Rear Axle carrier bushes, part of the suspension?

[zetecor]

Hi,

I have just had Warranty Direct reject my claim for rear axle carrier bushes as 'they are not part of the suspension'

My warranty states clearly 'suspension bushes' and my dealer even described them as rear suspension bushes but they are wriggling out of it.

Was I being too optimistic or am I having the wool pulled over my eyes?

Any thoughts or comments.

[TerminatorX5]

is it an aftermarket warranty company? if it is, than it is typical for them to just refuse ANY claims that you present them with - they will always find something in the legal lingo that will "prevent" them from paying the claim... Tell them that you will retain an attorney and will push for a class action suit (is it practiced in UK?), so the company will pay out through their nose to settle!!!

it is referred to on this diagram as REAR AXLE WITH SUSPENSION

[TerminatorX5]

ask them, since their policy states "suspension bushes", which part exactly do they refer on this suspension diagram? or, have them present their own diagram.

[JCL]

You can't just focus on the part, you have to consider the rest of the policy language. The exact same part may be covered for defects in materials, not covered for consequential damage (ie damage caused by another, non-covered component), and have limited cover for normal wear and tear. Policy descriptions make a big point of listing all the covered components, but it is simply an incomplete view of what you may be covered for, because it doesn't consider failure mode.

I looked at the web site for Warranty Direct in the UK, and they have wear and tear coverage during the manufacturer's warranty period, but on a declining basis after it. So, if that is what your coverage is, I would say that suspension bushes are definitely an item that is subject to wear and tear, and if they are worn out they were not necessarily defective from new. After six years, coverage is down to 50%.

Hope that helps. You should ask them why they are not covered, but listen for and ask questions beyond simply whether these bushes are part of the suspension. Suspension may be defined as moving parts, for example, and not as mounting bushes. It is all about the fine print.

Edit: I found the list of covered items in the UK. There are four policy levels on the Warranty Direct UK web site. The first doesn't cover any suspension. The second covers suspension, but is limited to wheel bearings. The third covers suspension, as follows:

Suspension
Bushes, hydraulic pump & reservoir & regulator valve & pressure spheres, self levelling suspension actuators, shock absorbers, wishbones & control arms & connecting joints, road springs and wheel hubs & bearings.

That mentions bushes. The top coverage includes "practically all components" but doesn't list them. I suspect it would cover suspension components such as bushes, except that for all four levels, components that require periodic replacement due to wear are excluded. In other words, defective parts may be covered, but not if the failure is due to wear. Another issue is that suspension bushes generally refers to moving parts, like the bushings in an A arm or link. The bushes you refer to are mounting the rear axle to a subframe, or the subframe to the vehicle.

Now it goes another level. In the policy language, under components specifically not covered, it lists "all brackets and mountings". That is a nice general clause.

Good luck.

[zetecor]

Thanks for all your thought Guys, It is an aftermarket company. the cover you quote, is the level I have. I guess i'll just push it as far as I can through the 'complaints' and see where it goes.The wording should be able to be understood by a normal person. Even the dealer referred to them as rear suspension bushes. I will let you know of any outcome.
Thanks again.

[TerminatorX5]

your sig says - German built... was E53 ever built in Germany?

[zetecor]

So the trace on the vin tells me.

[TerminatorX5]

interesting... I know, that the US/Canadian models shown "5UX" as the manufacturer identifier... the WBA is the worldwide identifier for BMW...

what is 11th digit of your VIN, if you don't mind telling?

[zetecor]

Hi 11th/12th are LN

Does that mean anything.

BTW collecting x5 from dealers tomorrow, taking to a gearbox specialist to inspect.

[TerminatorX5]

L- the assembly plant is Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA

What is your last 7 digits? I can look up your option codes as it came from the factory...