My First Experience at Westchester BMW...

[chilliwilli]

So I dropped off the 03' X5 for service in Westchester last week as I'm approaching 44,000 miles. The SES light came on and just I figured it was a sensor, in my case all four oxygen sensors...the following is what came up for service or replacement after diagnosis:

-Axel Boot
-Arm Bushing
-Oxygen sensors (4)
-Oil Pan
-Starter
-Wheel alignment
-Rear left light replacement
-Hood switch

I chose to have a couple extra things done like a new shade clip (lost one on hwy when I opened rear window by accident), wiper blades and engine wash with checkup for leaks. Big thanks to MotorDavid ( ) for advising on extended warranty. I chose to go with Warranty Direct, they gave the dealer no pushback. So far I'm impressed with Westchester's service after being FED UP with Life Quality in Brooklyn and BMW of Manhattan.

I'll take pics and upload when I pick her up this week.

[withidl]

Oxygen sensor failure is cumulative mile related, usually at least 80,000 before replacement is required, therefore it would seem the dealer did work that was not necessary.

Also, an oil pan can fail in only two ways I can imagine: 1) the gasket could leak or 2) a road hazard could penetrate it, both of which you would be aware of due to leaking oil. Your note doesn't indicate you were aware of a leak so I'm wondering about dealer integrity on this item.

Additionally, I would think you would be aware of any starter problems which you don't mention so I'm also wondering about the necessity to replace/repair it.

Just my paranoia as I don't trust any dealer.

[Wagner]

Glad things are working through.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by withidl

Oxygen sensor failure is cumulative mile related, usually at least 80,000 before replacement is required, therefore it would seem the dealer did work that was not necessary.

Also, an oil pan can fail in only two ways I can imagine: 1) the gasket could leak or 2) a road hazard could penetrate it, both of which you would be aware of due to leaking oil. Your note doesn't indicate you were aware of a leak so I'm wondering about dealer integrity on this item.

Additionally, I would think you would be aware of any starter problems which you don't mention so I'm also wondering about the necessity to replace/repair it.

Just my paranoia as I don't trust any dealer.

You're right an oil pan can't be defective unless there's a hole in it caused by a road hazard in which case it wouldn't be a warraty claim. I'm sure it's the oil pan gasket and he posted the whole unit.

The dealer is definitely doing in uneccessary work in that I'm sure all 4 O2 sensors haven't failed.

And Chilliwilli.. expect to pay the bill for the rear light replacement and alignment as those aren't covered.

[chilliwilli]

The oil pan and plug received some damage from installing an underride guard.

Concerning the starter, I made a post some time ago about a strange grinding sound just about every other time I started the engine. Turns out the starter was going bad. I had the same concerns at first but disregarded it when just about everyone I spoke to praised the decision to take the X to Westchester. Their service really is impressive. What can else can I expect from purchasing a high maintenance vehicle? Surely I've learned from marrying a high maintenance woman!

Vinuneuro...I do expect to cover the rear light and alignment since it's not covered in my extended warranty contract. Over all I must say that the service department keeps me updated with the progress...the simple things like communication makes a lasting impression. I really can't say the same for other stealers in the NYC area who surprise you everytime you show up to pick up your vehicle...not to mention how many times they never fixed the "real" problem but charged me anyway including when I had to return it to get the "real" problem repaired.

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

Surely I've learned from marrying a high maintenance woman!

Too bad there is no extended warranty for that


Glad to hear that you had a good experience at the dealership, most posts are on the negative side. That one trip must have paid for the warranty direct coverage.
Kudos to Motordavid for the recommendation

[motordavid]

Ah, Thanks Chill, et al...but not necessary.
Just drum thumping for the reasonable idea
and consideration of an ext warr. on these beasts.
Glad you got your stuff fixed.

I have not had to use my WD deal, but I feel some
things "coming on" that need to be diagnosed
and addressed. Unfortunately, there is only one Stlr
within an hour of me; an add'l one is 1 1/2 hrs+
away, and I don't like/trust either one.

As for Ext Warr on a "high maint woman":
it's called patience, "Yes, Dear", and the
higher maintenance ones are really worth it, imo. ;>)
BR,mD

PS: MyCEO will beat me if she reads this...after 25 yrs
she remains the lowest maint and easiest going woman
I've ever known.

[2002Silver4.6is]

I would consider doing the rear left light replacement yourself. It is quite easy to do and you can pick up a an un-used light on ebay for under $70. The dealer will charge you $220 - $250 to replace the light. You could take the lovely lady out for a bit of dinner with the extra 180 bucks!!!!!

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

So far I'm impressed with Westchester's service after being FED UP with Life Quality in Brooklyn and BMW of Manhattan.

Chilli - you drive from Brooklyn to Westchester for service - ouch! Do they give you a loaner? Glad you're happy with their service but have you tried Open Road in Edison NJ. It's got be better than driving to Westchester.

[Foose]

How bad is Life Quality in brooklyn? I'm going there for my first oil change/inspection next month.