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 ...

Raul of Tracy CA (04/03/08)
Why does BMW not recall regarding the window regulator problem. There are so many people who has this problem. I wish I can do something.

Wendy of Corona, CA March 25, 2008

Wendy of Corona CA (03/25/08)
I purchased a Certified Pre Owned 2004 BMW in April of 2007. When I purchased the car I was super excited because BMW always sells the fact they pride themselves on service. I also opted for the extended warranty. Since my purchase of the car it's been in the shop for Keys not working, A/C spitting water out when running, alarm activating unexpectidly, tire sensor activating since date of purchase even with new tires, side rocker pannels falling off, sunroof rattle, SRS restraint system malfunction, blue tooth not operating, oil warning sensor going off. and these are just the begining of my probelms. I first had the vehicle serviced at BMW in Bakersfield, of course the service department was unable to duplicate any problems with the vehicle and returned it to me promptly and said bring it back when it's having a problem, which turned out to be the following day. Only to find out I would be without a vehicle for 3 days and NO LOANER because I had to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance for a loaner vehicle. Then I took the vehicle to Savage BMW in Ontario expecting better service. on the first visit I waited 3 after my scheduled appointment time to get my car in for service and when they were taking it in I was told they would not get to the car that day and I would be without a vehicle for 3-4 days. It was not until I started getting upset on the sales room floor that the found a loaner car for me to take while they worked on my car. 3 days later they called and my car was finally being looked at. Upon receiving my car back they damaged the side plastic pannels around the window which took 3 weeks for them to get replaced. now that my vehicle finally went over the original 50,000 miles my extended warranty is supposed to kick in only to find out no one told me the extended warranty does not cover the vehicle like promised and I have to pay 50 deductible per item I'm having a problem with. Now all the items I am having problems with have still not been resolved. I called the dealership where I purchased the car and their exact words what do you want me to do? is all they say. I love the style of the car and how it handles but I will never buy BMW and I will tell everyone I know not to buy BMW due to the lack of service and disreguard for customer satisfaction.

A of Apo Ae, OTHER March 24, 2008

William in Madrid Spain (03/24/08)
I am a US diplomat assigned to Spain. In 2005 I purchased a 2006 BMW 325i by ordering directly through BMW headquarters' Diplomatic Sales Division. The car was delivered from Bavaria to the local BMW dealership in Madrid, BMW Herranz. I took ownership in October 2005. In February 2008 I began to get a sensor light on the dashboard that indicated a problem with the steering wheel. Meanwhile, the car wouldn't start. I had to remove the fob, wait, and start again. I often repeated this procedure numerous times before the car would start. I took it into the Herranz dealership and had them look at it. Since it was time for a general tune up and oil change, I told them to do that too. I expected the steering column error to be fixed gratis. Boy was I in for a surprise. I was told the problem was a sensor that needed to be replaced and the software needed a reset. The total cost to me was about 850 euros or almost 1500. I argued that I bought the car through Diplomatic Sales with US specifications and that the US has a four-year warranty. But I was told rudely that in Spain the warranty expires in two years. In fact, that holds true throught the EU.

I am perplexed. I bought BMW only after a lot of research. I chose it in part because of its reputation. In fact, I shied away from Mercedes precisely because of similar problems that had been reported of late by Mercedes owners and the cavalier treatment that they had received from the company in reply. I note from some online research that this problem with the steering column sensor is not that rare, and I still believe that BMW should cover my costs. But I have been treated with what feels like contempt. I promise I will NEVER EVER buy another BMW, and I will make sure I get the word out to all my friends, family and acquaintances.

Bryan of Sylvania, OTHER March 20, 2008

Bryan of Sylvania, Australia (03/20/08)
I bought a new BMW hard top convertible last May (2007). The car mat on the drivers seat came loose causing it to get caught on the accelerator pedal causing me an accident. BMW Australia have said that they have not had any other complaints. I want to put the word out there to other BMW owners and ask am I the only one? Toyota had this problem with their mats and recalled them.

Patrick of Alden, NY March 19, 2008

Patrick of Alden NY (03/19/08)
2006 325i, rear pinior seal went at 34000 miles. My 1995 camery with 212000 has eld up better then this piece of junk.

Hisham of Sacramento, CA March 18, 2008

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