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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

5349 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 311 of 536

#3094 of 5349 Re: leather flaking / steering wheel locking [snsn] by mockba71

Nov 16, 2006 (10:59 am)

Replying to: snsn (Nov 04, 2006 5:03 pm)
Hi there,
 
Did you get your steering wheel column fixed? I had been having trouble similar to you and then a week ago today I started the car and the same steering wheel indicator with a padlock came on and the iDrive (I have a 325xi with iDrive, GPS/Navigation, etc.) gave me a message that I should not stop my engine because it would not restart. I was instructed to find a safe location before pressing the stop button. I took it to the BMW dealer straight away.
 
Unfortunately, Rick Hendrick BMW is the only BMW franchise in Charleston, SC, so I was stuck with their bungling management and staff to correct the problem. It's been one week today and the car still sits. They did finally offer a loaner car last night, when I called late in the afternoon to see when my car would be ready (it was promised to me on Tuesday originally, but the Service Advisor called me late Monday to say it would be Wednesday instead). The reason the car still sits is because the part is backordered and won't be here in Charleston until after November 20, so it's likely I won't have my car back until after the Thanksgiving holiday. The only reason they offered the loaner last night was because I complained to anyone who would listen.
 
I've lost all confidence in the Hendrick Automotive Group and now, sadly, in BMW too. I've already placed an ad to sell my car when it's fixed. I've owned it less than one year, it has less than 15,000 miles on it and this is a pretty serious defect as far as I'm concerned. But more than that, I've had three horrendously horrible service experiences with the local BMW franchise and if this is what I'm to expect for the life of the car, NO THANKS! I get better service from Sentry GMC - across the street from the BMW dealer - when I take my 1998 Suburban in for an oil change, and I didn't even buy it from them!
 
The one unanswered question I have now, though, is whether this steering wheel lock problem is systemic and if it is, why hasn't it been reported? As I mentioned above, I view this as a pretty serious defect - can you imagine driving along and all of a sudden your steering wheel locks and you run into something because you're unable to turn?
 
JD

#3095 of 5349 Re: leather flaking / steering wheel locking [mockba71] by snsn

Nov 16, 2006 (9:46 pm)

Replying to: mockba71 (Nov 16, 2006 10:59 am)
I pick my car up tomorrow. I will let you know if the issues are fixed. I actually had to call (again) to see when my car would be ready.
 
I, too, have no faith in BMW. The last two service visits have been horrible. My husband talked me into getting a BMW; and, even he is not that impressed! We have already started looking for another car to replace this one.

#3096 of 5349 Re: leather flaking / steering wheel locking [snsn] by snsn

Nov 18, 2006 (7:56 am)

Replying to: snsn (Nov 16, 2006 9:46 pm)
I picked up my car yesterday. Needless to say, they will not do anything regarding the leather. They state that it is normal wear and tear. The service manager suggested that I use the BMW leather cleaner/conditioner. He stated that saddle soap is not the best conditioner to use. Saddle soap is what the sales person specified only to use. As to the steering wheel locking, he mentioned that there was a bulletin out on this issue. He has already replaced several steering columns on the new BMW. They did not find any issue with the shifting. I test drove my car and another new 3 series and there was only a slight difference. When they hooked my car back up to the computer, they probably made some adjustments. The shifting on my car is not as noticeable now compared to before.
 
We will be out car shopping today!

#3097 of 5349 Re: 2003 330i Check Engine Light, Rough Running Engine [etomori] by etomori

Nov 21, 2006 (1:47 am)

Replying to: etomori (Oct 30, 2006 11:23 pm)
Problem did not go away and was confirmed at dealer on Nov. 2. This time with BMW's PUMA program, the coil packs were switched from each bank, and, the fuel injectors were also switched. Problem was isolated to no. 5 cylinder. Upon teardown, a cam follower gouged its bore. The camshafts, cam followers and the support housing were replaced. Problem still there. PUMA now directs measuring the piston travel for each cylinder, fuel pump pressure, as well as oil pump pressure. Some indication of a replacement engine if problem cannot be resolved. Going to dealer for a loaner car. Good thing vehicle is under BMW's inclusive warranty and is serviced by a great dealer. Stay tuned for further news!

#3098 of 5349 Yet Another Problem... by div2

Nov 21, 2006 (7:12 am)

Well, after just 11 years and 106,000 miles the brake lamp switch on my 1995 Club Sport failed- can you believe it??? As is usual with BMWs, the repair was breathtakingly expensive; the new switch cost almost $18!!! To add insult to injury, it took me nearly 30 minutes to replace it!!!
What a piece of junk.
I'm going car shopping today.

#3099 of 5349 Re: Yet Another Problem... [div2] by kominsky

Nov 21, 2006 (12:08 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Nov 21, 2006 7:12 am)
Div, I've heard of BMW-NA giving help to people under extreme circumstances. If they are not willing to make things right, maybe pursuing a lemon-law claim will be your only option...

#3100 of 5349 Re: Yet Another Problem... [kominsky] by div2

Nov 21, 2006 (4:54 pm)

Replying to: kominsky (Nov 21, 2006 12:08 pm)
If they are not willing to make things right, maybe pursuing a lemon-law claim will be your only option...
 
They'd better, or I'm going to buy a RELIABLE, hot-blooded, and race-bred machine- such as a V6 Camry!

#3101 of 5349 Re: Yet Another Problem... [div2] by bdkinnh

Nov 22, 2006 (7:14 am)

Replying to: div2 (Nov 21, 2006 7:12 am)
>the brake lamp switch on my 1995 Club Sport failed
 
My brother-in-law's father's horse trainer had the same problem. Time for a class action law suit!

#3102 of 5349 Re: Yet Another Problem... [bdkinnh] by dhanley

Nov 22, 2006 (8:09 am)

Replying to: bdkinnh (Nov 22, 2006 7:14 am)
I can't believe these criminals who work at BMW. They probably were hoping you get rear-ended by a semi so you can't tell others about their shoddy product.
 
Disgusting.

#3103 of 5349 Oops, Had To Happen Sooner or Later by davidd3

Nov 22, 2006 (2:48 pm)

I accidently filled up my Bimmer (2006 330i) with Regular Unleaded, 87 octane rating instead of 91. What have I done? I'll mix it with Super when it gets down to half. Half tank of 87 + half tank of 93 = 90 blend. Getting closer to 91. Or is mixing octanes somehow bad? Any other ideas?
 
My other cars take Regular. I'm at the gas station every day filling up one of 3 family vehicles. I made it 15 months without a mistake.

Messages Page 311 of 536

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