What happens if BMW can't fix an issue

[kolosy]

So I've got an issue with my X5 where it arbitrarily opens its trunk. Clearly, this is a safety issue. Thankfully, this happened in front of the service rep, so they believe me (and it sounds like they've been able to replicate it as well).

After having the car for about 4 days, they're saying they see the issue, it's something BMW is aware of, but they don't know how to fix it. They aren't even asking me to take it back (which is good, because I wouldn't).

What's next? If they can't figure out what to do, what's my next step here? Ask them to buy it back? It's a 6 month-old lease.

[X5FX]

They will fix it...they aren't going to buy back a 6 month old lease.

[kolosy]

i hope they do - i don't need this headache, but that's not really an answer.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by kolosy

but that's not really an answer.

The car will be fixed...no doubt about it. They will replace the entire rear hatch before buying back the car.
You just have to demand that its fixed. As far as "whats next?"...BMW will have to tell you that...just stand firm and demand it gets solved and enjoy the loaner while they figure it out.

[kolosy]

Then I need a better loaner. In a 28 X3 right now :-/

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Then I need a better loaner. In a 28 X3 right now :-/

I would talk to your SA...generally I find if you are pleasant and state your case...they are reasonable. In the end they want you to be happy so you give them all 5 stars. I don't think its unreasonable to expect a loaner that is closer to your vehicle. I doubt you will get an X5 though. Think of it this way...right now your putting miles on someone elses vehicle.
I can't imagine this is going to take longer than a few weeks. They aren't going to waste time solving the problem, they want the loaner back.

[D808]

from my personal experience with a early production 2007 335. When my car went in for the fuel pump failure, they didn't know how to fix the problem. I had a loaner for almost a month. I called bmw corporate and asked that they make the lease payments until my car is fixed and they complied.

I'm sure if it's that much of problem and you are distressed about driving the loaner they will compensate you with lease payments.

[Kzang]

Look into your lemon law at your state.. or a buyback option with your dealer.

[seattledl]

Mine's done this a few times - actually about 5 times in one day a few months ago, but hasn't since...

Please post once they've sorted it out - and hopefully they do soon!

[X5FX]

Is this issue while driving or while parked?
Its happened to me twice while the vehicle was parked and I was working in the yard...I assumed I just accidentally hit the button in my pocket.

I thought you meant while driving when you first posted as you referred to a safety issue.

[twelve535i]

Not that it would be acceptable but I hope it's only happening when the car is parked. Can't imagine driving down a highway with a full cargo area stuff starts flying out....

Sounds like a good idea to ask for your monthly lease payments from BMW if the problem isn't solved soon.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by X5FX

Is this issue while driving or while parked?
Its happened to me twice while the vehicle was parked and I was working in the yard...I assumed I just accidentally hit the button in my pocket.

I thought you meant while driving when you first posted as you referred to a safety issue.

It has happened twice as well.. and I am convinced that I accidentally hit the trunk button as well. Thats why I want a key fob cover to prevent the accidental opening of the trunk.

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Kzang

It has happened twice as well.. and I am convinced that I accidentally hit the trunk button as well. Thats why I want a key fob cover to prevent the accidental opening of the trunk.

its hard to accidentally open the trunk. you need to press the button for like 2 seconds or more. a tap doesn't open the trunk.

[X5FX]

both times it happened to me I was working in the yard with key fob in my pocket...could have easily happened...and thats what I assumed happened until I read this thread closer.

[kolosy]

It happened to me with the engine running, but parked. It happened to my wife while she was backing out of the garage. The question there is it's possible it opened before she put it into gear and she didn't notice.

It's not an accidental press, and not a fob issue. I tried both fobs with the same effect. Also, when it happens, if I try to use the door panel to close, it starts complaining about a missing fob. Definitely some sort of computer glitch.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by akhter

its hard to accidentally open the trunk. you need to press the button for like 2 seconds or more. a tap doesn't open the trunk.

When you have your key in your pocket and press against something e.g desk, table etc. it opens the trunk, unlocks the car, or set the panic button off.

I try to remember to always face the button side of the remote to my body so that it doesn't get pressed onto something.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by kolosy

It happened to me with the engine running, but parked. It happened to my wife while she was backing out of the garage. The question there is it's possible it opened before she put it into gear and she didn't notice.

It's not an accidental press, and not a fob issue. I tried both fobs with the same effect. Also, when it happens, if I try to use the door panel to close, it starts complaining about a missing fob. Definitely some sort of computer glitch.

Right, your issue is separate and different.

[kolosy]

Update: we're on day 12 (business day 7) of my car sitting at the dealer with this issue. Got a call today from a different SA (mine's off on Tuesdays - a fact I wish I didn't need to know).

The call was basically a "so.. can you explain the issue again?"

Urge. To. Kill. Rising.

[UKMS]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Update: we're on day 12 (business day 7) of my car sitting at the dealer with this issue. Got a call today from a different SA (mine's off on Tuesdays - a fact I wish I didn't need to know).

The call was basically a "so.. can you explain the issue again?"

Urge. To. Kill. Rising.

Not sure about the US ..... but in the UK every service centre/dealership has a 'Master Technician' someone with many years of experience and usually know BMW's inside out ... worth taking time to make an appointment with him/her, discuss the issue and they will usually then take a personal interest in getting it sorted. My experience has always been good whenever they have been involved.

[kolosy]

Not sure if such a thing exists, but I'd imagine sitting on a car for 12 days should get everyone's attention. Especially since I'm riding around in their loaner (a '15 X5)

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Not sure if such a thing exists, but I'd imagine sitting on a car for 12 days should get everyone's attention. Especially since I'm riding around in their loaner (a '15 X5)

well congrats on the X5 loaner.
I would not stress then...you are putting miles on someone else vehicle. While yours just sits.

[kolosy]

Sure. And it starts to fall into "first world problems," but it's not *my* car, and while it's a very nice car, I'd like mine back at some point soon

(and by "starts to", I mean "is firmly entrenched in")