Parts ordered in another attempt to fix my Creaking/Snapping Driver Seat

[ard]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

My SA just called me and told me that there will be some squeaking because it's a NEW car. WTF.

Also, the technician did not hear the squeak loud enough to warranty a repair.

Can someone post the exact part number etc.

Make the SA put that in writing. ON THE WORK ORDER.

That (a) new cars squeak, and (b) the tech heard it but "it wasnt loud enough to warrant a repair.

Refuse to sign any paperwork unless that accurately document the record. The SA called and told you this, there should be no reason they would not list it...unless it is untrue.

If you pick up the car, and this is NOT on the paper, then you lose the leverage... you will likely see "could not verify" on the paperwork..this lets them tell BMWNA "he's a nut" essentially if you have a beef.

You will be surprised at how the content of work orders can drive dealers and BMW.... and how they try to control these things to limit their exposure.

GL

A

[smuggymba]

Originally Posted by ard

Make the SA put that in writing. ON THE WORK ORDER.

That (a) new cars squeak, and (b) the tech heard it but "it wasnt loud enough to warrant a repair.

Refuse to sign any paperwork unless that accurately document the record. The SA called and told you this, there should be no reason they would not list it...unless it is untrue.

If you pick up the car, and this is NOT on the paper, then you lose the leverage... you will likely see "could not verify" on the paperwork..this lets them tell BMWNA "he's a nut" essentially if you have a beef.

You will be surprised at how the content of work orders can drive dealers and BMW.... and how they try to control these things to limit their exposure.

GL

A

now the SA says, they didn't hear it that often, please bring it back when it squeaks more.

Isn't BMW USA footing the bill, what problem does the dealer have in changing the seat frame or whatever.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

now the SA says, they didn't hear it that often, please bring it back when it squeaks more.

Isn't BMW USA footing the bill, what problem does the dealer have in changing the seat frame or whatever.

This is what most people assume. I remember on my 2008 ML63 AMG, I had a very annoying, thump/clunk from the front wheels. The first service visit, they "could not duplicate". The 2nd time, they actually heard it and documented it...but could not figure it out. Several more visits and even had a "specialist" look at it. Eventually my dealer said, that Mercedes would not pay any more claims, as they could not find the problem. I know, I know....I could have gone all legal on them, but that is not me. I just wash my hands and move on! I have had this happen years ago with a SAAB...they just refused trying to fix it after a while.

BMW, Mercedes, Ford, etc... will only pay the dealership a certain amount per repair. This is why dealerships HATE rattles and squeaks. A lot of searching and finding, results on money out of their pocket!!

[ard]

Originally Posted by smuggymba

now the SA says, they didn't hear it that often, please bring it back when it squeaks more.

Isn't BMW USA footing the bill, what problem does the dealer have in changing the seat frame or whatever.

BMWNA does NOT necessarily endlessly pay the bill...

They'll cover a repair, but if it comes back BMW may 'blame' the dealer and decide they failed to fix it the first time and refuse repeat repairs...

The whole issue is confounded by individual dealership dynamics and interpersonal relationships between SA and management, the SA and the actual techs and how SAs feel about the customer.

Dealers often times have a dedicated person to coordinate 'warranty coverage' with BMW for all of their work orders...SAs write the individual stuff, but when it comes to arguing/negotiating/documenting someone else is doing the the footwork.

Understanding what motivates your SA, what they can control, what they cant, and how YOU can make their life easier and protect them can help get them on your side...
A

[smuggymba]

Originally Posted by ard

BMWNA does NOT necessarily endlessly pay the bill...

They'll cover a repair, but if it comes back BMW may 'blame' the dealer and decide they failed to fix it the first time and refuse repeat repairs...

The whole issue is confounded by individual dealership dynamics and interpersonal relationships between SA and management, the SA and the actual techs and how SAs feel about the customer.

Dealers often times have a dedicated person to coordinate 'warranty coverage' with BMW for all of their work orders...SAs write the individual stuff, but when it comes to arguing/negotiating/documenting someone else is doing the the footwork.

Understanding what motivates your SA, what they can control, what they cant, and how YOU can make their life easier and protect them can help get them on your side...
A

My SA is new to BMW's and been here only one month at the dealership as the other guy quit. He mentioned that he very rarely hears something...the car might be just breaking in. Please being back if it squeaks more and frequently..if it squeaks occasionally, we can't pin point the issue.

I have had other new cars and they did not squeak while breaking in. The 3 series loaner that I had did not squeak either. Is there something I can do by directly contacting BMW USA or it doesn't work that way. Thanks for ur time.

[bigx5er]

If you can consistently replicate the problem, take the SA out for a ride and let him hear it first hand.

My 2012 squeaked when I got it, but has since stopped. Not sure if it will reappear when it gets colder.

[DWill]

Two weeks ago I took my X5 M Sport in for about the 3rd or 4th time to see if they would at least try and fix my seat. A quick meeting with the service manager and the the general manager and they ordered me a new seat.

That was two weeks ago and my car is still there as soon as it comes I'm taking the X5M in fir the same thing.

What changed, I finally just had enough and the GM that in in the last five years I've bought 4 cars from him totaling over 300k and probably near double that over the last 12 years. Followed by letting him know I was about to grade my MSport for Toyota FJ and just sell the M and be done with BMW.

Don't know why he decided go fix my car but I'm glad he did because I would miss my BMW's but they were on the way out.