Car is finally falling apart....I was warned....

[bmwrocks]

I have an appointment on May10 (BMW loaner reserved) at Fields BMW, Winter Park, FL (where I bought the car) to fix the following:

1. Velvety trim around the door is separating from the rubber trim all over the place, both passenger and driver sides. Kinda hangs down and wants to choke ya. They say this is common in FL and TX and they replace the entire part, both sides, including the rubber trim it's attached to that contains the anti-close-on-your-fingers sensors. They admit this will fall off again, but they give a two year warranty even if you are near or out of warranty. I can picture myself pulling it off as I near the end of my warranty even if it isn't falling off on it's own.

2. The clips broke on my sunshade, so if you try to open the sunroof all the way, it makes a nasty cracking sound like more stuff is breaking in there. A small black piece fell down in my lap twice. I remember posts describing this as "common".

3. My right lower passenger side speaker area rattles with low freq notes at a little volume. Has done this since day two. This is third attempt to fix it.

4. My radio reception is mediocre in FM and almost non-existent in AM band. They claim my tint can cause this even though it is non-metallic. I have pre-arranged for them to pay for re-installation if they take it off and the problem persists. I am pretty confident the tint is not causing this. This is second attempt to fix this one.

I got the loaner because I WILL NOT give it back until I am satisfied they have fixed all the issues. I am a bit angry at the low quality in these areas for a $45K car.

Whew. Thanks for the vent pipe......

 

[deutsch100]

So sorry to hear about this. The velvety tubing on the doors seems to be a big problem. If it happens in FL and TX....I am assuming I have something to look forward to in CA also

The rattle/humming, vibration I have also in the same speaker. It happens the most with my Killers CD, and my fav old Oasis one. I think it might be unfixable.

Smart move with the BMW loaner. Last year I did the same thing, and kept the brand new 2004 loaded Z4 they gave me for almost 3 weeks until I was satisfied with the work. It gives you a little leverage and control for them to do it right!!

Good Luck....and def. keep us posted with the ordeal and results.

Venting helps. Breathe now, and have a good Monday!!!

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Yikes, hope it works out. What happens if the $tealer gets venegful and abuses your car or whatnot since you're holding the loaner hostage. Also what if they refuse to let you testdrive your car unless you return the loaner. Then what? They also have a pre-deposit on your credit card.

How exactly does this "loaner hostage" practice work? I need some coaching...

Also is there a mileage limit on the loaner, what happens if you bring it back with 1,000 miles on it?

 

[saph23]

I live in Tampa and I have a 2002 330Ci with 25k and I've had the vinyl by the door replaced 4 separate times. They claim the hot weather causes the glue to not stick, it's some kind of defect. I'm going to be upset when my warranty runs out in November and I have to pay for the vinyl to get fixed several more times through the life of the car. You'd think a quality car wouldn't have such a glaring defect.

There is also some peeling under the arm rests of the each door on the driver and passenger side. I can't wait to hear what they tell me this is from.

 

[bmwrocks]

Yikes, hope it works out. What happens if the $tealer gets venegful and abuses your car or whatnot since you're holding the loaner hostage. Also what if they refuse to let you testdrive your car unless you return the loaner. Then what?

]

They wouldn't dare. They have a reputation to uphold. I wouldn't really call it a hostage situation. They are striving for customer satisfaction. I think they would be happy to show me what they have done until I am completely satisfied. I know this dealership as I have been a customer there since 2000. I made it sound worse than it is. I will be OVERLY NICE to them to get what I want.

Also is there a mileage limit on the loaner, what happens if you bring it back with 1,000 miles on it?

There is no mileage limit on the loaner that I know of.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Think they'll care if I bring back the loaner with say 400 miles?

 

[Kirby]

I live in Tampa and I have a 2002 330Ci with 25k and I've had the vinyl by the door replaced 4 separate times. They claim the hot weather causes the glue to not stick, it's some kind of defect.

4 times?!?!?

If they know what the problem is, why hasn't BMW re-engineered a permanent solution?!?!?!?!?

 

[MyHarley]

There is also some peeling under the arm rests of the each door on the driver and passenger side. I can't wait to hear what they tell me this is from.

This is happening inside my car as well.............as for the mileage, my documents for a BMW loaner state 100 miles a day, when I had a loaner for 4 weeks, that was 3100 miles, so it was close...........but no one says anything......

 

[bmwrocks]

4 times?!?!?

If they know what the problem is, why hasn't BMW re-engineered a permanent solution?!?!?!?!?

This is a VERY valid question/comment. I would think if so many vehicles were having this problem, they would find a different adhesive. I mean this is an engineering joke. BTW the part costs $300, not sure if that is one or both sides, so potentially $600 for both sides every time. You would think it would become cost effective very quickly for them.

In a related BMW re-engineering story: My '01 X5 originally came with a rear hatch latch switch cover that was flimsy. Think of an oval shaped soft rubber grommet (about 3 inches long) that forms a weatherproof cover for the actual switch beneath it. Well if you pressed that grommet near its edges it would tuck up inside and you couldn't use it until you picked at it and seated it back where it was supposed to be. Eventually it would tear or get so caught up in there so badly that you couldn't retrieve it. Well I brought it back for service (during warranty) and complained about it and low and behold they replaced the whole assembly with a new one that was one big rubber piece with the "grommet" area built in without any seams. This was the new design for later models that they retrofitted on the older ones. Way to go BMW.

Sorry for the long story.

 

[aNoodle]

Wow...well count yourself lucky that you're still under warranty! I envy you! I'm beginning to realize that a BMW is just a beast to maintain...ugggggh If one more sensor goes around the engine I'm going to scream! LOL. But I still love her more than anything.

 

[bmwrocks]

Think they'll care if I bring back the loaner with say 400 miles?

If you are one of those that abuses a priveledge, then you can do the explaining afterward if questioned. Be reasonable and you will be treated reasonably.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

If you are one of those that abuses a priveledge, then you can do the explaining afterward if questioned. Be reasonable and you will be treated reasonably.

It was intended to be a joke (hence the devil smiley) but if I did put a ton of mileage on it I would tell a good story and offer to pay the standard $0.20 a mile for all the deemed excessive mileage...

100 miles = $20
500 miles=$100

That's still cheaper than rental prices and it's a BMW, I'd assume if someone did that they'd probably get put on the "No Loaner" list...

Reminds me when I got the tranny swapped with the 325i and they told me 3 days and gave me a POS loaner, yet when I told him I'd be out of town on day 3, he went to the service manager and told me it would be ready the next day or the day after the latest. Seems that they want as LITTLE MILEAGE as possible on the loaner, even a POS loaner like the one they gave me which I had towed back...

 

[KawRider]

I have the lower right door speaker problem too.

They probably need to dynamat it or secure the speaker better.

 

[oneha1980]

ive had so many little problems, coil packs 4 times, regulator, door seal, and so on... i traded my car in for 05 infiniti g35 coupe... i dont think i will keep paying for those stupid shiet once the warranty runs out...

 

[bmwrocks]

Update on service visit.

1. Velvety trim around the door is separating from the rubber trim all over the place, both passenger and driver sides. Kinda hangs down and wants to choke ya. They say this is common in FL and TX and they replace the entire part, both sides, including the rubber trim it's attached to that contains the anti-close-on-your-fingers sensors. They admit this will fall off again, but they give a two year warranty even if you are near or out of warranty. I can picture myself pulling it off as I near the end of my warranty even if it isn't falling off on it's own.

Fixed. Replaced entire seal and trim both sides.

2. The clips broke on my sunshade, so if you try to open the sunroof all the way, it makes a nasty cracking sound like more stuff is breaking in there. A small black piece fell down in my lap twice. I remember posts describing this as "common".

Fixed. Installed new track and clips. Shade isn't lined up properly in the front, it is lower than original, have to force it closed by pushing up at the end of it's travel. May complain about this, but maybe not.

3. My right lower passenger side speaker area rattles with low freq notes at a little volume. Has done this since day two. This is third attempt to fix it.

They worked on it some more and claimed it was fixed, but I can still tap it and here it rattling like something is loose in there. The tech got a little edgy when I decided the fix was unsatisfactory. So out came the Service Manager and the tech together and the SM decided to order a whole new door panel. They claim it is a $1000 part!! Oh well.

4. My radio reception is mediocre in FM and almost non-existent in AM band. They claim my tint can cause this even though it is non-metallic. I have pre-arranged for them to pay for re-installation if they take it off and the problem persists. I am pretty confident the tint is not causing this. This is second attempt to fix this one.

They are blaming the tint. I had the top part cut off today which pretty much contains the antennas. No improvement. I did notice today that any display on my nav screen causes interference in the AM radio. Bad interference. If I set the display to "Monitor Off" the static goes away!!! Can't wait to show this to them. BTW the SM said he will pay for retinting if I can prove it is not the tint. I am well on the way to that I think.

Well I am going out to the garage to do an intermediate oil change right now....7000 miles left on service indicator....

 

[GuyShark]

I did notice today that any display on my nav screen causes interference in the AM radio. Bad interference. If I set the display to "Monitor Off" the static goes away!!! .

I've seen this problem before with other type of LCD's.
The LCD needs to be shielded.

I use a special adhesive backed shielding, but in a pinch, some aluminum foil will work. Can you disassemble the dash enough to wrap a bit around the base of the Navi unit?

Could help.

 

[William330]

I've had problems #1 and 2, and they did the same repairs for my car as yours.

My next issue, is the passenger window sounds like it's going to fall off -- makes
scraping noise when going up/down, and rattles loudly when door is closed.

Will take that in next week for a fix...

My car has only 9,000 miles, and is garaged...

 

[dpnguyen]

I realize you mentioned the Nav Monitor Off solution. However, I must state that pre-tint, my AM was perfect. Post-tint, it's quite shiity. FM has not been disturbed...and I don't have metallic tint either.

Be careful if you call the Service Manager's bluff on the tint. You may end up paying for it.

 

[bmwrocks]

I realize you mentioned the Nav Monitor Off solution. However, I must state that pre-tint, my AM was perfect. Post-tint, it's quite shiity. FM has not been disturbed...and I don't have metallic tint either.

Be careful if you call the Service Manager's bluff on the tint. You may end up paying for it.

I am going to pull all the rear window tint and if all my reception problems disappear, then so be it. I will have cheapo non-metallic tint installed on my nickel. Professionally installed of course. Or I may forego the reception problems and keep the high quality tint.

Remember, any decent quality tint has metal in it to resist heat. It doesn't have to be reflective to have metal. Only the cheapest crappo tint doesn't have metal in it.

I just find it very interesting that the LCD is interfering with my AM radio. As if it is unshielded. I also believe that it is interfering with the FM but not as noticeably. I am hot on this trail and won't give up until either me or the Service Manager is bloodied, or both.

 

[Kirby]

Eric, I was curious about TSB/Recalls (since I also have an '04 330) so I looked at AllData. There are a few TSBs that may be about this. I don't know if or how much any of these apply to your issues, and I assume your dealer has checked this, but you never know....

840104 FEB 04 Campaign - Telematics Control Unit Inspect/Replace
650104 APR 04 Radio - Reception Problems, Antenna Diagnosis
840102 OCT 03 Navigation System - Erratic Performance
650804 OCT 04 Audio System - BM53 Radio Cuts-Off or Inoperative