"A big part of my problems with BMW are with the dealership itself"

The dealers around here are F'ed up too, but you just have to be persistent. If the SA isn't helpful, ask for the manager, call BMWNA, just don't give up. It's all economics, the dealer would rather be doing $120 oil changes or selling expensive new rims than doing warranty work on your car. I took mine back 3 times to fix a leaking windshield washer tank. In the end they replaced half a dozen parts - but it was fixed. Same with the steering wheel issue - 3 visits, but in the end it was also fixed.

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E70 X5 3.0si Space Grey

E36 Z3 2.5i Roadster, Sterling Gray Metallic