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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 409 of 536

#4078 of 5349 Re: Oil separator issue [roadburner] by JunkOwner

Jan 07, 2009 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 29, 2008 10:17 pm)
Extremely sorry to hear of the problems; I recently bought a 2008 BMW 335i. Here's a list in 5 months:
 
1)Bad fuel pump (will cost $2000.00 when out of warranty. Scares me for the 335i, 535i and the 2009 Z4
2) Two window leaks and faulty operation
3) Transmission issues
4) Software issues out the ying-yang. It's been months and they have not fixed it yet. It induces turbo lag; BMW does not care about it because they only look at the future of new cars and not the current customers.
5) BMWNA does not support in any fashion whatsoever.
6) Cars are always in the shop and it's extremely crowded.
7) 8 times in the shop since Sep 2008
8) Missed time at work due to all the issues
 
Now that I have learned my lesson, I would never buy one of these reduced reliability cars; they are extremely poor quality. I do not believe you will make any headway with BMWNA, but I do recommend selling your car when it is feasible. I guarantee you I will do the same. These are just a few problems I noted; there is more....just makes me miss my trusty G35 as I think about it. Good Luck.

#4079 of 5349 Re: Oil separator issue [JunkOwner] by roadburner

Jan 07, 2009 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: JunkOwner (Jan 07, 2009 7:54 pm)
I'd take the above post with about a ten pound grain of salt. Google "stealth marketing" and you'll see what I mean.

#4080 of 5349 Re: Oil separator issue [roadburner] by jetzzs

Jan 08, 2009 (8:10 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Jan 07, 2009 8:58 pm)
I think taking it with a grain of salt is a good idea too!

#4081 of 5349 Not Pleased at all by montrealer1

Jan 08, 2009 (8:18 pm)

I have a 2001 325i (130K miles). Oil Separator failed and it's going to cost me $1900. Yes, it was cold outside when it occurred. Apparently, the problem arises more often in cold climate areas.
 
BMWNA have gotten back to me and told me that there is nothing they can do for me. It's out of warranty. No goodwill, no sharing of costs,"sorry you're on your own".
 
I have been researching oil separator and BMW on the internet and apparently this seems to be a very popular reocurring problem.
 
Any sugggestions on what my next step should be? I feel that with all of the news around this issue, and what seems to be poorly manufactured/designed part, that something should be done to have BMW take on some responsibility.
 
Looking for help.
 
Thanks

#4082 of 5349 Re: Not Pleased at all [montrealer1] by roadburner

Jan 08, 2009 (9:30 pm)

Replying to: montrealer1 (Jan 08, 2009 8:18 pm)
Is that the dealer price? Try a good independent BMW tech.

#4083 of 5349 Re: Not Pleased at all [montrealer1] by jetzzs

Jan 09, 2009 (6:48 am)

Replying to: montrealer1 (Jan 08, 2009 8:18 pm)
We had the exact same issue with our 2001 330i (100,000 and out of warranty). Our estimate was $1600 (we live in Omaha, Nebraska).
 
I called BMWNA and told them this was a common problem that may be the result of an engineering flaw. The rep said, "these things usually stop here", meaning they would not help me. The next day he called back and said they would look into it and I was very surprised. They covered $1100. (see message 4068, in this message I was the mistaken about how much they covered, it was $1100 and not $900).
 
We have had several major repairs done with the dealer and all other repairs but oil changes (that was a bad idea=new oil pan twice, but that is another story). We also bought the car as certified used at the dealer. I am not sure if this had anything to do with the outcome.
 
I hope this is of some help and best of luck.

#4084 of 5349 Re: Update: oil separator issue [jetzzs] by jonsdad

Jan 09, 2009 (7:41 am)

Replying to: jetzzs (Dec 30, 2008 8:59 am)
I think the key for you is they treated you well is that you gave BMW (and its dealership) business other than the sale.
 
I am not saying you should always use dealership, but when you do and something outside of warranty occurs. Dealership and Manufacturer tend to take care of you.

#4085 of 5349 Re: Not Pleased at all [montrealer1] by qbrozen

Jan 09, 2009 (8:59 am)

Replying to: montrealer1 (Jan 08, 2009 8:18 pm)
not sure why someone should be so disappointed that they have a major repair on a vehicle with 130K miles. Hell, my '93 mazda developed a cracked head at 118k miles, yet I never complained once about it nor has it soured me on mazdas in the least. I put $4k into repairing my volvo before it reached 115k miles (and that was just parts, as I did the work myself), yet I still love volvos and would buy another one in a heartbeat.
 
ya know, there are engines and transmissions out there that don't last 130k miles. Everything fails eventually. Doesn't mean they are poorly manufactured/designed (ok, maybe some), and it certainly doesn't mean the manufacturer should be held liable.

#4086 of 5349 Re: Not Pleased at all [qbrozen] by srs_49

Jan 09, 2009 (10:34 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 09, 2009 8:59 am)
I disagree that a cracked head at 118k miles is within what would be considered a "normal" repair. A cracked or leaking head gasket - yes, but not a head.
 
I had an 82 Mazda '626 that needed a new head gasket every 55,000 miles or so. After letting the stealer do the first one, I did the second myself (actually let my two sons have at it). Yes, that experienced soured me on Mazdas.
 
My '87 BMW with 188,000 miles is still on the original clutch and no tranny work. I'll have to check my records (it was bought used with 125,000 miles on it), but I don't think the head has ever been touched. Heck, even my Dodge Caravan went for 174,000 miles without having any major engine problems. That's what I consider the norm for today's engines, not cracked heads at 118,000 miles.

#4087 of 5349 Re: Not Pleased at all [srs_49] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 09, 2009 (10:40 am)

Replying to: srs_49 (Jan 09, 2009 10:34 am)
Actually 80s BMWs were known for cracked heads in the 3 series, so consider yourself fortunate (unless someone put one on before you bought it).
 
130K is a lot of miles and may well be beyond any "goodwill" gestures from BMW. I mean, think of all the other parts that might normally fail at 130K on any car in the world. When do we stop our expectations as an owner? 150K? 200K?
 
If you were a good customer at one dealership, and if that dealership is a favored one by BMW, and if the dealer has discretionary monies given it by BMW for these goodwill things, well fine.
 
But if you are in a situation of having a high mileage car and no particular relationship with a dealer, I don't see where you can expect very much.

Messages Page 409 of 536

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