Replace Computer?

Sterling 4.4 · #1 08-30-2006, 10:00 PM

My 2006 4.4 X has been in the shop now for 13 days. It all started when my left headlight went out. I took it in and they "fixed" it by replacing the controller. This took 4 days. The next day on the way to work, I notice my adaptive headlights aren't turning. I then noticed I don't get the friendly wink of the headlights upon starting up the car. I take it back that day and kindly let them know they didn't fix my problem. After 5 more days, they replaced a faulty wire and it was fixed again. Over the weekend, my check control comes on and says check the lowbeam. Now the right headlight is out. I took it back and it has been there for 3 days.

They say they can't get the program to "take" and they have been in contact with BMW. Today they call and say they have to replace the computer it it should be here in 3-4 days.

Very painful set of events and I get watch my monthly payment fly out the window while I drive a 325 with vinyl seats. Oh yeah, I put three coats of Zaino on it the day before it went in 2+ weeks ago and I am missing out on that too!

Anybody had an issue like this? From talking to the dealer, this is the first time this has ever happened.

fln8tive · #2 08-30-2006, 10:27 PM

Wow. Am at a complete loss. Were it me, I would stridently demand to get the contact information for the regional service manager and insist on what I've heard referred to as an "escalation", which may alert someone higher up on the food chain that they've got an unhappy situation. And if you get any jibber jabber about parts issues, make sure they look in the entire inventory listing, not that which the dealer has scheduled for delivery. Persist, harangue, and smile. G/L

The Cleaner · #3 08-30-2006, 10:40 PM

"From talking to the dealer, this is the first time this has ever happened."

Heard this B4. They know the problem, but it's costly, just keep going back till they want you to go away and they will fix it. Getting parts can take time, thats what I do and the fastest I have seen parts come from Germany is 3 days. “IF” US customs does not decide to do an intensive search on the container, that can add another 2-30 days depending on what is in the shipment.
I know it does not make you feel better, but your vehicle is under one of the best warrantees in the automotive industry, and no one wants you satisfied more than BMW.

Scotty · #4 08-30-2006, 10:52 PM

Sterling,

from your info, this situation is definitely worth of firm but polite escalation. Can I also suggest that 'replace computer, takes 3 - 4 days' isnt a satisfactory response, push them, which computer ? what part exactly are they replacing ? And how does the 'computer' relate to your headlamp issue. And why does it take 3-4 days ?

And as fin8tive says, be sure to smile and be polite. Once they solve the gremlin, be sure to go find the service manager and tell him which service advisor or technician was most helpful....you might just get a 330 with leather seat for a loaner next time :-)

Sterling 4.4 · #5 08-31-2006, 09:51 AM

I will push on them and see what computer is being replaced. I can't see it taking 3-4 days when the thing is made here in the US. I could make a roundtrip to Spartanburg in my 325 faster than that.

Zulu95 · #6 08-31-2006, 10:31 AM

Sounds like a LKM replacement to me. Also sound like they programmed it wrong the first time! Had my '01 LKM replaced, took 5 days! It can take a long time to reprogram all the vehicle modules to accept the new module. My X was on the dealer's computer for over 16 hours. BMW really needs to upgrade the way they install software away from a slower serial bus to a faster bus type.