Sonnen BMW San Rafael & BMW San Francisco, CA

[tuan]

Last year when it came time to replace our ML55 AMG, my wife and I considered all our alternatives. We’ve had 3 different ML models from the ML320 to the ML430, and finally the ML55. We thought about going with another ML, but we decided the platform was dated. We looked at the Cayenne TT, but we decided that 3 Porsches in the garage was a bit excessive. So we decided to go with the BMW X5 4.8is. Now after owning the X5 4.8is with almost 8000 miles on the odometer, here’s my update. Feel free to respond with your own experiences with the X5 flagship. Prior to picking up my new car from Sonnen BMW in San Rafael California, I noticed that there was a fault code in the air suspension that prevented my car from returning to the standard ride height. It was stuck in the lower setting. I also requested that the daytime running lights be turned off when I filled out the car programming request form. To my dismay, Sonnen BMW service forgot to turn off the daytime running lights. So I had to make another appointment to drop off the car on another day to have it done. So after 4 months of driving, as I backed out of my garage, I noticed an oil puddle in my garage floor below my X5. This is about the same time my wife could not open the passenger door because the door actuator failed. So naturally I make an appointment to take the car back to Sonnen BMW. They found and repaired an oil leak in the oil filter housing and replaced the passenger side door actuator. After another week of driving, I notice some noises coming from one of the front speakers. It’s just some annoying white noise and some intermittent clicks. This occurs when both the stereo is either on or off. So I call Sonnen BMW service and leave a message requesting a service appointment. After no replies from Sonnen for 5 days, I threaten to complain to management if they don’t promptly return my call. Of course they call me back at this point. So I bring the car back to Sonnen and describe the speaker problem. They took a look at the car but could not find any problems. So I take the car back and drive it some more. In the meantime, the white noise and clicks return with greater frequency. This time, while the noises were present, I took my X5 to BMW of San Francisco at 7AM last Friday morning. My service advisor was Webster Medley. When I arrived, he immediately looked at my car and heard the noises coming from the speaker while the stereo was in the off position. He called his service technician over to show him the malfunction. So Webster asked me to drop off the car Monday morning at 7AM. How’s that for service! While he has the car, BMW SF identifies and replaces the defective amplifier and identifies another oil leak. This one is in the front differential. I am absolutely astounded that this other leak was never identified at Sonnen BMW. Kudos to the service department at BMW San Francisco. It just shows that not all BMW service is the same.

[zadie]

I'm glad you had a good experience with SF BMW. I am really hesitant to do any business with them after several bad experiences involving my BMW K1100RS motorcycle.

[at4689]

yea and weird how you had so many problems with your X...

[AutoXer]

I don't know Webster, but at BMW SF, there are good service advisors that know what they are doing and can get things done. Then there are really dumb ones that just waste your time. So next time you go in, make sure to request to see Webster again. Glad you got your problems fixed.

[jaaX3]

I've had multiple problems with the parts department and overall courteousness of the sales department at SF BMW. I will never buy a part there, and probably won't get my next BMW there. As far as service, I'm willing to give them a shot when I need to make my first appointment. Thanks for your review.

[JJF]

Sorry about your problems. I am glad, as you, that there are a lot of BMW dealerships out there to choose from. I have a 4.8 also and it's been a pleasure to drive--LOTS of fun. You did not mention whether you like driving the X5. Build quality is much better than MB or Porsche, in my opinion. I am BMW exclusively now.