[f11bmw520d]

Hi,

Have some minor, but irritating issues with my 1 year old F11. I've been informed by the dealer, that I am liable for diagnosis charges if they find nothing wrong. I've spoken with BMW UK they confirm this is policy. Any body any experience of this. I've told the dealer I am not paying a penny for diagnosis. Car has already been in before no faults found, when I've provided evidence of the electrical faults etc.

Why should I be liable for diagnostic costs if the garage is no good at diagnosing! I really would expect this to be covered with a new car.


Regards F11BMW520d

[xenon]

No chance I'd pay for anything at all whilst the car is up to three years old and under warranty. I refuse to pay for courtesy cars too, except for routine servicing.

What sort of problems and which dealer?

[f11bmw520d]

1) Slight smell of burning oil/diesel when engine is warm
2) Spurious electrical problems, flat battery warning after long drive previous day, flat tyre warning, ABS failure, buzzing interference noise rear speakers, indicators not working etc.
3) Problem boot fabric cover making noise over bumps.

[xenon]

The ABS failure and flat battery errors will be logged.

[f11bmw520d]

Originally Posted by xenon

The ABS failure and flat battery errors will be logged.

That's what a rational person would think, but last time, the garage said, nothing recorded.

So potentially I would be liable for the diagnosis cost! Or non diagnosis cost!

[Mud]

I would attempt to capture the warning lights on camera/video (if safe to do so)

And use this as evidence that there is something wrong, and potentially very wrong if the warning lights are coming on but not being logged on the car.

[f11bmw520d]

I've shown video of the problem, and they're not interested.

This is from BMW Website regarding the Warranty

Three years peace of mind

The BMW Three Year Unlimited Mileage Dealer Warranty offers complete protection against almost every eventuality and includes BMW Emergency Service.

Repairs are carried out quickly and efficiently by BMW Service Authorised Workshops.

I haven't got peace of mind, it's incomplete protection, it doesn't even pay for unsuccessful diagnosis.

[xenon]

Which dealer group is it?

[f11bmw520d]

Originally Posted by xenon

Which dealer group is it?

Cooper.

In fairness they're just following BMW's stupid rules.

[xenon]

I don't think so. You've got a car, less than a year old, where you can show that you've had dashboard warnings and insist they fix it.

I've never had this on any of my previous cars. The F10 has been fine but when I had an intermittent EML on the e92 I took it in and never even considered paying anything and nor was I asked.

Try a different dealer.

[Matt01]

Originally Posted by xenon

The ABS failure and flat battery errors will be logged.

If this happens any chance of stopping somewhere convenient (I know this is going to be a 'excellent' way to spend a few hours) and calling BMW breakdown, an abs failure should be worthy of a response.... Then a BMW rescue report surely would warrant some sort of in-depth testing..... Not an idea situation.... But a trip to another dealer might be worth a try.... Also it a lease/company car as the lease company may have some thoughts of a car with an issue with brakes not being investigated ... I do feel for you stuck between a rock and a hard place...

[f11bmw520d]

I got the car back, and give Coopers credit they did good a job and sorted the issues.

I've had a software update which they hope will sort the electrical issues. Strangely the steering, engine, and gearbox seem better. Not sure if it's my imagination!?

I can't believe BMW UK inflict this nonsense on their dealers and customers and then expect a satisfied customer.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by f11bmw520d

I got the car back, and give Coopers credit they did good a job and sorted the issues.

I've had a software update which they hope will sort the electrical issues. Strangely the steering, engine, and gearbox seem better. Not sure if it's my imagination!?

I can't believe BMW UK inflict this nonsense on their dealers and customers and then expect a satisfied customer.

Glad to hear that it's all been resolved, but I quite agree that you shouldn't have to go to such lengths and I think your dealer initially behaved unreasonably; if I were in your place, I would write to BMW UK. It's clear from frequent posts on the forum that there are good and bad dealers; any feedback, good and bad, might improve performance where required.
I've had one or two warranty issues with my 535d, which have been rapidly and efficiently rectified and after each occasion BMW have telephoned to assess my level of satisfaction. They should soon be calling you.
As to you sensing a general improvement since the update - it's quite likely not your imagination - all these aspects are software controlled and I've also experienced similar improvements.

[Shake n Bake]

Originally Posted by f11bmw520d

1) Slight smell of burning oil/diesel when engine is warm
2) Spurious electrical problems, flat battery warning after long drive previous day, flat tyre warning, ABS failure, buzzing interference noise rear speakers, indicators not working etc.
3) Problem boot fabric cover making noise over bumps.

My F11 is now 11 months and c.23,000 miles old. I have none of those things. No way in hell you should have to pay to have them looked at.

I guess if one of the problems was down to you (e.g. you'd damaged the fabric cover mechanism by throwing it on the ground) they'd have a case but otherwise....

[Shake n Bake]

Originally Posted by f11bmw520d

Cooper.

In fairness they're just following BMW's stupid rules.

No, they are using a 3rd party as their excuse for giving you suboptimal service.