M6 shock gone 24K miles

[Exige77]

Just taken the M6 for new boots and fitter noticed one of the rear shocks blown.

It’s 4 years old now so out of warranty.

Seems a bit premature after only 24K miles ?

Will BMW wash their hands if it ? It is there a chance they might fix it even though out if warranty ?

[M5 London]

Give it a go ! I believe their support is good !

[Exige77]

Is it best to take it up with BMW or dealer ?

If BMW, can anybody point me in the right direction ?

Thanks

[MDifficult]

I've had similar things replaced on my BMW and MINI through their 'goodwill gestures'. Parts failing outside of warranty but well before they should. 24k on a shock is clearly unacceptable. In my case, it's saved me thousands and is one of the reasons I'm still a huge fan of the brands.

Typically, as long as you pay the labour, they pick up the cost for the parts and you get a 2 year warranty on all the work. It's worth saying that both my cars have full main-dealer service histories which probably helped with the discussion.

You need to take it up with your local dealer. They'll talk to BMW.

[XMT]

when you say rear shocks blown what exactly do you mean. thanks

[Exige77]

[Exige77]

Normal one for comparison

[Exige77]

Just been to local dealer. They’ve had a look, taken some photos and will submit a report to BMW and request goodwill gesture.

As it’s an M car, they said if BMW agree to a goodwill gesture, they will probably replace both sides.

Also, it’s a completion pack car, it has special dampers that have to be ordered from Germany and will take a few weeks.

Report back next week.

Thanks for replies

[XMT]

Exige77 said:

Wow! Did you feel a difference at all ? I thought you would be able to feel that given how bad it looks

[M5 London]

Exige77 said:

Just been to local dealer. They’ve had a look, taken some photos and will submit a report to BMW and request goodwill gesture.

As it’s an M car, they said if BMW agree to a goodwill gesture, they will probably replace both sides.

Also, it’s a completion pack car, it has special dampers that have to be ordered from Germany and will take a few weeks.

Report back next week.

Thanks for replies

I am pretty sure you'll be looked after on this one !

[XMT]

Now that you mention this OP my m6 looks a little odd too!!!

This is on level ground. Both rear. Drivers side i could hardly get space for a picture and looks drastically different from the passenger rear!

Edited by XMT on Saturday 21st July 18:42

[Exige77]

XMT said:

Exige77 said:

Wow! Did you feel a difference at all ? I thought you would be able to feel that given how bad it looks

Just done 3,000 odd miles in various hire cars and only been out locally a couple of times in the M6 in traffic. I commented twice to Mrs it felt a little strange on the way to get tyres fitted. Definitely very noticeable.

[Max Maxasson]

EU & UK consumer regs cover this sort of failure...where an expensive item fails in an unreasonably short period of time or low mileage in this case.
So its not so much goodwill as not exposing themselves to legal action if they refused.

[Sheepshanks]

XMT said:

Now that you mention this OP my m6 looks a little odd too!!!

This is on level ground. Both rear. Drivers side i could hardly get space for a picture and looks drastically different from the passenger rear!

Spring broken.

[AW10]

XMT said:

Now that you mention this OP my m6 looks a little odd too!!!

This is on level ground. Both rear. Drivers side i could hardly get space for a picture and looks drastically different from the passenger rear!

Edited by XMT on Saturday 21st July 18:42

Not sure just what space you're referring to. Bear in mind that the wheel arches will look different inside as the right one will have the fuel filler pipe and perhaps more lowering the liner within the arch.

If you suspect a broken spring measure the vertical distance from the bottom wheel lip through the wheel's centre point to the bottom edge of the wheel arch lip - a broken spring should show up as noticeable difference between left and right.

[XMT]

AW10 said:

XMT said:

Now that you mention this OP my m6 looks a little odd too!!!

This is on level ground. Both rear. Drivers side i could hardly get space for a picture and looks drastically different from the passenger rear!

Edited by XMT on Saturday 21st July 18:42

Not sure just what space you're referring to. Bear in mind that the wheel arches will look different inside as the right one will have the fuel filler pipe and perhaps more lowering the liner within the arch.

If you suspect a broken spring measure the vertical distance from the bottom wheel lip through the wheel's centre point to the bottom edge of the wheel arch lip - a broken spring should show up as noticeable difference between left and right.

Just checked. 4cm. Seems quite a chunk

[AW10]

Yes - 4cm is almost certainly a broken spring.

[Exige77]

Just had an update from BMW.

After a bit of back and forth, BMW have agreed to pay 80% of the parts cost (both sides dampers and related parts) and also give a new 2 year warranty on said parts.

Total bill is around £2650. My contribution is £850 ish.

Not a bad result I think.

Thanks all for your advice

[Burwood]

2650! bloody hell. I guess you're glad for the contribution but $850 is still a bit of a sting for a low mile car. Pot holes?

[MDifficult]

Exige77 said:

Just had an update from BMW.

After a bit of back and forth, BMW have agreed to pay 80% of the parts cost (both sides dampers and related parts) and also give a new 2 year warranty on said parts.

Total bill is around £2650. My contribution is £850 ish.

Not a bad result I think.

Thanks all for your advice

That sounds about right - good result.