Watch Out, I bought my in the DC Metro area

My first experience with a BMW is turning out to be probably my last.

2 months ago, I decided to buy my first BMW, a 330ci Convertible with all the works. Since, this car has been in the service department of my dealership more times than on the road. I am so frustrated that I have began a campaign to discourage any of my friends and neighbors to buy a BMW, especially from my dealership. Afterall, they've seen the tow trucks at my home 3 times now.

Can it be that Germany shipped over a lemon and now I'm stuck with it? Here is a list of all the issues on a car which I've driven less than 1,500 miles:

- Replaced clutch
- BMW Assist does not function
- Both side mirrors inopertable
- Trunk latch won't open (unless with key)
- Convertible top won't function with the door key function
- Convertible top won't funtion at all
- Car won't go into reverse gear

I own other "high performance" vehicles, but this BMW has got to be the worst. My dealership was more concerned about selling me the car than the customer service. Since, I've spoken with the GM of the dealership and he has insisted that "every car has its problems," to that I say, give me a break!

At this point, I'm happy to return the car and buy a Mercedes.
Feel free to email me if you thinking of a BMW. I will even tell you where not to buy one!

you're having such bad luck.I'm on my 4th BMW, still have two.They,ve all had their gremlins but no biggies. Well, there were some issues with the '94 530i. I've never bought new or from a dealer. I,m now looking for E39 M5 and an E24 M6. I'm hooked!

Cheers!
John
85 M635CSi
88 M3

I called and left a message, but got no response. I'd really like to find a blue M6. There's a couple for sale in Boston area, might take a road trip to check them out.

I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune but please don't condem all BMW's because of one. I am currently on my fourth with 2 in the driveway and my wifes 5th. I would drive these cars to Ca. without hesitation. As a BMW tech it sounds like you are getting a bum rap from your dealer and that the clown working on your car is what we call a step child(all textbook and no real expiearnce) A young BMW master tech is in my opinion an overeducated idiot with no concept of the real world of cars. On a personal note you own an e-46 which is a mistake, the 3's were suposed to be the entry level sports car and BMW tried too hard to make them 7's. If you can convince your dealer to ship your car to Charlottesville let me know and I Will talk to the service manager to make sure the car is repaired. I work at an independant BMW shop so we won't be able to help you but I do have friends.
On a side note it sounds like your car needs a bcm(body control module) and the wire harness to go with it.
Rwok

... that will allow such customer dis-satisfaction.
'65 Saab 96 4spd
BimmerShifter since:
'69 1602 4spd
'72 2002tii 4spd
'72 Bavaria 4spd & dual Webers
'80 528iA
'82 733i 5-spd
<img src="http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/gallery/photos/photos-10-2003/25-2560840.jpg" height=122 width=200>
'93 850CiA
<img src="http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/gallery/photos/photos-10-2003/25-1767127.jpg" height=122 width=200>

<p>Dan Smith<br /><font size="-2"><i>Arlington, VA<br />BMWCCA Member since 2003</i></font><br /><a href="http://dvsmith.net/forum/" target="_blank">dvsmith.net/forum</a></p><table border="0" cellspacing=6 cellpadding=0><tr><td align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWm.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWm_tn.jpg" width=100 height=133 border=0><br><font size="-2">click any to enlarge</font></a></td><td height="100%" align="right" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="133"><tr><td valign="top"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_Jeff.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_Jeff_tn.jpg" width=100 height=60 border=0></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWp.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWp_tn.jpg" width=100 height=65 border=0></a></td></tr></table></td></tr></table>

I'm guessing since your IP is in Rockville, that you're referring to VOB.

Try calling <a href="http://www.mileone.com/region/md/div/hgt/t/bmw/home.htm" target="_blank">Tischer</a>, <a href="http://home.bmwofsterling.com/index.asp" target="_blank">Sterling</a> or <a href="http://www.bmwtowson.com/" target="_blank">Towson</a> and explaining the issues you've been having. And after they've looked over the car and given you their opinion on whether or not it's a lemon, write/fax a nice, eloquent but firm letter to BMW North America explaining just how unhappy you are over the way you've been treated and about your experience with your 330ic<p>Dan Smith<br /><font size="-2"><i>Arlington, VA<br />BMWCCA Member since 2003</i></font><br /><a href="http://dvsmith.net/forum/" target="_blank">dvsmith.net/forum</a></p><table border="0" cellspacing=6 cellpadding=0><tr><td align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWm.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWm_tn.jpg" width=100 height=133 border=0><br><font size="-2">click any to enlarge</font></a></td><td height="100%" align="right" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="133"><tr><td valign="top"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_Jeff.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_Jeff_tn.jpg" width=100 height=60 border=0></td></tr><tr><td valign="bottom"><a target="_blank" href="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWp.jpg" style="text-decoration: none"><img src="http://members.roadfly.org/mustang_dvs/SHARKD/sharkd_GWp_tn.jpg" width=100 height=65 border=0></a></td></tr></table></td></tr></table>

VOB - stay away!

I will be retiring to Madison in January and will need a place to tkae my E85 for non-warrenty work.

Thanks

Bill Rowe
wrowe@cpsc.gov