Warranty Question
Discussion
After some advice.
Bought a car three months ago privately.
Car is a 64 plate ex BMW show car (highest specs). Car in question has the N57 engine.
Car has BMW extended warranty.
Car has had 4 MOTs to date.
First MOT 2019 (mileage was 2400)
Second 2020 (mileage was 2500).
Third 2021 MOT (mileage was 8000).
Fourth 2022 MOT (mileage was 17000).
Next MOT due September 2023
I have done all the checks/ vcheck and comes clear.
I even called the garage where the first and second MOTs were done and he confirmed they are next to the BMW distribution centre (Doncaster) and the car was actually BMW’s. The following MOTs were performed by Strastone BMW.
Car has been meticulously serviced by BMW throughout this time (all logged on the iDrive).
Guy (second owner after BMW) I bought car from had it for two and half years (mileage now 26000).
Since I bought it occasionally will have a rough idle for the first 10-20 seconds mainly in the morning (when engine is cold). Car runs smoothly/ no smoke/ no performance issues. I even got 37mpg from a 500 miles trip recently (which I believe was impressive for such heavy car).
Car was due for a recall (airbag) so I have asked them to look at the issue.
Went to collect car and was advised diagnostics showed faulty 1 Injector and 4 glow plugs and parts have been ordered.
I have asked if they could change all the 6 glow plugs and the reply was they can only change the 4 faulty ones. I therefore asked I will pay for the other two.
Car booked in for 26/6.
Car went in and they took three days to fit the parts (apparently due to busy workshop).
Had an email from SA that car is ready to collect that afternoon. Following his email he called to tell me that actually after a road test the same issue remains and they still have to run more diagnostics.
They have to follow BMW guidance and next step was a compression test which I was told showed 18.22 in cylinder 1 and 22 in cylinder 2.
And apparently the car failed the smooth running test.
They want to strip the engine to find out what the issue is. And apparently I have to approve this (will cost >£5000 ; which I have declined. Their rational is they have to follow BMW guidance.
As when they changed the injector it was rusty, they are suggesting that the engine might have been flooded in the past. I have asked how that could be the case with no signs either externally or internally of any signs of flood.
Their technician has been spending the last day trying to find any signs of flood (which the SA mentioned in an email that they can’t find any signs so far).
I had a meeting with their service manager and he suggests that he could strip the engine for £2500.
So scenarios are:
1. They don’t find any signs of flood and therefore BMW warranty approves repair (might be new engine) and pay for the diagnostics (£2500).
2. They don’t find any signs of flood and therefore BMW warranty approved repair BUT I have to pay for the diagnostics (£2500).
3. They find signs of flood (which so far they can’t find but that’s why they want to strip the engine) and therefore I have to pay for both the diagnostics + engine rebuild (or even new engine).
4. They find signs of flood and I have to pay for the diagnostics (£2500) and then I remove the car (with a stripped engine to any other garage to get it sorted).
I have contacted an Engine specialist who quoted £6500 + VAT for an engine rebuild.
So at the moment the car is still with them. I asked them to change the glow plug module as adviced by a BMW specialist (which apparently I have to pay £340 for as their diagnostics did not show it is faulty). As it is the least invasive option, I have asked them to proceed.
I just find it very frustrating and overwhelming. A car with only 26k miles on the clock with a minor issue (occasional cold rough idle) with a full BMW service history and extended warranty is now requiring an engine strip +/- new engine.
Shall I take the car and get a compression test done somewhere else?
So where do I stand and what do people advice?
Bought a car three months ago privately.
Car is a 64 plate ex BMW show car (highest specs). Car in question has the N57 engine.
Car has BMW extended warranty.
Car has had 4 MOTs to date.
First MOT 2019 (mileage was 2400)
Second 2020 (mileage was 2500).
Third 2021 MOT (mileage was 8000).
Fourth 2022 MOT (mileage was 17000).
Next MOT due September 2023
I have done all the checks/ vcheck and comes clear.
I even called the garage where the first and second MOTs were done and he confirmed they are next to the BMW distribution centre (Doncaster) and the car was actually BMW’s. The following MOTs were performed by Strastone BMW.
Car has been meticulously serviced by BMW throughout this time (all logged on the iDrive).
Guy (second owner after BMW) I bought car from had it for two and half years (mileage now 26000).
Since I bought it occasionally will have a rough idle for the first 10-20 seconds mainly in the morning (when engine is cold). Car runs smoothly/ no smoke/ no performance issues. I even got 37mpg from a 500 miles trip recently (which I believe was impressive for such heavy car).
Car was due for a recall (airbag) so I have asked them to look at the issue.
Went to collect car and was advised diagnostics showed faulty 1 Injector and 4 glow plugs and parts have been ordered.
I have asked if they could change all the 6 glow plugs and the reply was they can only change the 4 faulty ones. I therefore asked I will pay for the other two.
Car booked in for 26/6.
Car went in and they took three days to fit the parts (apparently due to busy workshop).
Had an email from SA that car is ready to collect that afternoon. Following his email he called to tell me that actually after a road test the same issue remains and they still have to run more diagnostics.
They have to follow BMW guidance and next step was a compression test which I was told showed 18.22 in cylinder 1 and 22 in cylinder 2.
And apparently the car failed the smooth running test.
They want to strip the engine to find out what the issue is. And apparently I have to approve this (will cost >£5000 ; which I have declined. Their rational is they have to follow BMW guidance.
As when they changed the injector it was rusty, they are suggesting that the engine might have been flooded in the past. I have asked how that could be the case with no signs either externally or internally of any signs of flood.
Their technician has been spending the last day trying to find any signs of flood (which the SA mentioned in an email that they can’t find any signs so far).
I had a meeting with their service manager and he suggests that he could strip the engine for £2500.
So scenarios are:
1. They don’t find any signs of flood and therefore BMW warranty approves repair (might be new engine) and pay for the diagnostics (£2500).
2. They don’t find any signs of flood and therefore BMW warranty approved repair BUT I have to pay for the diagnostics (£2500).
3. They find signs of flood (which so far they can’t find but that’s why they want to strip the engine) and therefore I have to pay for both the diagnostics + engine rebuild (or even new engine).
4. They find signs of flood and I have to pay for the diagnostics (£2500) and then I remove the car (with a stripped engine to any other garage to get it sorted).
I have contacted an Engine specialist who quoted £6500 + VAT for an engine rebuild.
So at the moment the car is still with them. I asked them to change the glow plug module as adviced by a BMW specialist (which apparently I have to pay £340 for as their diagnostics did not show it is faulty). As it is the least invasive option, I have asked them to proceed.
I just find it very frustrating and overwhelming. A car with only 26k miles on the clock with a minor issue (occasional cold rough idle) with a full BMW service history and extended warranty is now requiring an engine strip +/- new engine.
Shall I take the car and get a compression test done somewhere else?
So where do I stand and what do people advice?
Edited by ABMA on Thursday 13th July 00:57
Usually the N57 suffers glow plugs, glow plug module and the odd injector issue which minus the module have all been tried and they are correct in you paying for that in terms of warranty.
The compression test could be concerning, but i would have thought the issue would there all the time. But I will say I think it is the only route to go down stripping the head, sorry more so after a smooth running test fail and I have seen more bearing issues on N57s.
The compression test could be concerning, but i would have thought the issue would there all the time. But I will say I think it is the only route to go down stripping the head, sorry more so after a smooth running test fail and I have seen more bearing issues on N57s.
Edited by Ninja59 on Thursday 13th July 01:53
Ninja59 said:
Usually the N57 suffers glow plugs, glow plug module and the odd injector issue which minus the module have all been tried and they are correct in you paying for that in terms of warranty.
The compression test could be concerning, but i would have thought the issue would there all the time. But I will say I think it is the only route to go down stripping the head, sorry more so after a smooth running test fail and I have seen more bearing issues on N57s.
Thank you for the reply.The compression test could be concerning, but i would have thought the issue would there all the time. But I will say I think it is the only route to go down stripping the head, sorry more so after a smooth running test fail and I have seen more bearing issues on N57s.
Edited by Ninja59 on Thursday 13th July 01:53
I am happy to pay for the glow plug module as for me it makes sense to get it changed specially when the glow plugs have been changed.
Apparently car had a smooth running test fail.
So I am in limbo as to advice them to strip engine or not?
Dimebars said:
The car has an extended BMW warranty, yet they want you to pay for this work to rectify the rough idle?
The extended warranty is basically an insurance policy and not the manufacturer new-car warranty so, while it's pretty comprehensive, it'll only pay out if it meets the terms - if it doesn't you'll be landed with the bill. From what I've read, they are saying they are happy to take on the work, but there is no guarantees the warranty will cover what they find.Unfortunately, OP it's a gamble, but you need to weigh up how much of an issue this is for you and how much you want it fixed. Could it get worse and lead to a catastrophic failure or is it just a minor annoyance to live with. Ultimately, stripping it down seems like the right next logical step...
Chris
ScoobyChris said:
The extended warranty is basically an insurance policy and not the manufacturer new-car warranty so, while it's pretty comprehensive, it'll only pay out if it meets the terms - if it doesn't you'll be landed with the bill. From what I've read, they are saying they are happy to take on the work, but there is no guarantees the warranty will cover what they find.
Unfortunately, OP it's a gamble, but you need to weigh up how much of an issue this is for you and how much you want it fixed. Could it get worse and lead to a catastrophic failure or is it just a minor annoyance to live with. Ultimately, stripping it down seems like the right next logical step...
Chris
Yeah I understand the risk of the warranty not covering it, but surely in this instance, it's more of a warning of what the costs could be as opposed to "you have to pay, Sir"Unfortunately, OP it's a gamble, but you need to weigh up how much of an issue this is for you and how much you want it fixed. Could it get worse and lead to a catastrophic failure or is it just a minor annoyance to live with. Ultimately, stripping it down seems like the right next logical step...
Chris
ScoobyChris said:
The extended warranty is basically an insurance policy and not the manufacturer new-car warranty so, while it's pretty comprehensive, it'll only pay out if it meets the terms - if it doesn't you'll be landed with the bill. From what I've read, they are saying they are happy to take on the work, but there is no guarantees the warranty will cover what they find.
The same happens with a new car warranty - they always want to charge a diagnosis fee in case there's no-fault-found so they can't claim it back. Some dealers waive it, some are more hard-faced.Obviously the evidence could suggest the car has been mildly hydrolocked. If it's done it since the current owner bought it then you'd have to assume the previous owner knew it was a problem and got shut of it.
An update:
Spent the best part of the morning on the phone with BMW extended warranty. I have to admit a very knowledgeable advisor.
He confirmed that the warranty should cover both the diagnostic and the repair (up to the car value).
So I am back to the dealer now that they should get the approval from the warranty Co.
I thought the whole idea of choosing the extended warranty is to avoid all the hassle from third party warranties.
Let’s see what they come with.
Spent the best part of the morning on the phone with BMW extended warranty. I have to admit a very knowledgeable advisor.
He confirmed that the warranty should cover both the diagnostic and the repair (up to the car value).
So I am back to the dealer now that they should get the approval from the warranty Co.
I thought the whole idea of choosing the extended warranty is to avoid all the hassle from third party warranties.
Let’s see what they come with.
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