X5 Fish tank !!!

justintmn · #1 11-09-2006, 04:20 PM

A quick recap: about 4 weeks ago, I have my X5 serviced by Chapman BMW. They left the sunroof opened, then there was a storm the previous night and I got water intrusion. There was so much water that when I picked up the car the next morning, the water got squeezed out if I put pressure on the carpet. The service manager said he would do a detail package and it would fix the problem.

Now, my NAV/stereo is not working. The head unit has no power at all and I can still see water line in the NAV screen. My emergency light drained the battery about two weeks ago when it turned on by itself in the parking lot. The signal lights are not working. I have the air bag, seat belt warning sign on. The main swicth to operate all the windows is not working. I have to lock driver's door manually since it won't respond to the remote.

So I discussed the matter with Chapman BMW and they told me to bring the car in. They suggest me to replace:

1. NAV computer (which they believe it's the cause of the NAV failure), cost $1700 + tax.
2. Door lock actuator, cost $350 + tax.
3. Stereo, cost $850 (they say it's possibly the wiring at the DSP amp and amp that cause problem)
4. After all these, they will diagnose more and let me know what else need to be done.

They did not mention anything about the rest of the problems. I asked them to test out the headunit first because frankly I think that what caused the NAV and stereo failure. It's clearly that the water got in the head unit. Unfortunately, the dealer does not want to do that and steer me toward the more costly approach, which claims it's not their fault.
So do you think what I should do? I am thinking of talking to the owner of the dealer and notify North America of BMW because I don't think I can negotiate with the service manager.

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ifly · #2 11-09-2006, 04:24 PM

Sounds like a lawyer problem to me if they refuse to discuss this. Do you have proof the sunroof was left open?? A service write up for the carpets or anything else detailing the cause of the water damage?? Water does take some time to cause a chemical reaction and electrical failure so I would say the dealers at fault. Maybe a new car in your future!

SuaveX5 · #3 11-09-2006, 04:30 PM

sorry to hear that you still having problems with this, but i think you should have them paid for all the repairs, I think you should talk to the owner of the dealer and notify North America of BMW and maybe talk to your ins company + a lawyer.... good luck and let us know what happens .

blondboinsd · #4 11-09-2006, 05:01 PM

yeah sue em or at least threaten to!

X5Dawg · #5 11-09-2006, 05:08 PM

Did I misread your statement - they do not think it is their fault???

How the heck can the justify that claim??

Work with the dealer first, then BMW-NA, then lawyer.

supersteve · #6 11-09-2006, 05:22 PM

I would have to agree with X5Dawg.

Take the steps to cover all the bases. If the time comes that you have to get the lawyers involved it will start costing you money. Also, if it gets to that point you will be able to prove that your a reasonable person and you tried everything you could; but, your still not satisfied. You may even being to get your legal fees and your time and trouble paid for.

justintmn · #7 11-09-2006, 09:19 PM

I just got a reply from the service manager that there is nothing the dealer can do since there is "extensive modification to the headlights", which I only added the angle eyes from JLevi and clear the yellow part, that cause all the electrical problems. I suggested the dealer to switch out the headunit but the service manager refused to do so. What I don't understand is there is obvious damage to the NAV display/ head unit but the service manager kept saying it's something else.

This matter has been going on for the past four weeks and I think my requests are reasonable enough, which are to restore the NAV/stereo functions and give me assurance that the smell won't come back after 6 months. Looks like I should call the owner tomorrow and talk to the BMW North of America in the morning.

Zulu95 · #8 11-09-2006, 09:33 PM

Buy standard headlights on eBay and swap them out. Then take it back with a lawyer in tow! Make sure he has his pocket recorder out and visible. Don't forget to introduce him to all concerned.

bimmerFanatic · #9 11-09-2006, 09:58 PM

Does your workplace have a legal plan? Like Arag or Hyatt legal Plan? Might save you some mulah if you do.

RGX5 · #10 11-09-2006, 10:04 PM

Take photos w/date stamps on them of the water in the display if you can. I had a Jeep where the carpet got really wet...never got rid of the smell. Wait till you get a bunch of hot days. It'll smeel to high hell from mold. You'll hate yourself if you don't pursue this vigorously..your X will never be the same. Best of luck to you...your dealer is scum and you should seek out a new one after you resolve this. Also, you may want to nicely and calmly ask for and try to get a meeting w/the dealer owner, general manager.

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