BMW warranty policies and track day

[getcarter]

I said I'd let you guys know of the outcome of my dispute with BMW.

(posted here and on the BMW bit of this forum)

In today's (12/11/02) Autocar there is a letter from me regarding this (I was asked to write it by Autocar to see if there are other BMW drivers out there who have had the same problems.)

In case you missed the previous thread: I took my M3E46 on a few non-competitive track days (and as I was getting through a set of brake pads every day - BMW became aware of the fact that I was doing said track days). But when a pin locating the flywheel heat-shrunk and came adrift, causing the webbing to break inside the gearbox - I needed a new clutch, flywheel and gearbox. (ouch).

BMW refused to pay for this. I was told by the BMW dealer that this repair was not covered under the terms of the BMW warranty, due to the fact that ‘racing, rallying or other competitive sports’ were specifically excluded.

I was then told that my ENTIRE BMW warranty was now invalid.

There then followed 5 letters from my lawyer to BMW explaining that a non-competitive driver improvement track day is not 'racing, rallying or a competative sport' and in each five replies BMW refused point blank to respond to this point.

They did however, under threat of litigation agree to re-instate the warranty, but have made it completely clear that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will any defect that occurs whilst on ANY form of driver improvement day (including skid pans) be covered by the warranty.

They also refused to refund the money I spent on repairs.

I have today sent out a news release to all the motoring press, daily newspapers, consumer associations and relevant TV programmes to let people know of this situation.

The deputy Editor of Autocar's reaction was kind of typical of what I've heard back so far "what do they think the M stands for!"

My simple advice to any of you that are considering taking your car on a track is - don't tell BMW.

If any others out there have had similar problems, I'd be very interested to know (as would Autocar magazine).

You can e mail me: [e-mail]

If you would like to read the news release I have put a copy on the net ... here >>
www.stevecarter.com/news-release.htm

Thanks to Dom for his great assistance with this.

Steve

>>> Edited by getcarter on Tuesday 12th November 14:06

[getcarter]

Finally got a result in my dispute with BMW. Having piled the pressure on with press and public opinion - I think BMW finally realised this was going to look REALLY bad for them.

My lawyer got a letter from the Managing Director of BMW (GB) today... the important bits below:

"In an effort to address the main issue of your client's complaint, I would agree that the attendance of the track event by your client as described should not be likened to "racing, rallying or a competitive sport", where even a high performance road going vehicle such as an M3 will require modification to avoid extreme wear and/or failure of engine, suspension or associated components. I would deem our refusal to cover the costs of this repair under the terms of our warranty unacceptable. I will therefore ensure that Mr Carter receives full reimbursement for the repairs carried out. I will also ensure that the wording in our warranty documentation is updated to avoid any further ambiguity."

Thanks to all who gave support - especially Dom from this forum.

>> Edited by getcarter on Monday 2nd December 13:52

[getcarter]

Daz

Don't know, but I'll post if I hear anything

Steve