Advice Needed
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Silicon Valley
Advice Needed
Hi all,
So I bought a 2004 X5 brand new from the dealer in July 2004. Since then my car has gone to the dealer multiple times for things such as: thermostat housing, door lock actuators, handbrake issues ,etc. However, the biggest disappointment of all is that it has gone in twice for head repairs. Each time it was in it was about a 2 week repair (for which I was given Ford and Chevy loaners
). Both times the head gasket was at fault and allowed oil/coolant to mix. I'm not sure about the first time, but the second time they just had the gasket sent out to a machine shop and resurfaced. I'm doubting they replaced the gasket the first time either. Anyway, luckily this was all under warranty otherwise I would of been stuck with a $5k bill each time.
I'm thinking about writing a letter to BMW NA expressing my disappointment in quality with this particular vehicle. My warranty expires in July and I'm hesitant to keep this car given any major repairs won't be covered. Do you think I have a shot at BMW NA giving me an extended warranty or some other kind of assistance?
So I bought a 2004 X5 brand new from the dealer in July 2004. Since then my car has gone to the dealer multiple times for things such as: thermostat housing, door lock actuators, handbrake issues ,etc. However, the biggest disappointment of all is that it has gone in twice for head repairs. Each time it was in it was about a 2 week repair (for which I was given Ford and Chevy loaners
). Both times the head gasket was at fault and allowed oil/coolant to mix. I'm not sure about the first time, but the second time they just had the gasket sent out to a machine shop and resurfaced. I'm doubting they replaced the gasket the first time either. Anyway, luckily this was all under warranty otherwise I would of been stuck with a $5k bill each time. I'm thinking about writing a letter to BMW NA expressing my disappointment in quality with this particular vehicle. My warranty expires in July and I'm hesitant to keep this car given any major repairs won't be covered. Do you think I have a shot at BMW NA giving me an extended warranty or some other kind of assistance?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,413
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From: Silicon Valley
A special provision, often called the "Lemon Law," helps determine what is a reasonable number of repair attempts for problems that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. The "Lemon Law" applies to these problems if they arise during the first 18 months after the consumer received delivery of the vehicle or within the first 18,000 miles on the odometer, whichever occurs first. During the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the "Lemon Law" presumes that a manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle if either (1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (2) The same problem has been subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its agents and the buyer has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual or (3) The vehicle is out of service because of the repair of any number of problems by the manufacturer or its agents for a cumulative total of more than 30 days since delivery of the vehicle.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,413
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From: Silicon Valley
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
It may or may not qualify as a Lemon, depending on exact WHEN these problems started.....you say the vehicle is 4 years old (July 2004), but not exactly when these problems started. That....and how many times each problem was worked on......will be the key. Most service trips today at the dealership are recorded on computers...a reputable dealership will have a record of all your visits (unless they risked removing it from their own database, which is a crime), and you should have the paperwork as well from the dealership documenting each trip.
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