Auto Trans needs replacing

[x5fromOz]

Am putting a case together to put to BMW...will keep you posted

[X5Ghost]

This is unusual BMW needs to bear some responsibility as you did not do anything except drive. I'd try to contact customer service at headquarters and talk with the quality dept. Good luck and let us know what you find.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by x5fromOz

I have since spoken with the dealer and BMW say they will assist to the tune of 50% (AUD$5000). I'm thinking that this is a reasonable deal....My problem though may be that I have only owned this vehicle for less than a year and bought it when it had 70K on it. If I can get the bill down to around AUD$4000 ($US2500), do you guys think this is acceptable???

A split at 50% of retail is reasonable. It is likely being split between the dealer and BMW themselves to some extent. I would take it. Anything better than a 50% contribution would be great, but don't count on it. A tact to try is that you could note that at 50% they are making a profit on 50% of the total cost, so perhaps they would like to reduce your net cost to 50% of the (estimated) actual cost. Another tact is, if you know the parts/labour split, ask if BMW will supply the parts at cost and you cover the dealer's labour. All this depends on what the breakdown of costs is.

As to why it happened, withidl had a very good hypothesis. It is likely consequential damage from the failure of a related component. A failure is not the same as wearing out. The transmission does not appear to be worn out, ie simply from driving too far, it appears to have suffered from excessive heat caused by something else.

While it is fair to say that it shouldn't wear out at that mileage, you do not have a lifetime warranty. BMW is simply agreeing to share the pain with you in the interest of future business. Neither BMW or the dealer have any obligation to pay anything, they are simply investing in improving their perception in the marketplace. That investment should be paid back with you promoting how well they treated you, otherwise it won't be much of an investment for them.

A key question that BMW want to know (and they may or may not ask directly), is if the settlement will satisfy you. Although it sounds very harsh, if it won't satisfy you then they are better off not paying anything. They need to know that you appreciate their contribution.

You also note that you have not owned the vehicle from new, so you really don't know how it was treated before you bought it.

Good luck.

[x5fromOz]

I suppose the biggest issue here is the fact that the transmissions do not require servicing or oil change/inspection for the whole of life...It was only as a result of taking an oil sample from the tranny, did the dealer find the problem. Whilst test driving the vehicle, it would not hunt or demonstrate any problems...it only does it when hot and under mild load at speed 110kmh+. My point...it might be a very scary issue for anybody here who's vehicle has travelled 90000klms+ and they take an oil sample!!! My case may not actually be that isolated...there's a thought...go grab the drain bucket!!
In the mean time I will talk very calmly with BMW and see what we can sort out.

[X5Ghost]

Good luck and keep us posted ...