After about 30 seconds the "N" on the cluster changes to "FN" and the SMG warning light comes on. Also the car won't rev. It also feels like its engaging/disengaging at 2 to 3 second intervals with a hammering noise coming from the diff area.
The previous owner had the pump replaced under warranty a few years ago so maybe it's not that.
Had to leave the car at work and will contact my Warranty Co.
Car is covered by "BMW Insured Warranty". Anyone had experience of?
Really p****d off. The hour and a half bus journey home through North London didn't help.
Will update tomrrow.
******UPDATE******
Day 1 7/4/11- Called BMW Warranty, vehicle broke down, gearbox problem. Sent out Service Engineer followed by recovery vehicle who took vehicle to Stephen James of Enfield.
Day 2 8/4/11
Day 3 9/4/11
Day 4 10/4/11
Day 5 11/4/11 - Stephen James contact me for the first time today..........by TEXT.
Informed me that they're starting work on my car tomorrow. Not happy that I never received a call on Day 1to say they had received my car with some indication when they'd commence work.Day 6 12/4/11 - Received a call from the Service Manager to say that they've carried out tests but would need to drop the gearbox. He suggested it could be clutch and or Flywheel at around £900 each. I asked what would be covered under warranty. He didn't know I had warranty and suggested that the repairs wouldn't be covered.
I told him he should be speaking to BMW Warranty. Also informed him that I haven't been offered a courtesy car. He'd call me tomorrow with an update.Day 7 13/4/11
Day 8 14/4/11
Day 9 15/4/11 - It's now Friday. Surely they'll give me an update. Nothing.
Day 10 16/4/11 - Saturday morning. I'm absolutely seething. After informing me 5 days ago that I'm looking at a hefty bill and then not updating me. Seriously P****D off.
Phoned Stephen James and was informed by receptionist that the Service Manager would call me back in half an hour.
He didn't phone as expected.Called BMW Uk Customer Services who game me a contact number for "Complaints". Mon-Fri only.
Day 11 17/4/11
Day 12 18/4/11 - Monday morning.Phoned customer services. They contacted Stephen James while I was on hold.The Service Manager is "off" on a course and the Technician isn't in either. You couldn't make this up. Was informed that Stephen James were looking into my issues. Was called a couple of hours later by another Service Manager and again by Customer Services who were both apologetical. Was told that I'd be given an update tomorrow.
Day 13 19/4/11 - Second service manager phoned as promised. No update on car as the 2 people involved with my repair are still off work but are due to return tomorrow. He did apologise,stated that this has gone on too long and they're not normally like this. Offered me a courtesy car for tomorrow which I declined. Told him that I just want to know what's wrong with the car and how much it's going to cost.
Just had a thought that it's Wednesday tomorrow, with Fri-Mon being Easter, the likelihood of me getting my car back this week I guess is slim.
Day 14 20/4/11 - First Service Manager called today. They've dropped the gearbox and the Flywheel is badly worn and requires replacing. Additionally the Slave Cylinder requires replacement. Apparently it has a sensor that threw up the original fault. Cost £2400 approx. He needed my permission to order the parts today for delivery today. I informed him of my warranty which again he said they have no record of even though I informed him of this on Day 5.
I asked him to contact them, gave hime the warranty detail and phone number. He said he'd call me back later.
No phone call later. Stephen James are really letting themselves down. I'm wondering if this is a delaying tactic with Easter coming up.
Day 15 21/4/11 - No update from Stephen James by at 14.00 so phoned them. Service Manager not in office, "I'll get him to call you back". He phoned back at about 15.45 with some good news at last. Warranty issue sorted out so I'm now on the system. They've agreed to all costs which are currently at about £3000. All I should have to pay is the £100 excess.
The not so good.
New Flywheel has been fitted and gearbox is back in car. The slave cylinder has only just been delivered to them. Not a chance of installing and prepping today. No technicians working over Easter so he'll update me on Tuesday. Day 16 22/4/11
Day 17 23/4/11
Day 18 24/4/11
Day 19 25/4/11
Day 20 26/4/11 As I expected, no phone call, no car. Will be phoning them in the morning. 3 weeks they've had the car tomorrow.
Day 21 27/4/11 I phoned Stephen James at 10.30 to be told Service Manager 1 isn't in but they'd get Service Manager 2 to phone me as soon as he's finished with a customer. 1 hour later no return call so phoned them again and was told the same story, He'll phone when he's finished with a customer. Half hour later still no call.
Got straight onto Customer Services again who I previously contacted on 18/4/11. They took down details and updated my notes and said they'd get straight onto Stephen James. 20 mins later and Service Manager 1 phoned to say he was back from a test drive, just about to get it valeted and I can pick it up.
Told him I didn't want it washed. He said that was okay but it was very dusty.
Went to collect and my car was outside waiting. Looked like it had been in the Sahara Desert for the past 3 weeks and had become a bird s**t magnet.
Met the Service Manager who apologised again and said it was an embarassment that it had took so long and put it down to the warranty and staffing issues.
When I came out I had the shock of my life. There valeting service is an Automatic Car Wash the same as you get in Petrol stations.
Hate to think what it would have done to my car with that much dust on it.
The Good News: The car is driving great. Came home, hoovered the roof,a wash and a QD. Then off for a drive, roof down, stopped for a pint in the country and home again. Heaven.
I do hope this 3 weeks to do the job was a one off. I believe in second chances so will probably use them again as they are my local dealer.
Gonna order some tyres and ditch the runflats. Asked the Service Manager how much to fit. They wouldn't do it......they only fit tyres purchased through them.
