Brand new 2012 X5d... in need of repairs, already!!!
 

Well, BMW managed to spoil my new car experience.

Yesterday, I received my 2012 X5d which I have leased from an out of town dealership. Someone drove the car to my address, and the car had about 400 miles on it when I received it (it was a 7 hour drive). The car is spotless, as expected for a new car. I drove it on a couple of short trips with no problems detected. And then my in-laws made it to town for July 4th. As we're driving back from the airport, I started hearing a thumping noise in the engine bay. Initially, it was faint but definitely there. I kept going because I surely did not want to stop in the middle of nowhere, with my in-laws in the car!... We finally make it home, and by now the sound is definitely noticeable. I open the hood with the engine stopped, and I couldn't see anything wrong. I turned the engine on, and now I could see something that appears to be a sliver hanging from the belt... The thumping frequency is proportional to the engine RPM which supports this being a belt issue, I think....

So, I have a few questions I would appreciate any answers to or help with.

1. Is this a known issue with 2012 X5ds? Has anyone else had a similar issue with their car when it was new?

2. The out of town dealer FedExed the lease contract which was supposed to make it before the car for me to sign and return with the driver (who also picked up my old X5d and drove it back to the dealership). For some reason, the mail was delayed and will be here sometime on Monday, so I now have a new car in need of repairs, the lease of which I have not even signed. Should I sign the lease or not?

3. I realize any repairs should be covered by the warranty but does the warranty even kick in before a lease contract is signed? In other words, if I take the car to the local dealership for repairs on Monday in the morning, who will be responsible for the repair cost?

4. I'm not a mechanic but can only imagine that if the belt breaks or something, the car will obviously be immediately immobilized, not to mention the potential damage to other parts of the engine a loose belt flying all over can cause...So, should I drive the car to the dealership on Monday or should it be towed there? Fortunately the dealership is only about 4 or 5 miles from home.

So, here's my new car experience so far. Thanks for nothing BMW!!!

What, you needed to blather this on every forum you can?

My post on BF:

I actually really hope this goes sideways for you.... some people deserve what they get. I'll reach out to Ryan at BMWLR and let him know he should try and avoid this one....

While I do think ard's post is harsh....your situation is not anything to worry about.
Relax.
If the dealer is 5 miles away, just drive it is as I suggested in the other forum. The risk of damage from a tow truck is 1000x greater than any potential damage from a belt breaking. \

And here's my reply to you, also from the other forum:

"Ard,

What in the world are you talking about?!!!! Your whole tirade is based on me being upset at the dealer, which I am absolutely NOT. Matter of fact I was just on the phone with them and they offered to contact my local dealer on Monday to arrange for taking care of the car. I could not be HAPPIER with the way the dealer is handling this!... I am upset at BMW, the car company that is, for lack of quality control. That's all. And under the circumstance, I think I'm entitled, irrespective of your opinion on this. And I did say "sliver", not silver, so for you to be wondering if people can be so inept is quite ironic!!!

For God's sake man, please do carefully read and understand peoples' posts before you fire back knee jerk replies that completely miss the point and contain inappropriate words.

Mods, since when is the use of "F...ing" and "dicks" allowed on the forum?! "

As for where else I chose to post this message, that is absolutely none of your business. Oh and thanks for wishing this goes sideways for me. How classy of you.

I understand the OP's frustration, but any/every new car has the potential for an early glitch; the 'belt', manufactured in quantity is exactly that: a belt that may have been flawed from minute one.

Not apples to apples, but my '02 VetteVert lower A/C compressor drive belt tossed itself the day after the long drive home from the dealer. The local Chebby dlr tech fixed it; it has never blinked since in 50,000 miles/10+ years. Just an analogy...

Take it to your closest dlr tomorrow and get it fixed. Your car is a lease: a medium term rental. Get it fixed, sign the lease, drive the car and enjoy it. It will be someone else's concern in 3 years.
GL, mD

Nothing over the top regarding the posters concerns. I believe he was looking for some constructive guidance rather than a slap upside the head.

IMO, I share his concern when he expresses "if the belt breaks or something, the car will obviously be immediately immobilized, not to mention the potential damage to other parts of the engine a loose belt flying all over can cause"

The best answer I can give is to call the The out of town dealer and ask them what they
would like you to do. Technically until you sign the lease it's still their vehicle. Document
all the conversations you have with the seller as that communication will be the basis
for how the warranty work will be completed.

If you suspect that damage to the vehicle is a possibility if you drive it then let
the vehicle sit until you get some reasonable answers. In the mean time you might
explain the issues to your insurance company as this problem might qualify you for
a rental until the issue is solved.

B

EDIT: while I was posting this some additional constructive
opinions came across the wire. Hope all the positive suggestion
will help.

Oh, I misread the part where he was threatening to not sign the lease documents.....

motordavid and Quicksilver,

I appreciate your advice and will heed it. I'll let the dealership decide what is the best way to get the car to them on Monday.

Now, back to the European cup final game...

^^^ LOL

Sounds like Mrs. ard....

:)