
I would love a 5 series, and the BMW dealer has a 1999 528 manual, with the sport package and 60km on it. Also one with the premium package and 36km on it. Both are at 32,900.00 (Canadain dollars) does that seem like a good price? They are both in the BMW Certified Used car program so after about a year when the orig. warranty goes I'd get two years or milage.
Also they have an ownership lease like deal where the price is halved and half held as a balloon payment at the end of three years, the other half is what payments are based on. My wonder is if in three years when the car is 6 years old, will it be worth less than the @ 16,500.00 of the balloon payment? Upside-down, I think they call it?
I will have a look at the service reacords since all their other similarly equipped 5s cost closer to 37-45gs.
Are these fairly reliable. I've read some horror stories but are they the exceptioin or the rule?
Thanks,
cdndriver