DEF and BMW free maintenance?

[ABMW]

Sounds more and more like a dealer related issue. I think it's pretty unanimous at this point that DEF is covered.

It's specifically stated in the literature that's included with the vehicle, and also on-line.

I think this thread should be "stuck" to the top of the page as a reference for those who have trouble. The Original Poster's Dealer is/was obviously doing something wrong when submitting the paperwork, or something is still missing from the story.

BMWNA is obligated to cover the DEF fluid. I personally did not read anything about a fill and flush procedure, in the literature. It may be that, the fill and flush process is what BMWNA is hung up about.

Perhaps they only want the tanks to be drained and filled? It would be wonderful if we had one dedicated individual from the forum, whom could be appointed to act as a liaison with BMWNA when "material" questions come up.

I'd be happy to volunteer as that person, if someone would like to assist me in obtaining the address to their legal department, consumer affairs department and setting up a dedicated thread, etc.

Things like this come up quite often, and there are quite a few members here. It would be very helpful and reassuring to have written confirmation on many of these issues, for better or for worse.

There should be no $169.00 DEF flush surprises, when one takes their vehicle into a dealer for scheduled maintenance.

Maybe within the DEF "STICKY" Thread, we should post a procedure of what to do if your dealer declines to pay for the DEF fluid.

For example:

1) Prior to going to dealer print out Information from BMWNA that informs consumers of BMWNA's policy regarding DEF (which is to refill it free of charge).

2) Print out copy of publication that came with vehicle, that specifically establishes a contact between BMWNA and with the buyer of a particular vehicle, in relation to covering DEF Fluid for the first 50k/4yrs.

3) etc. etc.

[Craig]

Went to the local dealer today. I printed the link Penguin supplied. Ryan the service manager said he's going to fax it to their field service engineer from BMW who said it's not part of the maintenance program. He said that's all he needed and didn't need to look at my owners manuals that I brought along with me as well. Either way, I'm not going to pay for the service.

Craig

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Craig

Went to the local dealer today. I printed the link Penguin supplied. Ryan the service manager said he's going to fax it to their field service engineer from BMW who said it's not part of the maintenance program. He said that's all he needed and didn't need to look at my owners manuals that I brought along with me as well. Either way, I'm not going to pay for the service.

Craig

Maybe BMW should be having a Field Service Accountant making these decisions, rather than a Field Service "Engineer!"

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Maybe BMW should be having a Field Service Accountant making these decisions, rather than a Field Service "Engineer!"

If they can weasel out of paying for something, they will. I don't know how they think people are going to want to purchase another BMW when they can't supply parts for a new car. They act like they're doing me a favor getting parts that were on back order for months. What a joke...

Thanks for the link,


Craig

[ard]

nevermind

[ABMW]

This thread makes me wonder if anyone working for BMWNA or at any BMW Dealer has any brain cells in their collective heads.

I'm new to BMW, but I've been around the block in terms of brands. Some of the antics are beyond ridiculous, and quite frankly I'm starting to second guess my purchase quite heavily.

Now where the F_ _ K are my FLOORMATS? It's been 40-days, and it's been raining for 20 of them!

I'm getting a bit tired of telling my clients "please excuse the towels on the floor, my $65k SUV didn't come with floor mats, sorry bout that."

[Craig]

Originally Posted by ABMW

This thread makes me wonder if anyone working for BMWNA or at any BMW Dealer has any brain cells in their collective heads.

I'm new to BMW, but I've been around the block in terms of brands. Some of the antics are beyond ridiculous, and quite frankly I'm starting to second guess my purchase quite heavily.

Now where the F_ _ K are my FLOORMATS? It's been 40-days, and it's been raining for 20 of them!

I'm getting a bit tired of telling my clients "please excuse the towels on the floor, my $65k SUV didn't come with floor mats, sorry bout that."

I don't blame you. You should just order the all weather BMW mats and be done with it. I've been shopping my car around at some Lexus dealers. I'm thinking about trading for a Lexus GX 460. I'm tired of playing games with BMW. At least the Lexus won't need to be plugged into a battery charger every night. You don't save any money on fuel with the BMW diesel.

Craig

[eyeguy]

Originally Posted by Craig

You don't save any money on fuel with the BMW diesel.

Craig

Sorry to hear about the DEF issue - I'm at 10K miles and having mine done this weekend so I hope I don't have any troubles.

I've had to educate myself on diesel for this new car and have also noticed that my MPG aren't so good recently, but as I understand it the blended/additive winter diesel yields less energy - I'm getting about 21 MPG now compared to about 28 MPG last fall, not to mention a $0.05 per gallon surcharge for cold weather diesel. But Wisconsin has a Hell zip code in the winter and I don't want to call my wife to tell her that my gas has turned to wax or Jello (WTF?! ). It's a DEFINITE savings when not using winterized diesel.

I've also been wary of the battery issue, but my money is on making sure the car's locked every night since it seems to run periodic electrical readiness tests when unlocked. As I stated above, it's slightly chilly here and my daily commute is 3.4 miles - so far no battery messages, and if my SA ever brings up "unfavorable driving habits" I'm gonna punch him...

Hang in there. Lexus is nice but I don't want a couch with wheels.

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by Craig

At least the Lexus won't need to be plugged into a battery charger every night.

Don't be so sure. My brother-in-law just got back from a seven day cruise and his one year old Toyota Prius had a dead starter battery and had to call Auto Club and get a jump start.

Chuck

[Craig]

Originally Posted by ChuckG

Don't be so sure. My brother-in-law just got back from a seven day cruise and his one year old Toyota Prius had a dead starter battery and had to call Auto Club and get a jump start.

Chuck

Yeah, my neighbor had his starter battery go bad in his Prius as well.
The hybrid must be hard on starting batteries...

Craig