BMW dealership obligations towards customer

[Spiro]

Just a question.


is the suspension issue on front or rear ? if on the Rear, could it not be because of using the towbar, like normal people who have a towbar would use it ?


that being said... maybe see if the dealer can meet you halfway with the repair if possible

 

[zippy320]

Just read this post , my E46 is 14 years old and has over 200 000kms on it and it is STILL running with its original stabilizer links , seems odd that this car with only 75k needs it replaced , come to think of it ... It would be good practice and peace of mind for you to have the complete suspension looked at by a proper trained BMW mech with you next to him as he looks at it.

Some people crash cars , and have them privately repaired so there arnt any points or remarks on the car.
Good luck!

 

[FerdiBotha]

Just read this post , my E46 is 14 years old and has over 200 000kms on it and it is STILL running with its original stabilizer links , seems odd that this car with only 75k needs it replaced , come to think of it ... It would be good practice and peace of mind for you to have the complete suspension looked at by a proper trained BMW mech with you next to him as he looks at it.

Some people crash cars , and have them privately repaired so there arnt any points or remarks on the car.
Good luck!

Whether or not the links are actually worn remains to be seen. As Gizmo said it's probably best to have it checked by a qualified mechanic rather than a tyre shop.

I feel the thread has derailed a bit and the initial question not really given much attention.

The fact of the matter is that if the links are actually worn it is definitely out of the ordinary for this mileage, and although many have speculated about the quality and integrity of the car there aren't really anymore databases to consult to give more clarity. Every single check on every database returned the exact same results regarding mileage, accident history etc.

I've purchased the car, I'm more than happy with the car as a whole, the condition is phenomenal, so although out of the ordinary I will not allow the worn stabalizer links to leave a bitter taste in my mouth over the car.

Thanks for all the input though. I will take it up with the dealership and see to it that they cover everything that needs attention so that I can enjoy my car the way I should. That's why I paid a premium and purchased from a dealership in the first place.

 

[Dewald Basson]

Just read this post , my E46 is 14 years old and has over 200 000kms on it and it is STILL running with its original stabilizer links , seems odd that this car with only 75k needs it replaced , come to think of it ... It would be good practice and peace of mind for you to have the complete suspension looked at by a proper trained BMW mech with you next to him as he looks at it.

Some people crash cars , and have them privately repaired so there arnt any points or remarks on the car.
Good luck!

Zippy replace those end links man ,do the shock mounts while you at it. Believe me they make a difference. :tease:


Ferdi - the end links "connect" the front suspension via the the swaybar. Could be that something there(by the swaybar) might be at fault which could prematurely wear the end link, but that is reaching far(even if I have so say so myself).


PS. I had stretched bolt on my control bush mount, the internal thread was also stripped. Caused a knocking sound when there was long stroke movement on the shock, that is something which is not easy detected by eye.

 

[ChefDJ]

My former 5er's stabilizer links were replaced for the first time at 230k km. I didn't know they even needed replacing until it came time to replace the rear tyres and it was noticed that the wear on the inside of the tyres was horrible compared to the outside which looked relatively new.

A simple inspection will reveal if they need replacing or not.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

For the technical noob I am, I found this an insightful read:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...nt/SUSPEN-Stabilizer_Bar_Link_Replacement.htm

Good luck sorting the car :coolShake:

 

[ChefDJ]

And yes, depending on the condition of the links and the abnormal wear they may have caused elsewhere, the dealership would be liable for the bill.

 

[FerdiBotha]

Just read this post , my E46 is 14 years old and has over 200 000kms on it and it is STILL running with its original stabilizer links , seems odd that this car with only 75k needs it replaced , come to think of it ... It would be good practice and peace of mind for you to have the complete suspension looked at by a proper trained BMW mech with you next to him as he looks at it.

Some people crash cars , and have them privately repaired so there arnt any points or remarks on the car.
Good luck!

Zippy replace those end links man ,do the shock mounts while you at it. Believe me they make a difference. :tease:


Ferdi - the end links "connect" the front suspension via the the swaybar. Could be that something there(by the swaybar) might be at fault which could prematurely wear the end link, but that is reaching far(even if I have so say so myself).


PS. I had stretched bolt on my control bush mount, the internal thread was also stripped. Caused a knocking sound when there was long stroke movement on the shock, that is something which is not easy detected by eye.

The funny thing is that you don't notice anything when driving the car. There's no knocking sound, play etc etc, so I'm not sure how badly and if they are even worn at all.

 

[Dewald Basson]

Just read this post , my E46 is 14 years old and has over 200 000kms on it and it is STILL running with its original stabilizer links , seems odd that this car with only 75k needs it replaced , come to think of it ... It would be good practice and peace of mind for you to have the complete suspension looked at by a proper trained BMW mech with you next to him as he looks at it.

Some people crash cars , and have them privately repaired so there arnt any points or remarks on the car.
Good luck!

Zippy replace those end links man ,do the shock mounts while you at it. Believe me they make a difference. :tease:


Ferdi - the end links "connect" the front suspension via the the swaybar. Could be that something there(by the swaybar) might be at fault which could prematurely wear the end link, but that is reaching far(even if I have so say so myself).


PS. I had stretched bolt on my control bush mount, the internal thread was also stripped. Caused a knocking sound when there was long stroke movement on the shock, that is something which is not easy detected by eye.

The funny thing is that you don't notice anything when driving the car. There's no knocking sound, play etc etc, so I'm not sure how badly and if they are even worn at all.

Hence why I am saying, something else might be lose/worn.

Push BMW they must find the problem.

 

[AshG108]

Ferdi - I read this thread now and i concur with the guy's mileage as well about the end links however you know what to do nest to at least give you even more peace of mind or raise more investigations depending on outcome which is great.

WHat i do wish to comment on is the way you have handled your query with the guys here. Now I am not one to bother about these types of things on club frums a lot however I have seen a lot of mis-understandings before and would like to add my 2c.

First off - you bought a second hand car...you must always be prepared to have criticism to let you know deeper than the info for your own benefit, its not aimed at your personally or someone taking a stab at your car. Heck dude, even brand new cars you got to worry about in this day and age, right?

Now Ratslaaf, Let me tell you something about him...since i see you are 76 posts old and i have no idea how far back you have been reading before joining. Ratslaaf is well clued up mofo, ive seen his E92 M3 more in pieces than together and his 320d, and his wife's car...and I have seen him work his magic as well on tons of brand spanking new cars to the second hand low mileagers etc...I had him personally sort my car out when no one could at all. Oh and he is from benoni, proper afrikaans with about 1/4 of Indian (which he can't explain yet how) :roflol::roflol::roflol: But a warm, lekker guy!

The guy hardly pipes up and offers advice much unless he really has something to add of value...check his threads under his profile and you will see...he isnt a big mouth and definitely he doesn't need to bother about your car, or mine too be honest but like the rest of this family (not forum or club), he adds in things whats best for your own interest. you asked a question, he gave you advice in the best possible way.

TransUnion HPI, Nead & McGrouther...I worked with those things for 5 years...those are databases, BMW has databases and as any IT guy will tell you...an engine and a DB can;t always be in sync...because they are man made and anything can happen in between (again, i talk from the experience on this but i can always have a beer and tell you that story off the interwebs lol). Same goes for any other car, now to be honest...you know where I am going with this....

ChefDJ, Gizmo, Cois, Ratslaaf - All of these guys have been down these roads of maintenance and they all have their badges in their respective areas...Except Cois..He also has a Metro Badge lol.

Next time you ask for advice, just be a bit more calm around it and expect both sides of the bread and one side will always never be buttered and thats the bare truth, coming at you all exposed. Take it with a nudge, these brothers here will all leave their houses at 2am to save you at a dark spot on a dreaded highway should you be in distress and thats why they are brothers here and not just mates or buddies.

In my side of the land, for a misunderstanding, it takes one to apologize to acknowledge his end of the bargain and hit a few beers next and talk more kak about cars.

Good luck with your car bud, all the best and keep us posted. One day we will met up and hopefully this will be a story with a great ending to have a few laughs over.

EDIT to ADD: So actually moral of my story, the reply might be appear kak on the thread and on your screen and hot the wrong nerve but it comes from an honest, dear person with innocent and proper good intentions for you and your cabbie.

Cheers!

 

[Dewald Basson]

Watch out for Ash, he us an undercover speedcop as well :tease:

 

[FerdiBotha]

Ferdi - I read this thread now and i concur with the guy's mileage as well about the end links however you know what to do nest to at least give you even more peace of mind or raise more investigations depending on outcome which is great.

WHat i do wish to comment on is the way you have handled your query with the guys here. Now I am not one to bother about these types of things on club frums a lot however I have seen a lot of mis-understandings before and would like to add my 2c.

First off - you bought a second hand car...you must always be prepared to have criticism to let you know deeper than the info for your own benefit, its not aimed at your personally or someone taking a stab at your car. Heck dude, even brand new cars you got to worry about in this day and age, right?

Now Ratslaaf, Let me tell you something about him...since i see you are 76 posts old and i have no idea how far back you have been reading before joining. Ratslaaf is well clued up mofo, ive seen his E92 M3 more in pieces than together and his 320d, and his wife's car...and I have seen him work his magic as well on tons of brand spanking new cars to the second hand low mileagers etc...I had him personally sort my car out when no one could at all. Oh and he is from benoni, proper afrikaans with about 1/4 of Indian (which he can't explain yet how) :roflol::roflol::roflol: But a warm, lekker guy!

The guy hardly pipes up and offers advice much unless he really has something to add of value...check his threads under his profile and you will see...he isnt a big mouth and definitely he doesn't need to bother about your car, or mine too be honest but like the rest of this family (not forum or club), he adds in things whats best for your own interest. you asked a question, he gave you advice in the best possible way.

TransUnion HPI, Nead & McGrouther...I worked with those things for 5 years...those are databases, BMW has databases and as any IT guy will tell you...an engine and a DB can;t always be in sync...because they are man made and anything can happen in between (again, i talk from the experience on this but i can always have a beer and tell you that story off the interwebs lol). Same goes for any other car, now to be honest...you know where I am going with this....

ChefDJ, Gizmo, Cois, Ratslaaf - All of these guys have been down these roads of maintenance and they all have their badges in their respective areas...Except Cois..He also has a Metro Badge lol.

Next time you ask for advice, just be a bit more calm around it and expect both sides of the bread and one side will always never be buttered and thats the bare truth, coming at you all exposed. Take it with a nudge, these brothers here will all leave their houses at 2am to save you at a dark spot on a dreaded highway should you be in distress and thats why they are brothers here and not just mates or buddies.

In my side of the land, for a misunderstanding, it takes one to apologize to acknowledge his end of the bargain and hit a few beers next and talk more kak about cars.

Good luck with your car bud, all the best and keep us posted. One day we will met up and hopefully this will be a story with a great ending to have a few laughs over.

EDIT to ADD: So actually moral of my story, the reply might be appear kak on the thread and on your screen and hot the wrong nerve but it comes from an honest, dear person with innocent and proper good intentions for you and your cabbie.

Cheers!

I appreciate your input and introduction to the who's who on the forum.

Regarding the databases - I don't accept their information as gospel and the be all end all, but they are normally a solid and quick means of reference to a cars history. I merely consulted them to give me an overview on the car.

As said I have now purchased the car and am "stuck" with it.

Contrary to what you may think by looking at this thread my car is actually in near perfect condition. I could dig deeper into the mileage (where and how I don't know) which would probabaly end up in me having wasted time and coming up with nothing more than what the current odometer is telling me.

The links are worn, I'll make sure it gets replaced and the suspension setup given a once over by BMW and properly repaired if needed and then I'll enjoy my car and move on with my life.

The fact that all these guys are guru's who offered their help is great and I do appreciate it, and I feel that is what the forum is here for in the first place.

 

[AshG108]

Watch out for Ash, he us an undercover speedcop as well :tease:

Only when i see Fanatics breaking the law, my checkers cop badge comes out with my personal cellular mobile fitted with ultra zoom!

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

Ferdi - I read this thread now and i concur with the guy's mileage as well about the end links however you know what to do nest to at least give you even more peace of mind or raise more investigations depending on outcome which is great.

WHat i do wish to comment on is the way you have handled your query with the guys here. Now I am not one to bother about these types of things on club frums a lot however I have seen a lot of mis-understandings before and would like to add my 2c.

First off - you bought a second hand car...you must always be prepared to have criticism to let you know deeper than the info for your own benefit, its not aimed at your personally or someone taking a stab at your car. Heck dude, even brand new cars you got to worry about in this day and age, right?

Now Ratslaaf, Let me tell you something about him...since i see you are 76 posts old and i have no idea how far back you have been reading before joining. Ratslaaf is well clued up mofo, ive seen his E92 M3 more in pieces than together and his 320d, and his wife's car...and I have seen him work his magic as well on tons of brand spanking new cars to the second hand low mileagers etc...I had him personally sort my car out when no one could at all. Oh and he is from benoni, proper afrikaans with about 1/4 of Indian (which he can't explain yet how) :roflol::roflol::roflol: But a warm, lekker guy!

The guy hardly pipes up and offers advice much unless he really has something to add of value...check his threads under his profile and you will see...he isnt a big mouth and definitely he doesn't need to bother about your car, or mine too be honest but like the rest of this family (not forum or club), he adds in things whats best for your own interest. you asked a question, he gave you advice in the best possible way.

TransUnion HPI, Nead & McGrouther...I worked with those things for 5 years...those are databases, BMW has databases and as any IT guy will tell you...an engine and a DB can;t always be in sync...because they are man made and anything can happen in between (again, i talk from the experience on this but i can always have a beer and tell you that story off the interwebs lol). Same goes for any other car, now to be honest...you know where I am going with this....

ChefDJ, Gizmo, Cois, Ratslaaf - All of these guys have been down these roads of maintenance and they all have their badges in their respective areas...Except Cois..He also has a Metro Badge lol.

Next time you ask for advice, just be a bit more calm around it and expect both sides of the bread and one side will always never be buttered and thats the bare truth, coming at you all exposed. Take it with a nudge, these brothers here will all leave their houses at 2am to save you at a dark spot on a dreaded highway should you be in distress and thats why they are brothers here and not just mates or buddies.

In my side of the land, for a misunderstanding, it takes one to apologize to acknowledge his end of the bargain and hit a few beers next and talk more kak about cars.

Good luck with your car bud, all the best and keep us posted. One day we will met up and hopefully this will be a story with a great ending to have a few laughs over.

EDIT to ADD: So actually moral of my story, the reply might be appear kak on the thread and on your screen and hot the wrong nerve but it comes from an honest, dear person with innocent and proper good intentions for you and your cabbie.

Cheers!

I appreciate your input and introduction to the who's who on the forum.

Regarding the databases - I don't accept their information as gospel and the be all end all, but they are normally a solid and quick means of reference to a cars history. I merely consulted them to give me an overview on the car.

As said I have now purchased the car and am "stuck" with it.

Contrary to what you may think by looking at this thread my car is actually in near perfect condition. I could dig deeper into the mileage (where and how I don't know) which would probabaly end up in me having wasted time and coming up with nothing more than what the current odometer is telling me.

The links are worn, I'll make sure it gets replaced and the suspension setup given a once over by BMW and properly repaired if needed and then I'll enjoy my car and move on with my life.

The fact that all these guys are guru's who offered their help is great and I do appreciate it, and I feel that is what the forum is here for in the first place.

Cool i trust things will only be better from here. Regarding being stuck nope, you wrong there. You bought it 4 weeks ago and you have 5 months of CPA law in your favor over the vehicle. Exercise it if you need to, its there to help you.

Saffers got to get more into using it as it seems like a task but it bodes best endings especially for your head earned cash.

But hopefully this is just a mis-diagnosis, your car looks mint from the time I saw your intro thread so i hazard its a misdiagnosis rather than anything else, and crossing fingers for that be the reason too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FerdiBotha]

Ferdi - I read this thread now and i concur with the guy's mileage as well about the end links however you know what to do nest to at least give you even more peace of mind or raise more investigations depending on outcome which is great.

WHat i do wish to comment on is the way you have handled your query with the guys here. Now I am not one to bother about these types of things on club frums a lot however I have seen a lot of mis-understandings before and would like to add my 2c.

First off - you bought a second hand car...you must always be prepared to have criticism to let you know deeper than the info for your own benefit, its not aimed at your personally or someone taking a stab at your car. Heck dude, even brand new cars you got to worry about in this day and age, right?

Now Ratslaaf, Let me tell you something about him...since i see you are 76 posts old and i have no idea how far back you have been reading before joining. Ratslaaf is well clued up mofo, ive seen his E92 M3 more in pieces than together and his 320d, and his wife's car...and I have seen him work his magic as well on tons of brand spanking new cars to the second hand low mileagers etc...I had him personally sort my car out when no one could at all. Oh and he is from benoni, proper afrikaans with about 1/4 of Indian (which he can't explain yet how) :roflol::roflol::roflol: But a warm, lekker guy!

The guy hardly pipes up and offers advice much unless he really has something to add of value...check his threads under his profile and you will see...he isnt a big mouth and definitely he doesn't need to bother about your car, or mine too be honest but like the rest of this family (not forum or club), he adds in things whats best for your own interest. you asked a question, he gave you advice in the best possible way.

TransUnion HPI, Nead & McGrouther...I worked with those things for 5 years...those are databases, BMW has databases and as any IT guy will tell you...an engine and a DB can;t always be in sync...because they are man made and anything can happen in between (again, i talk from the experience on this but i can always have a beer and tell you that story off the interwebs lol). Same goes for any other car, now to be honest...you know where I am going with this....

ChefDJ, Gizmo, Cois, Ratslaaf - All of these guys have been down these roads of maintenance and they all have their badges in their respective areas...Except Cois..He also has a Metro Badge lol.

Next time you ask for advice, just be a bit more calm around it and expect both sides of the bread and one side will always never be buttered and thats the bare truth, coming at you all exposed. Take it with a nudge, these brothers here will all leave their houses at 2am to save you at a dark spot on a dreaded highway should you be in distress and thats why they are brothers here and not just mates or buddies.

In my side of the land, for a misunderstanding, it takes one to apologize to acknowledge his end of the bargain and hit a few beers next and talk more kak about cars.

Good luck with your car bud, all the best and keep us posted. One day we will met up and hopefully this will be a story with a great ending to have a few laughs over.

EDIT to ADD: So actually moral of my story, the reply might be appear kak on the thread and on your screen and hot the wrong nerve but it comes from an honest, dear person with innocent and proper good intentions for you and your cabbie.

Cheers!

I appreciate your input and introduction to the who's who on the forum.

Regarding the databases - I don't accept their information as gospel and the be all end all, but they are normally a solid and quick means of reference to a cars history. I merely consulted them to give me an overview on the car.

As said I have now purchased the car and am "stuck" with it.

Contrary to what you may think by looking at this thread my car is actually in near perfect condition. I could dig deeper into the mileage (where and how I don't know) which would probabaly end up in me having wasted time and coming up with nothing more than what the current odometer is telling me.

The links are worn, I'll make sure it gets replaced and the suspension setup given a once over by BMW and properly repaired if needed and then I'll enjoy my car and move on with my life.

The fact that all these guys are guru's who offered their help is great and I do appreciate it, and I feel that is what the forum is here for in the first place.

Cool i trust things will only be better from here. Regarding being stuck nope, you wrong there. You bought it 4 weeks ago and you have 5 months of CPA law in your favor over the vehicle. Exercise it if you need to, its there to help you.

Saffers got to get more into using it as it seems like a task but it bodes best endings especially for your head earned cash.

But hopefully this is just a mis-diagnosis, your car looks mint from the time I saw your intro thread so i hazard its a misdiagnosis rather than anything else, and crossing fingers for that be the reason too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[/quote]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll make sure I exercise my rights in terms of the CPA should it be needed.

I'll hopefully have the dealership run through the car within the next day or two and report here with some (hopefully good) news :coolShake:

 

[tman]

Keep us up to date with what happens.

Hope you get sorted :thumbs:

 

[BadBoy23]

good luck bud, I know exactly how you feel

 

[FerdiBotha]

good luck bud, I know exactly how you feel

Thanks man!

It's not something I'm just going to let slide past.

If I purchased the car privately I would have to live with it, but that's why I opted to purchase from a dealer and have some piece of mind.

The basics we're not gone through by the dealership which meant I bought a car off the floor which had to have the wheels balanced, valve caps replaced etc. Small little things that are enough to annoy fanatic endlessly.

I suppose not all dealerships are created equal.

 

[FerdiBotha]

UPDATE:

After a massive debate my car will finally be booked in at the dealer tomorrow morning.

The salesperson mailed me to tell me I should claim from my 3rd party warranty and that they would not be able to repair as they are already paying R5k for a towbar.

Unfortunately for them it's not really their choice as this is a major concern (as can be seen on the thread) and shouldn't need attention in the first place.

Needless to say I won't willingly do business with this dealership again. There's a reason why some have the reputation that they have.

 

[Dewald Basson]

Please tell me it is[/align] Clearwater BMW?

At least it is going in the right direction.

 

[FerdiBotha]

Please tell me it is[/align] Clearwater BMW?

At least it is going in the right direction.

I don't really want to name and shame (especially not before the work is carried out), but it's not Clearwater.

We're moving in the right direction now, but let's see how it works out.:coolShake: