My Experience (archive)

Have you made formal complaints to the dealership manager and BMWNA? I had a new '97 528i that was like your car--constant visits to the shop, all warranty related. It got to the point that it was never ending as something else would go wrong while I was awaiting parts for the last problem. After two calls to BMWNA, the dealer offered to give me a brand new car, which they had to order. It took three months for the car to arrive, and all I did was swap keys. At that point, the "lemon" was 14 months old. I should add this WAS NOT done via the Lemon Law, as none of my problems met the criteria in Washington. Got a car with 25 miles on it for a car with 14,000 miles, and the new car even had a few more options.

Good luck--not sure your dealer will be this friendly. One thing that did bother me was they immediately put my "lemon" back on the used car lot, and I know it still had several problems (the keyless entry was screwed up, for one). Luckily, the '99 740iL I got in trade a year later has been virtually trouble-free.

I think it's time to call it quits with this car. I've owned it since new in October 1998, and it has (seriously!) been back at the dealer at least once per month ever since - all for various warranty related problems.

My patience with it has never been rewarded with a problem free period of more than a few weeks. They ranged from minor mechanical to major electric problems - the latest being that the car spluttered to a stop on the freeway (for a second time!) after an overtaking maneuver.

I am AMAZED that this *supposed* luxury/sports car has had so many problems with very basic functions. Maybe I got the one bad one they made that year? I dunno, but I sure will NEVER recommend one to anyone after our ordeals.
[I'm no BMW basher, as I own a 540i 6sp - and that one has been the complete opposite in terms of reliability and driving fun, so I'll happily recommend a 5er to anyone].

So, has anyone had any luck with legal action against a major manufacturer like this? YES it's got to that point for me. I feel that the car has not lived up to the purpose for which it was sold, and has risked my wife's life on two occasions now due to electrical faults/problems - why the heck did we pay $70K+ for a sports car that cannot even get me out of "trouble" when it's called upon to do so?

Anyone got any other suggestions on what to do - rather than trying to exact revenge on "BMW"?

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