Seeking advice- 2 potential problems?

[sabot67]

Hello All!

I have a 2008 US Specs X5 with all bells and whistles (except rear seat DVD and auto tailgate). I am currently living in Poland and have two issues on which I would like your insight/ comments.

First, about 3 months ago, I started hearing (and slightly feeling) a rubbing noise from the steering wheel when turning left. As part of a normal service, I took the X5 in to the local BMW dealer. They told me that they could not replicate the sound but guessed that it was probably a steering servo (something may be lost in translation). They said that if it is indeed a steering servo, that they have to reload the vehicle's software when it is replaced and since they do not have US software, I would have to do it in Germany. It seems to me that BMW should send the Polish Dealership the software since the vehicle is under warrenty. Thoughts on how I can make this happen rather than driving 6 hours (one way) to the nearest dealer in Germany?

Next, my brakes have started to squeal. According to the computer, the brake pads should not be serviced for 14000KM (front) and 20000Km (rear) and the power steering fluid is ok. I thought that maybe the sound was caused by snow and ice and searched the forum. I read that others have experienced a grinding sound with ice and snow, but not a high pitched squealing sound like I am experiencing. Thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[rh71]

high-pitched brake squeal should go away with a few hard braking maneuvers... worked for me.

[ard]

Originally Posted by sabot67

Hello All!

I have a 2008 US Specs X5 with all bells and whistles (except rear seat DVD and auto tailgate). I am currently living in Poland and have two issues on which I would like your insight/ comments.

First, about 3 months ago, I started hearing (and slightly feeling) a rubbing noise from the steering wheel when turning left. As part of a normal service, I took the X5 in to the local BMW dealer. They told me that they could not replicate the sound but guessed that it was probably a steering servo (something may be lost in translation). They said that if it is indeed a steering servo, that they have to reload the vehicle's software when it is replaced and since they do not have US software, I would have to do it in Germany. It seems to me that BMW should send the Polish Dealership the software since the vehicle is under warrenty. Thoughts on how I can make this happen rather than driving 6 hours (one way) to the nearest dealer in Germany?

Next, my brakes have started to squeal. According to the computer, the brake pads should not be serviced for 14000KM (front) and 20000Km (rear) and the power steering fluid is ok. I thought that maybe the sound was caused by snow and ice and searched the forum. I read that others have experienced a grinding sound with ice and snow, but not a high pitched squealing sound like I am experiencing. Thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Where did you buy the car?
What does the terms of YOUR warranty state???? The warranty will tell you what you must do to get service. Don't ask here, don't ask the dealer.. determine what the warranty says and demand that.

If the local dealer is "guessing" then you want to get BMW involved (BMW is not the dealer- the dealer is an independent business). There should be a Country Rep - a BMW employee that represents BMWs interest within Poland, Spain, etc- who can get involved and determine what the best course of action will be for your particular situation.

I would simply NOT trust a "guess" that involves all sorts of driving, coding, etc, to see if it works.

GL

A

[RTC]

The official BMW rep in Poland should be able to help, there needs to be a dealership somewhere in Poland where they can take care of you. BMW also has so called "travelling engineers", one of them surely is in Poland and could take care of your problem. If you need to drive to Germany, drive to MUNICH BMW HQ but call them before you do that, so they can tell you where to drive to.
Even german dealers don't have US spec software but it is accessible to my knowledge.
I doubt that your US warranty is valid in Europe, unless you bought your car from the official diplomatic/NATO/US Military sales with that specific warranty.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by RTC

I doubt that your US warranty is valid in Europe, unless you bought your car from the official diplomatic/NATO/US Military sales with that specific warranty.

Warranties are typically provided by the marketing companies (BMWNA, BMWCA, etc), and not by BMW the manufacturer.

[sabot67]

Originally Posted by RTC

I doubt that your US warranty is valid in Europe, unless you bought your car from the official diplomatic/NATO/US Military sales with that specific warranty.

Yes, this is how I purchased the vehicle.

[sabot67]

Originally Posted by RTC

The official BMW rep in Poland should be able to help, there needs to be a dealership somewhere in Poland where they can take care of you. BMW also has so called "travelling engineers", one of them surely is in Poland and could take care of your problem.

Thanks, I was unaware of these two potential points of assistance. I appreciate it!