Major Gas Leak
 

So I had the valve cover gaskets replaced a few weeks ago. I have only driven the car about 4 times, in total 450 miles. I had meetings in town today so I took the wifes car and she took my x5 to work. I received a call saying that when she got home the truck started pouring gas all over the garage floor from the front of the vehicle. I rushed home to find the main gas line that goes to the engine wasn't seated correctly and gas was just pouring out. I clipped the line on ad everything appears to be fine, but the house stinks of gas and I had to cleanup about a gallon from what use to be my painted floor. Also while I was in there I removed faring and found that they had epoxied a vacuum canister they broke while they were working on it.. Attached is a pic - does anyone know what it is called. I have already left a nasty message for the service manager, but wonder what follow-up actions I should take. Had this happened while she was on the highway, I am sure the engine would have caught fire... I am so pissed right now

Sorry about the picture, it was dark outside and I couldn't get a good shot. It is locate on the drivers side towards the center of the valve cover and has a line that runs to the passenger side. Thanks JD

That blurry little thing is a vacuum canister just to hold vacuum for smoother operation of the vacuum actuated things run through it. Was this done at the dealer? And I would have them order the piece and bring it back for them to fix it. I can tell you that if that happened at the dealer I work for the tech responsible would have to pay for that part out of his check and be put on final notice. And if this was a customer pay job, not warranty... I would show pictures of what it did to your floor and reiterate how the truck almost caught fir IN your garage and would have burned your house down! The service manager might refund the repair to smooth things over!

It SUCKS how one bad, poorly trained tech with no pride in his work can make a whole group of 30 techs that actually care look bad. If/when you go back there for future service, request all work be done by a master tech that has worked there for many years.

Weasel56 the work was done at a BMW dealer, and was not covered under warranty. I paid $1275 to have them replace the valve cover gaskets and PCV lines, which they recommended during my last oil change. What really pisses me off is they srewed up my wifes 325CI on the same day. They had to replace the mirrors under warranty and broken the doore pannel and mirror cover on the passenger side, and it has taken them 4 weeks and several phone calls to order the parts and agree to the work. The sad part was for the past year I have been going to them for all parts and work and they have done a great job. I was actually considering buying another car from them later this year, but it looks like I wll be going elsewhere in the future.

Weasel56 - I forgot to mention, this is no reflection on other technicians as yourself. I run a technical service department for a large software company, and I too have problems with new technicians providing bad service, fortunately they don't last long with me ;)

For all the BMW techs on the board who treat customer cars like they were your own - you guys are why I don't mind paying a dealer verses a local mechanic.

First thing, get that car to the dealer and have everything replaced that was busted at their charge. Next step, never go to that dealer again.

You could file a complaint with BMW AG but the first thing they will say is "dealers are independent".

Well the dealer acknowledged verbally that it was their fault and are replacing the gas line, vacuum canister and covering the $200 tow. The Service Manager also told me to get an estimate on fixing the drive way and they would cover the damages... I know it was an accident, but the outcome of this could have been fatal for my wife, house and two dogs... Sure we are joking about it today, but man that was close.

If they are going to go the full distance and cover EVERYTHING then you can bet the responsible tech is at best on final notice, if not fired. That kind of mistake is WAY too much of a liability for the company. At least all is well now and they doing all they can to compensate.

Weasel56 - it is too bad not all dealers have someone like you on staff.. However, I did meet the Master Tech at my dealership last night and he told me the next time I schedule any service to let him know, he even gave me his email and number.

It is always good to have a contact on the inside. Looks like you will have better luck with them from now on!