Computer glitches/Battery troubles?

[dkhm3]

it's been my experience that if multiple problems start with a bmw, then the car will continue to have problems throughout. I've had 3 x5's and I can tell you they are the worst in reliability compared to the other models in the line. I suppose it has to do with the Spartanburg plant. I have tried other suv brands, but hated the driving experience, so i'm back in another x5.

sounds like you did the right thing and are now getting a new one.

you mentioned you had 3 lemon cases? that's a lot of lemons for one family to have.

[UrbanExtant]

Originally Posted by dkhm3

it's been my experience that if multiple problems start with a bmw, then the car will continue to have problems throughout. I've had 3 x5's and I can tell you they are the worst in reliability compared to the other models in the line. I suppose it has to do with the Spartanburg plant. I have tried other suv brands, but hated the driving experience, so i'm back in another x5.

sounds like you did the right thing and are now getting a new one.

you mentioned you had 3 lemon cases? that's a lot of lemons for one family to have.

The crazy thing about those three cases is they involved one brand, and all occurred in one year's time. This was what happenened to each car:

1) transmission failed three times
2) electronic steering failed multiples times
3) ate two quarts of oil every 500 miles

Up until this current X5 M, I've never had a major problem with BMW, and they've been my favorite brand.

[knepsterd]

Sounds like classic Audi problems

[UrbanExtant]

Originally Posted by knepsterd

Sounds like classic Audi problems

And you win the prize, they were all Audis.

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by UrbanExtant

And you win the prize, they were all Audis.

shocking


r u going to get a different color? eta?

[UrbanExtant]

Originally Posted by dkhm3

shocking


r u going to get a different color? eta?

No answers yet. I won't know if they are going to give me a new car, or not, until sometime this week.

If they agree to replace it, yes, I will order different exterior and interior colors, simply so I won't be reminded of this past one every time I look at it.

[cmyx6go]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. That sucks. I hope they step up to the plate and put you in a new one.

I get you're friends with the dealership but you're not being difficult, You are not taking advantage of a friendship and asking for something not warranted or justified. I see it the other way. THEY should take it upon themselves to pursue on your behalf, not just because it is justified but more so because of the relationship. Unless, as someone else had mentioned, the issues are due to something the dealership caused during a service, it should be their dime to make it right. Regardless, keeping fingers crossed for you.

[ozx5]

Hey Urbanextant

Sorry to hear about your troubles there mate

I would be extremely frustrated by all this

I hear your dilemma... I'd jump ship to a new (different make and model of car once it's fixed) - but I'm assuming you are like me, in that there is nothing that can really substitute the overall package - performance, tech, features etc

Such a shame, you end up with a car that could be deemed a lemon

Your dealership should -

1) Honour a new vehicle (after all the experience (read heartache and drama)) you've encountered assuming your a customer who is not even a friend

2)Def honour the above - given that you are a friend (no brainer)

3) Have BMW honour their Obligations (this may make it easier for the dealer)

..... I mean with the safety aspect - they should have put the order in with a big apology on the day... Either way get a new one, picking a diff colour combo is a great starting point

I wish you the best with the outcome for this week...

It's stuff like this that has my mates in new Lexus' laughing at me and my M at the pub

[UrbanExtant]

First, thanks to everyone offering their advice, and support. It has been helpful throughout all of this.

Having been through defective/lemon cars before with a manufacturer, the dealer is helpless to simply replace the vehicle, unless they are the ones willing to foot the bill. The real power comes from the parent company, read: BMWNA, in this situation. It should come from the parent company, they built the defective car, not the dealership. The dealership just ordered it from them, for me. I didn't even take delivery at the dealership, I took delivery at the factory, via The Performance Center.

The dealership has been doing what they are able to. They answered corporate's request for production of documents within a few hours. My case advisor even commented that was one of the quickest turnarounds she's seen.

The dealership took the X5 M in off the flatbed tow truck Friday, and provided me my pick of loaner cars, including a 7 series. I chose the M235 Convertible, since it's a really fun little car to drive, and we have great weather right now to drive with the top down.

I have stressed with the dealership they truly need to do anything and everything they can to get corporate to make the right move in this situation.

The key to my car, since it has been deemed unsafe to drive by my corporate case manager, is locked where only a small few are able to access it. Nothing will be done with the vehicle until the dealership has been contacted by corporate.

All of this spiraled out of control on Friday, leaving the weekend to sit and wait for Monday to come around, when the people who can fix this mess will be back at work.

I truly hope they honor taking this dud back, and ordering me a new one with different colors of my choosing. All I am certain about right now is, I definitely don't want the one back they have now. Too many things have gone wrong with it, too many serious things, and after Friday's experience, I'll never feel safe in that particular car again. It's been said to me too many times, "we've fixed it!" where it's turned out it has not been fixed, and the issues keep getting worse and more serious.

[Luca42]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Sorry to hear about your troubles. That sucks. I hope they step up to the plate and put you in a new one.

I get you're friends with the dealership but you're not being difficult, You are not taking advantage of a friendship and asking for something not warranted or justified. I see it the other way. THEY should take it upon themselves to pursue on your behalf, not just because it is justified but more so because of the relationship. Unless, as someone else had mentioned, the issues are due to something the dealership caused during a service, it should be their dime to make it right. Regardless, keeping fingers crossed for you.

I agree. +1.

You're not being difficult.

Difficult is when you go to LaBella's on Staten Island and someone in a black sapphire X6 M keeps parking in your spot on a Sunday morning. #GrrrrSundays!!

[merkinnorth]

Found with both our 2011 and 2013 X5 diesels had huge battery drain and both needed battery replacements at the end of 2yrs. Dealer said was cost of owning!

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by Luca42

I agree. +1.

You're not being difficult.

Difficult is when you go to LaBella's on Staten Island and someone in a black sapphire X6 M keeps parking in your spot on a Sunday morning. #GrrrrSundays!!

You sir are a ball buster lol

[Alan l.]

A new car is guaranteed IMO. There really is no other option. I've been through two trade assists with BMW for lesser issues than you and they took care of me 100% both times. I've even specced the replacement car slightly more expensive having the dealer foot the difference for my stress and aggravation.

Given that your situation is putting your life at risk there is no way they won't let you order a new car.

Might as well finalize the spec for the new car so when it's time you are ready to rock and roll.

Alan

[UrbanExtant]

The infamous custom Individual Manufaktur M4 arrived this afternoon. Here it is in all of its $109k Atlantis Metallic -399 color scheme glory. Everything inside is leather, including full doors, and everything in the backseat, few hard plastic bits, the thread was dyed to match the exterior, and interior trim was painted in the exterior color. It has the comp pack and all options.

The dealership has extended us an offer to "fix" the X5 M situation that is worth considering. BMWNA is still silent, and unresponsive. Hugely disappointed in BMWNA, but my dealership has shown themselves to be the kind of people that have made us forge such a strong relationship with them, and continue to want to send people from around the country to for their BMWs.

[onfireX5]

Mega Killer ! Really like those seats.

[atxgt3]

Love the blue inside! Good choice on going with leather on everything. Looks beautiful and definitely unique.

[UrbanExtant]

Thanks, all! It took a total of 7 months to design this car. I worked with my GM, and the VIP Special Order Exec on the project. Every color, every line of stitching had to be color matched, and checked multiple times to make sure it was exactly what I was designing. The whole car exceeds every expectation I had for it.

I'm still hugely disappointed BMWNA has not offered any resolution to the X5 M. The offer from the dealer is good, but nothing like what BMWNA could, and should be offering. Tomorrow is a new day, maybe someone will wake up and decide to do the "right" thing.....

[UrbanExtant]

A few more photos.

[WCH]

Amazing M4. Tastefully done.

[vince7870]

Originally Posted by UrbanExtant

Thanks, I agree. I told them today I don't ever want it back. I will never feel safe in that particular car when it's computer issues today brought me within 6 inches of driving off a 15 foot ledge into wooded wetland conservation land.

My one request with the replacement I asked for, if they approve it, is I get to pick different colors, but keep the same options. I don't want another Donington Grey over Mugello, because it will forever remind me of the horrible 15 month experience I've had with this one.

That's were you messed up :-). Should should have let it go into the wetlands and contacted a lawyer! With my clicking front wheels I take every turn as hard as possible...I pray for it to lock up and send me into a two tumble situation....the airbags will prevent any serious harm and then look out! I have Giuliani old law firm on my speed dial.

[cmyx6go]

Sweet ride! Congrats and enjoy. I love the contrast stitching.

[Luca42]

Urban!

That's insane! Love the photos.

Drop the keyboard! Let's go for a ride!

Since no one else called it, I've got shotgun!

Amazing color. I can't wait to see that shine in the sun! Great choice.