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I got across slightly used 2001 BMW 540 with auto transmission. The car looked great, the only thing that raised question transmission doesn't have steptronic feature. I was under ipmression that all non manual 5 series after 2000 year model got a steptronic. According to the dealer 540's w/o sport package only get automatic tranny w/o steptronic. Can anybody tell is it a lot of difference i.e. I mean driving experince? Or is there any possible way to upgrade the auto transmission with the steptronic feature?
But, this is different from the maintenance extension... you knew that, right?
regards,
kyfdx
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Extended Maintenance plan... This extends the "free" maintenance that is included with your new car out to 6yr/100K..
The warranty, as you have seen, is fairly expensive... The maintenance plan on a V-8 is likely $1200-$1600..
I personally wouldn't get the extended warranty without the extended maintenance plan..... but, I might get the maintenance without the warranty..
regards,
kyfdx
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I appreciate the clarification. Who knows, that price might include both! (And I am 6'2", good looking, and rich too, lol)
Are you in New York? (or even if you aren't) Call Carbone BMW in Utica... they have a lot of experience selling those extensions over the phone.... and they discount from the MSRP..
Just ask for whoever handles bimmerfest members..
regards,
kyfdx
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Thanks again.
The guys at the dealer told me that these problems are very hard to diagnose because they are hit and miss, and you have to be looking for it when it happens.
In my case, with the security remote, they split one circuit into four circuits to isolate which one was causing the problem, but it took 3-4 trips to the dealer to get it done.
Now I have the brake light issue. For now I'm just ignoring it, because it is so frustrating, and the brake lights appear to be working.
I have no idea of the cost since I was covered under warranty. However, that won't be the case for much longer, since my extended warranty runs out in March.
Good luck.
Take a look at the BMW Memo concerning the Extended Warranty Program
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Sometimes, I'm more comfortable when my advice is ignored.... lol
seriously, good deal..
regards,
kyfdx
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One final thing: your local "mechanic" needs to do his homework- his statements about obtaining BMW service information are dead wrong. The GT-1 diagnostic tool is readily available and BMW offers online access to their current service data for $2500/year. FWIW, BMW also offers a daily rate for the DIY contingent as well as shops that service BMWs infrequently. You need to check with some local CCA members; I'm certain that they can direct you to a good independent shop in your area that actually knows something about BMWs. The local indie shop that I use has worked on every BMW I've owned from my first E3 to my E39 and the techs have never had a problem obtaining BMW servicing information.
My warranty is up in March, and if the repair costs become too expensive, I'll sell the car and get a different one.
I would take the car back and ask about the two things you noticed. Not sure about the high beam situation.
However, the A/C compressor can run in the winter to remove condensation from the windshield so it may be you are just more aware of the operation right now.
I recommend the SO3s. Give 'em a try, I bet you'll like them, too.
Childersb
I read some reviews that helped me choose the first set I had (SO2s), but I can't find where they were. Sorry :-(
Good luck!
Childersb
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
BMW NA Customer Relations
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They do this on a lot of forums, and they are very open about it...
Many people don't know they have other options, if they are dissatisfied with their dealer... I think they are just being proactive.. Sure, if you know about contacting them directly, then, no problem.. At least this way, someone can look up what you are talking about, instead of starting from scratch.. But, like div2 says, black helicopters have been spotted..
You can't get your problem resolved without identifying yourself, I don't think... But, pull your blinds, just in case...lol
regards,
kyfdx
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Someone blew up their new car while racing it, then proceeded to brag on-line about how they screwed Mitsubishi.... I guess the joke was on them... I have no problem with that..
regards,
kyfdx
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“You can't get your problem resolved without identifying yourself ”
I think you are missing my point. Of course you have to identify yourself. What I am saying is that by giving BMWNA the reference number they provide here, you also provide them access to everything you write in this forum. Take it from there.
With regard to the black helicopters, that’s hilarious. However if none of us ever saw them I guess we wouldn’t need to use pseudonyms as screen names, scrutinize contracts, hire lawyers, lock our doors etc.
;-)
That said, your dealer should be embarassed beyond words and should have the regional BMW reps on this in a big way. What the German engineers who design and build these fine cars need to understand is the manner in which consumers perceive quality.
In your case, it matters little that BMW may offer the best driving experience on the road... it doesn't function properly! Japan, Inc. has this figured out and applies lean production/testing methods that virtually eliminate these snafu's.
I must say that my 2003 e39 has been the best in my long automotive ownership experience. Also was the last in the platform lineage, so most every kink worked out. In today's era, you'd better launch a pretty-near defect free car if you want to achieve or even maintain hard earned brand status.
I hope you keep us informed. An owner of a new Porsche 911 (among others) is going through the same thing and unfortunately it took him 7 visits to service and 3 months before Porsche offered to buy the car back. However they wanted to deduct for usage. He didn't accept this and told them he would be keeping the car and taking his story to the press and web forums. His thread in one of the forums has garnered 40K hits to highly-targeted Porsche owners, many of whom stated that they cancelled impending orders based on his story. Porsche finally agreed to buy it back at full price so, as they say, the squeaky wheel gets greased.
It has been said that BMW bought back a certain number of 7-series due to electronic failures. Seems to me your car qualifies. I hope BMWNA agrees and makes this as painless as possible for you, either that or fixes it pronto. In the meantime, I hope you have a comparable loaner.
By the way, it was reported that the problem with the 911 was a faulty central electronic control unit, similar to the motherboard on a computer and that Porsche was having a hard time supplying the parts bins. Amazing that this could not be anticipated and diagnosed quickly. It wouldn't surprise me if it is the same type of situation with your car. I guess they have to start staffing IT people if they want to pursue this kind of design. Seems the IT pros have no problem putting things in working order. The auto manufacturers seek them out in the design phase, now they have to follow up with them in the maintenance phase. One word to the car manufacturers duh.
I'd like to know more about the details of the 7-series buybacks, especially the root of the problems but it has been reported that one of BMW's terms was that the owners sign a non-disclosure waiver. Hopefully these customers got a total refund, fees and taxes included, as opposed to the lemon-law provisions which allow a deduction for usage.
That's OK; my next BMW is going to have a fiberglass body and an M88 engine...:)
Giugiaro was criticized for being "heavy-handed" with this mid-engine baby. Imagine that--Now "heavy-handed" is in style. Yep, buying an M1 is one rational solution to today's problems. I'll take this, an 89 M6 or E39 M5.
As for my future M Eine, it HAS to be Henna Red-that's simply not negotiable.