BMW

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BMW • Airbags • "Certified, pre-owned" BMWs • Cooling fan failure • Flaming seats • Flooded trunk • Paint problems • Steering failure • Transmission problems • Warranties • BMW Financial Services • Miscellaneous problems • 740 Series • 740 cell phones --- News • California Class Action Says BMW Software Causes Engine Problems • BMW Owners Suffer Reversal of Fortune • BMW Plans Price Hike • Transmission Failures Plague BMW Owners • New BMW to Burn Hydrogen and Gasoline • Gay Automotive Website Takes on BMW

Big Money Wasted? We think that's going a little far. The BMW is a great car -- if you like high-strung racing cars in street garb. Unfortunately, lots of everyday consumers buy these things thinking that because they're expensive, they must be reliable and trouble-free, which is about as far from the truth as Stuttgart is from Santa Monica.

All cars require maintenance and high-performance cars require lots and lots of very expensive routine maintenance. Also they're notorious for being afflicted with all kinds of exotic problems. If you're really into cars, understand them and are willing to lavish time, money and attention on one, the BMW may be for you. If you're looking to raise your self-esteem by buying something really expensive, we recommend real estate.

A few of the more recent complaints ...

Armand of Pasadena, TX February 2, 2010

My name is Armand and I drive 2004 BMW X5 with 89,000 miles. I was driving down I-10 East (going about 65 mph) in Houston on the inside lane when all of a sudden I heard a big boom and saw white powder which at the time I believed was a cracked driver's side window. After a few seconds I realized that my window was not broken and I was under the impression that I must of hit the medean which caused the airbags to deploy. My cars accelorator would not work and the steering got a little stiff.

Shortly after BMW road side assistance come on over the cars speakers and asked me what had happened, I told them that I had hit the medean and I did not need them to send the police or a wrecker. After inspecting the car I saw nothing wrong with it at all, no scratches, no dents nothing at all. Seeing nothing wrong with my car convienced me that I had not hit the medean and that the deployed airbags was not my fault.

This brought up my second question. About 3 months earlier i was in an accident which cause over 10,000 dollars of damage to the front end. The airbags did not deploy in that accident even though I hit the car in front of me at nearly 25 mph. I am wondering if the airbags deployed as a result of the accident 3 months earlier. I read about the recall but from what I found my car does not fall in the catagoriy of cars being recalled.

I also read that BMW does not want to cover the cost (about 5,000) to repair the airbags. I was interested in seeing if anyone has filed any lawsuits and what the outcome was. I will be taking my car to BMW tomorrow to see what they tell me. I hope that they will fix it but if they don not i want to be prepared to take the actions needed to fix my car.

This could have been a very serious accident. I-10 is a very busy highway and not only could I have seriously been injured or killed but so could another driver. Any help, advice on similar experience would be greatly appreciated.

Tammy of Richlands, NC January 27, 2010

I purchase a 2005 BMW 745li in May of 2008, and at the time the vehicle had 45,700 miles on it. It was my dream car and has turned in to an absolute nightmare from day one. The vehicle has been in the repair shop approx 10 times with the following problems: air compressor, which was replaced, door handles replaced due to draw on battery, batter replaced, which should have not been replaced due to the comfort door handles, fuses blow all the time, motor in front passenger window replaced twice, motor knocking, stills knocks, transmission failure, tensior belts replaced,

vehicle towed three times to bmw when the vehicle just shuts down and does not run, air bag defaults, all types of warning lights indicating vehicle is not safe to drive, front driver door sometimes will not close, and list goes on and on.

I have contacted BMW north america and they are the worst to deal with. They rarely return your calls and when you do get them on the phone, they promise to call you back and never do. I requested that they buy the vehicle back, but have refused and told me, I guess I should have complained alot earlier and maybe they could have done something. NOw I have a car, that is unsafe to drive and sits in my driveway most of the time.

lost time from work, hundreds of dollars spent on a battery and warranty fees that they charge everytime you bring it in, gas to drive over 60 miles to take the vehicle in and that is one way and vehicle payments on a car that i can not drive due to safety issues. Need some assistance from someone. I am at a loss.

Essam of Cairo , Egypt January 27, 2010

I brought my 7 Series BMW last year, exactly on Jan. 2009, and I didn't imagine that i will suffer with it that much, my main problem is in the tires, I changed two tires on April 09, and another 2 on July 09 & one tire on Nov. 09 and TODAY I got another one which means that almost each a couple of months i face a problem in one of my tires. I tried to talk with the responsible guy in the authorized maintenance center here in Egypt, and he told me that the thickness of these tiers are not suitable to be used over our Egyptian Roads!

I got astonished and really wonder: if this car is not good to be used in Egypt so why you are selling it here? This is unprofessional & totally not ethically. I really do appreciate if you take care of my complaint and give me the suitable reply. My request now that i don't want to pay more on tires & for the last one which I got today I want it to be paid by your side as a compensation for my suffering. Total expenses on tyers only is : EGP 23,149.50

Chad of Los Angeles, CA January 20, 2010

About three months ago, I had my 2002 BMW 330ci serviced at Beverly Hills BMW. During that 700+ service, they performed an inspection that was supposed to cover every major part of the vehicle, including the transmission. Yesterday, I had a complete transmission failure. When I asked BMW why they didn't notice anything wrong with the transmission during their 700+ inspection, I was told they can't predict when parts are going to fail. Which begs the question -- why did I pay 700+ for an inspection that can tell when something is about to go wrong?

My car only has about 81000 miles on it. I have serviced it on a regular basis and have always taken the best possible care of it . I'm now left with a car that needs a new transmission. The dealership will happily put one in for 5800. Or I can probably have someone rebuild it -- but it will still cost me big bucks. From my research - this is not an uncommon thing happening with the BMW 3 series. Why isn't BMW being held accountable? I did everything right. I always serviced my car at the dealership and used their parts.

don of simi valley, CA January 19, 2010

I own a 2007 BMW 328i. This morning i rolled my windows down to wipe the the water off from the rain. I went to roll up my rear windows and noticed my right rear window wasn't going up. i immediately take it to the dealership. i asked the service rep if i had to pay. He said yes, because my 50,000 mile warranty was up. He went on explaining that it could be the regulator. I can understand if it were my shocks, a valve or a pump. I wouldn't be mad or bummed about paying for a "wear and tear" part. What i can't understand is why I have to pay for a part that i barely use. This part has nothing to do with the performance of the car.

The service rep quoted me 806 for a the motor and the lift. It's ridiculous. I've heard many complaints about BMW's high prices for maintenance and service, but I ignored that. It's the "price" you have to pay for owning / leasing a premium brand. Never again will go German. It's not fair that consumers have to pay for parts that aren't used everyday.

jeffery of allentown , PA January 5, 2010

BMW 3 series transmission failure like so many others reported on this site. Not many miles faulty design causes reverse to not work. Reported by many others good case for class action. HAve to have transmission replaced or rebuiilt. Dealer is 5000.00 plus private transmision shop 3000.00 plus

Susanna of Austin, TX December 25, 2009

Transmission problem with no reverse.

Levon of Northridge, CA December 19, 2009

Few weeks ago I picked up 528I for a family member.. Upon delivery and few days later, the dealer started to call and ask to bring the car back for "major" service and oil change. I checked online diagnostics and it showed that the card requires an oil change.

Dealer told me to add 1/2 quart of oil and it should go away and it did not.

Took the car to a totally different dealer and they stated that by resetting the computer, everything should be fine. The same evening they called and stated that there is a major problem with this car - apparently bunch of wires in the engine compartment were damaged by rodents and that I have to pay them 1,800 to get all the wires changed. I did not allow it to take place and took the vehicle back

The original dealer took the possession and has been holding on to it for over 2 weeks now. I had BMW North American involved, but they are not saying anything as of yet. Kevin, who presented himself as the manager of customer service for BMW North America, is not being helpful nor is willing to get higher management involved.

According to the service manager, they have to change the wires, but they can not guarantee that everything else is ok.. nor willing to do much of anything else.

When I purchased this car, it had only 35 miles and at the moment it has less than 500 miles. I did tell BMW North America to replace this car and give me brand new car as was intended and thus far, they are mute and are unwilling to talk.

Has anyone had this type of problem with their new cars and if so, what do you recommend?

Jen of Peabody, MA November 28, 2009

I have a 1995 BMW 325i I bought used. The one key I had was lost and upon going to the dealership and providing proof of ownership I asked to have a key made. I was told they could not make a key for my car. I was told in the vehicle's lifetime there's a max amount of replacement keys and my vehicle had already been issued all the keys to previous owners. I am locked out of my car and AAA can not slim jim the doors due to the anti-theft lock mechanism.

I was told I would have to tow my car to BMW and I would have to pay for towing plus about 1000. to have the entire lock system, ignition, computer module and alarm module replaced. I was told that used parts were not an option and also that self service parts were not able to be ordered. They would do the work but won't sell me the parts.

I have contacted local locksmiths and all have told me they do not have the ability to access BMW's security systems to code a key for me. I asked BMW how I could get into my car other than smashing a window, and they told me there is no other way to gain entry to the vehicle without a key.

I then asked if I towed the vehicle to them how would they gain entry and my question was ignored. I am convinced that IF I did tow my vehicle to BMW and had the work done, all I would end up with is the 91.00 replacement key I initially wanted but for the price of 1000+. Please help. I did have to smash out my window to enter my vehicle to obtain my belongings. Replacement cost estimated at 242. My vehicle had to be towed home for 140. I now have a vehicle worth about 4000. that is basically scrap unless I spend 1000+.

BRIAN of MUTTONTOWN, NY November 24, 2009

I own a BMW X5. This car has had it mirrors worked on numberous times and replaced multiple times. This a defective part common with all X5's. Due to the age of the car and it being repaired by them numerous times they no longer are interested in replacing it. Their head mechanic acknowledges it is defective but they have not recalled in yet. In addition there is a fire hazard with the drivers side heated seats. Again acknowledged but not recalled.

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