List of problems.. Back from dealership with more problems..

[bluestreak56]

do we expect too much from our cars, mine has a rattle from behind the drivers seat, its roof related, but seems to have stopped on its own accord, rattles drive me mad, the Mrs new focus has one rattle from the passengers seat belt, I keep pressing on bits to try and stop it, but it doesn't bother her in the slightest

having said that roof leaks I would not be happy about if it does it under normal washing, its not like they can't test that in the dealer's with a hose pipe

Seriously? No - how much do we spend on these money pits (because thats what they are lets be honest). You can easily purchase a 10 year old 3 series with none of these faults for under £2k.

As I said previously buying new is just sheer disappointment in my opinion.

[cjp2k]

the e90 I had as a loan car did seem better put together but then again no fancy folding roof

[kevinmarkwhite]

What about the 3 series convertable? Doesn't that have a metal folding roof? Do those cars have similar issues?

[TitanTim]

do we expect too much from our cars, mine has a rattle from behind the drivers seat, its roof related, but seems to have stopped on its own accord, rattles drive me mad, the Mrs new focus has one rattle from the passengers seat belt, I keep pressing on bits to try and stop it, but it doesn't bother her in the slightest

having said that roof leaks I would not be happy about if it does it under normal washing, its not like they can't test that in the dealer's with a hose pipe

Seriously? No - how much do we spend on these money pits (because thats what they are lets be honest). You can easily purchase a 10 year old 3 series with none of these faults for under £2k.

As I said previously buying new is just sheer disappointment in my opinion.

Completely disagree you can't beat that new car feel and smell, that no- one ese has spent 10 years farting, picking their nose and doing every which way in it. When I picked the Zed up it was a great day and looked fab in the showroom knowing I will be driving it away. You don't quite get that buying an old banger. Yes if you get probs it can be a downer, but if you have a good dealer it's not a problem and after all that's what the warranty is there for

Tim.

[m44rrt]

No problems to report on my Lexus...

[TitanTim]

No problems to report on my Toyota...

Tim.

[Maniac]

In fairness, stupid brake design aside, Toyota have an enviable reputation for reliability, something BMW sadly lack. Still I read today with interest that the two are joining forces. So Toyotas might look nicer, and BMW's might actually be built well/be reliable... perhaps.

[kevinmarkwhite]

Going back to the OPs leaking windows (can't think why I would be thinking about that.....).

I've had a brainwave tonight where my leak might be getting in - at the top of the tweeter grill triangle bit (crap description, but I know where I mean....gonna test it tomorrow). Anyway, back to my point - I wonder if in my case....and the OP's case, is the window not closing fully? i.e. can it push up any harder than it currently is, to make a tighter seal. This could account for the OPs issues when washing the car. I've had similar water ingress when washing the car, although maybe only 1 or two drops, not like the OPs pictures.

When the door closes, the windows go up a little bit to fit into the seal. Is it possible to make this happen when the door is still open - purely for testing purposes, cos I suspect closing the door with the windows fully up would shatter them!

[kevinmarkwhite]

So I went out after work with the hosepipe to test my hunch about my leak. I blasted water along the edges of the front corner of the window (the triangle part where the wing mirror is) for quite a while and nothing happened. My leak is after being sat in rain for hours, so although the hose was more pressure than rain/wind, perhaps it wasn't enough to work its way through.

Then I sprayed the hose around the top of the window, aiming it at a 45 degree angle, right at the seal. Obviously this is overkill, but I found I got leaks just like the pictures on page 6. I tried it on both sides of the car, with the same results.

I opened the door and the only thing I can identify that is different in the area where the water is coming in is this (poorly circled in red):




Its as if the "cover" part which goes over the breakpoint in the seal for when the roof is open, is too flimsy, and when the window is closed, I don't think that bit of seal pushes against the window from the inside with enough pressure to make a seal.

God knows what the solution is, but what do you think?

[JDM]

I have sent the dealership a letter this morning...

The content of which I think sums up what I am feeling about the car at the minute.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Mr ****************
Halliwell Jones BMW
Winwick Road
Warrington
Cheshire
WA2 8HY

4th July 2012

Re – BMW Z4 Sdrive20i M Sport – MA12 ***

Dear Sirs

I recently purchased a brand new vehicle from yourselves. The vehicle was ordered on 14th February 2012 and delivered on 20th April 2012. The vehicle is a BMW Z4 Sdrive 20i M Sport. A number of faults with the vehicle has been apparent since collection on the 20th April and to this date remain unresolved. I am dissatisfied with the product I have bought from you and as such I would like to reject this vehicle.

I have allowed the dealership to attempt to fix the problems with my car. To date, the car has been with your mechanics two times since collection on 20th April 2012. The first trip was made to replace a wheel which was damaged prior to collection and the second time it was left with you for one full week to address problems which had been previously identified. I am reluctant to take the time and expense to bring the car to your dealership again for a further attempt to resolve issues.

The issues that I am still experiencing with the car are as follows. Please note that there are additional items on this list since we last spoke which have developed over the last few days.

• The windows still leak when washing the car or when there is heavy rain
• When there is heavy rain water stays on the door seals and when the door is opened water pours off the seal onto the seat and carpet.
• The rattle / buzz under the dash board is still apparent
• The rattle / buzz from the rear of the car is still apparent
• The car still fluctuates on tick over. The RPM varies and makes the car judder. On a few occasions this has caused the vehicle to stall. (note this is not the auto start stop feature as it does it when you start the vehicle before making the journey)
• The seatbelt mounting at high level to the driver’s side is creaking. This makes for a very unpleasant journey as it is right at ear level.
• The windows still intermittently drop ¾ of the way down when opening the doors instead of the ½ inch or so that is required. If it is raining heavy then this lets rain down the face of the door card and over the electric window switches
• The auto start stop is temperamental. Sometimes it will cut out at as it should do but then at the next stop it doesn’t.
• The sound system is still very disappointing to say it was a £900 option. There is very little adjustment on the settings and the rear speakers are quiet. When the volume is turned up the clarity is poor and it makes the dash and doors rattle.
• There is a rattle / jingling sound that has developed underneath the car when the car is ticking over.
• The gear stick vibrates alot when the vehicle is ticking over. So much that you can struggle to read the numbers on top of the gear knob.
• The semi integrated navigation system sometimes freezes for a minute or so when redirecting you which on two occasions has made me miss a turning.
• The further damaged trim requires replacing
• The damaged seat base requires replacing
• There is a yellow stain to the off side front wheel which has become apparent since the vehicle was in your possession.


I refer you to the Sale of Goods Act 1979, specifically Section 14 which details that the car I bought from you must be of satisfactory quality. From my own judgement I believe that the car you have sold me is not of a satisfactory quality, as such I believe you are contravening Section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979.

The above issues, together with the number of issues which have already been partially resolved are not acceptable of any new vehicle, not to mention a premium manufacturer which prides itself on quality, engineering and reliability.

In light of the above I request that you either take the vehicle back and repay all monies owed to myself and cancel the agreement, or replace it with another equivalent vehicle. I expect to hear from you to confirm you have received this letter so we can arrange a refund or replacement within the next week.

If you fail to accept my right to reject this car I will be forced to progress with legal proceedings in the County Court.

Yours Sincerely

Mr J D Mason

Guess I just have to sit tight and see what comes of it.

I really am losing all faith in the BMW brand and the quality that is associated with it.

[Taz x]

hope you get a good response, however i feel doubtful

this must be a real sickener after parting with such a fantastic coupe

[Carol M]

Absolutely done the right thing.

I completely agree with you. It's not acceptable that the car has these problems and they haven't fixed them and have caused more problems/damage.

I've been lucky with mine, not a thing to complain about apart from the hill assist and subsequent sub standard parking sensors they've put on.

They should replace your car as is your right under these circumstances.

[Maniac]

I feel your pain fella, its not been my most reliable car, still love it, but its tainted the BMW experience and I'm not likely to stick with the brand.

Just one note:

• The auto start stop is temperamental. Sometimes it will cut out at as it should do but then at the next stop it doesn’t.

Thats normal operation for auto start/stop. The car engine will only shut down after its warmed up, the battery charge is over a certain level, outside temp, the amount of time since the last stop of the engine, etc etc, lots of things on that list that state when it will and won't shut off the engine. I've driven quite a lot of start stop cars and they're all the same, some times it will shut down, then at the next stop or the stop after that it won't, for one of the reasons listed above.

[sp3ctre]

I absolutely don't blame you for rejecting the car. In fact, I was/am considering the e89 for my next car but at the moment I am wondering if it's just too much of a can of worms to be a sensible choice

[Maniac]

I absolutely don't blame you for rejecting the car. In fact, I was/am considering the e89 for my next car but at the moment I am wondering if it's just too much of a can of worms to be a sensible choice

They are lovely cars, but you'll be lucky to get one without issues. Depends how picky you are though. Personally, looking back, if I'd have known what stress was coming to me, I'd have opted for another car. Having gone through what I have, mine's in tip top state now, fingers x'd it stays that way. If you're happy with what you have, and its not causing you hassle.. stick with it.