HELP!
 

Ok...I'm hoping somebody on this board can help me out. My '08 X5 has now been in the shop for a full month. The instrument cluster died on Aug 24. It took 3 weeks to get a replacement from Germany, it was replaced, and immediately died again. Obviously a deeper electrical system problem. We are now waiting for another instrument cluster. The dealer tells me that BMW will not give him a promise date, so naturally there is no way they can estimate when I can have the car. I have called BMW Customer Relations who is trying but thus far hasn't been able to accomplish anything. Does anyone know or have a line into any of the execs in New Jersey? I would like to solicit their help. I realize that the Mass lemon law could help me out but I'd rather not go that route if I can find a way to make this work with BMW.

Any input would be appreciated.

First thing, tell them that you want a loaner car :)

I experienced a problem on my 630i MY2006, First thing I asked for a loaner , they gave me 5 series MY2007 :)

Why would they have to get parts from Germany, the car is manufactured in SC.

WHY IS THAT !?

Go to Bimmerfest, a guy by the name Vatkins works for BMW and monitors the board.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/

Craig

Thanks, Craig. I've posted a similar note on bimmerfest. Let's see what happens.

What I'm told is that the part comes from a German supplier (who I presume also supplies Spartanburg). But (and maybe this is your point), with no disrespect to anyone waiting for their build, if an existing customer's car is dead in the water, they should pull a part from the line and delay a new build rather than have an existing customer wait indefinitely...I realize that is extreme and creates logistical problems, but it would certainly indicate that they cared as opposed to making feel like I've been abandoned.

I have had an X3 the entire time as a loaner, so we're not stranded. But, as my wife points out, if we wanted an X3 we would have bought one.

You should also ask your dealer to put you in touch with the BMW district service manager/rep for your area...

Good luck, and let us know what happens...

Craig

Vatkins said he sent you a message on Bimmerfest...

Craig

can we point vatkins to the backup camera thread? :D

:iagree:

Still waiting...But hopeful
 

Day 38 without my X5. I'm starting to forget that I actually owned it, feeling only a vague sense of familiarity whenever I see a space grey X5 on the highway. In any event, there have been a lot of helpful people at BMW, all asserting that they are doing their best and providing some details on the status. Yet I am still without my car.

The latest expectation is that a new instrument cluster will be shipped from Mexico to my dealer (via Spartanburg and NJ) to arrive this Friday. If that happens, I could possibly have my vehicle by Saturday or Monday. We'll see...

From what I can discern "Vatkins" is a screen name for one or, several
BMW NA board readers. From following their "help" threads, it is the usual
head patting and "we have directed your complaint...blah, blah, blah."

I don't think "Vatkins" is MrFixIt, or a real problem solver, imo.

To the OP...damn, that's a long time. Funny how everyone was thinking your
replacement gauge panel was coming from a high tech skunkworks in the
Bavarian Forest; it's really coming from a vendor in Mexico.
Hope you get your ride back in good shape.
BR,mD

Good news!
 

Well, after 40 days out of service, our X5 was delivered to our home today. As promised by the dealer, it looks like it did when we picked it up new in February...very nice!

Now the test will come. Hopefully the electrical problem that caused 2 instrument clusters to fail has been resolved and we can get back to enjoying the car. I will keep you posted.

Thanks for all the support during the last 6 weeks!

Glad to hear...

Good luck,

Craig

40 days..jeez. It already qualifies as a lemon LOL!