Reduced Power Malfunction/Warranty nearing end!

[CarsRmyVICE]

Hey folks,

I know this topic has been discussed somewhat thoroughly in the past but it never hurts to get advice when your bimmer is nearing the end of it's 50k coverage.

So I have had the reduced power engine malfunction come on at least a dozen times over the past two years, most recently today. My x5 50i is a may 2010 build and I got one with all the kinks this time around, after getting lucky with my 07. The first time I took it in they said nothing is coming up on the diagnostic could be anything "loose gas cap story blah blah" the next time I got a story about driving it with less than a 1/4 tank...the most recent time I was told it was "bad gas" specifically that I should stop buying 91 and use 89 because it is getting stale because nobody is buying it in this economy. I told him 91 ? I use 93 ! Additionally, I've had a coolant pump replaced in the last 6 months, after my car kept telling me my engine was overheating after start-up, which it was not. Rough starts (hot and cold) seem to be the norm as well. Occasionally the tach will bounce around like a mad man after starting it cold then eventually settle around 800.

Essentially I have been dealing with a CEL or light of some sort on the dash intermittently for the life my LEASE. I have about 7,000 miles to go before I crack 50k, with the lease ending September 1, 2013.

My obvious concern is dealing with these issues out the warranty period, or worse something major seeing as this car wants to play range rover.

Would you
A) Demand some sort of extended warranty for no cost
B) Suck it up son, there ain't much you can do about it
C) Not drive it after the winter, move on and eat the roughly 5 months or 4k in payments.

OK rant over. Maybe I am over-reacting but after leasing 3 bimmers with no issues of substance and plenty of , I am starting to get discouraged with number 4.

[blondboinsd]

Suck it up? I'd just video document the next time it happens

[ard]

you've failed to properly manage this dealer and this SA for two years, and now think you can demand something?!??!

Lemme guess- the 'bad gas' and the 'use 91' were both verbal, and all you have in the documentary record is "no problem found", right?

Good luck

Besides, its a rental- turn it in and move on.

[CarsRmyVICE]

Originally Posted by ard

you've failed to properly manage this dealer and this SA for two years, and now think you can demand something?!??!

Lemme guess- the 'bad gas' and the 'use 91' were both verbal, and all you have in the documentary record is "no problem found", right?

Good luck

Besides, its a rental- turn it in and move on.

Yes ard, I do not document my dealings with the company I rent my cars from with the fervor of a corporate attorney. With that said, I know you meant no malice.

This is precisely why I rent these things, after talking with some techs who work at the local dealer these kind of shenanigans are far from unusual with this motor. Not to mention they burn a quart of oil every 1500 miles. Owning this car outside of warranty would be suicidal.

My guess is that this is not going to go away, so I better start documenting now.

[blackberry]

I have had almost the exact same issues with my X5. Luckily my dealer replaced some faulty sensors, as well as my radiator after going to the dealership at least 4 times. Will you purchase an extended warranty before the end of the lease? How much would a 1 year or 6 month extension of the BMW warranty likely cost?

Thanks

[X-cellent]

The Wall Street Journal just published an article suggesting BMW and MERC are in a war over who's #1 and that year end deals will be VERY strong....

In the past I've been able to negotiate good deals on new vehicles and THEN get the MFG or dealer to step up and help me walk from most of my remaining payments....

Perhaps you do the research, figure out the best deal you can get on a '12 or '13, get real value of your vehicle (buyout vs ACV) and you're able to walk away from this one into another, with warranty and hopefully less issues....

[Noodle555]

I would have a quick chat with a lawyer. You have been supplied a vehicle that did not meet it's description and you certainly have not had uninterupted quiet enjoyment of the vehicle.

Dealerships don't like lawyers and would likely do something to accomodate.

[ard]

1. Blackberry- there are only standard warranties by BMW- 6 or 7 years, 100k miles as I recall. The BMWUSA website should list these...and there are many threads. there are three plans, opowertrain, Gold and Platinum. Unless you are a DIYer or have a great indy, Id consider it. Actually a perfect plan would be a good indy, but the powertrain just incase something grenades....kinda like a major medical


2. About talking to a lawyer- an honest one will tell you that without having documented 'issues' and 'complaints', you will have a VERY hard time convincing BMWNA that they need to do anything for you. Dealer will do nothing... A dishonest one will say "you have a good case, I'll write some letters" and $700 later you are nowhere.. Anyway, I harp on people 'writing it down, get it on the RO (repair order), etc, etc " for a reason.. Do that and you dont really need a lawyer once they hit the lemon limit.

GL

A

[TerminatorX5]

it is a lease... you have only 7k left for about a year worth of time... just turn it in at the end, post the VIN on this board for the members to avoid this car and move on - why would you want an extended warranty on something that is guaranteed to break?

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

it is a lease... you have only 7k left for about a year worth of time... just turn it in at the end, post the VIN on this board for the members to avoid this car and move on - why would you want an extended warranty on something that is guaranteed to break?

...or that you'll be turning in soon...