Where do I stand? Garage says I need a new bonnet!

[TeaVR]

Evening all. I'm having a bad day today

Took my car (BMW Z4 MK1 3.0) into a local garage for an MOT. Friday evening they called me and said it needed new pads (fine) but also that they could no longer shut the bonnet. They said that it would need a new latch. Not happy, but I said fine.

Today they ring me up and say that it's not the latch, but instead a part inside the bonnet (between the outer skin and the inner skin) that has broken off. This part is not replacable and according to BMW the car will need a new bonnet - £1000+. Appologies at this point as I know little more than this.

Now, talking to friends they've suggested that it may well have been the garage that have forced the bonnet and caused the problem. Question for those of you in the BMW know - is this likely?

Also, where do I stand legally? Am I within my rights to query if they have broken it? If they simple say "NO", what can I do?

Help please

[TeaVR]

Jimmyarm said:

When was the last time you opened the bonnet ?

Couple of weeks ago to fill up the squirties

[TeaVR]

Globs said:

I would go along and inspect the bonnet first.

I suspect a captive nut has become less captive, not a cause for a new bonnet IMO. This thread does remind me why I do my own servicing however!

I think "Captive nut" was mentioned in the telephone conversation come to think of it. 7

I'm frustrated by this as I simply don't understand. I guess an inspection is in order - if only I knew what I was bloody looking for!

[TeaVR]

AMST09 said:

Take it somewhere else to get another opinion

That way well be a good call.

[TeaVR]

Thanks for all your replies so far guys.

Just spoken to the garage.

They say that the striker is attached to the bonnet via a captive fixing that is pressed and bonded into the bonnet. It's the fixing that has apparently come away (hence why BMW are saying it's a new bonnet job). I've asked for some pictures to be sent to me.

They've also assured that they did not slam the bonnet.

[TeaVR]

Or maybe weld the ****ing shut and trade it in.

So ****** off - hardly ever drive the car, was going to sell it privately in the Spring

[TeaVR]

It will be going to a BMW indie once I get it back. I'll get him to look at it. I'll be informing the original garage of this. Obviously the original garage will play innocent, so then I guess it's a matter of going to the small claims court?

[TeaVR]

One point, apparently the bonnet is aluminium! Isn't this going to make life awkward?

[TeaVR]

redstu said:

TeaVR said:

It will be going to a BMW indie once I get it back. I'll get him to look at it. I'll be informing the original garage of this. Obviously the original garage will play innocent, so then I guess it's a matter of going to the small claims court?

you will need some solid evidence or a witness otherwise its your word against theirs.

Very good point - but I don't see that I have any other options.

It seems that when they (the mechanics) took the car in to the shop, they couldn't easily release the bonnet. They applied a little pressure to the front of the bonnet and it then popped. HOWEVER, they could not then lift the bonnet and used a degree of force to open it. I suspect this is what broke it. Can I prove this - no.

I love cars, but over the years they have been the centre of much irritation. This is no exception!

[TeaVR]

hora said:

So it broke whilst in their care.

You didn't drive in with it as a complaint.

I'd contact BMW head office with this angle

I can't prove that it broke in their care. They claim that the part failed the last time the bonet was shut.

It's not a BMW dealer. Car was in for just an MOT (which I needed to get done quickly).

[TeaVR]

-Z- said:

Is everyone blind/hard of reading?

ITS NOT AT A BMW DEALER!

Thanks -Z- First time I've smiled during this thread

[TeaVR]

hora said:

Ah. Right. This puts a different spin on things.

I feel they gauged you walking in and decided you have enough money to fk over.

Bloody clever then - I dropped the car off the night before it's MOT (key through the door)

[TeaVR]

BliarOut said:

:taptap: Is this thing working?

I hear you mate. I'll be showing this (and other suggestions) to the indie when I take the car round to them.

Thing is, I've not even seen the car yet, and can't really get an appreciation of it all until it's in front of me Besides, I rely on you guys for mechanical input

I did however (once) manage to -

1. Change a water pump on an Opel Kadett (not Oliver )
2. Changes the pads on a 2.0 Cav
3. Replace the battery on a Chimaera (using a tractor battery!).
4. Um.......... that's about it.

[TeaVR]

Efbe said:

OP- I think its time to upgrade your car a bit.

try these:

Yeh, resale isn't going to be effected!

[TeaVR]

hora said:

Efbe said:

OP- I think its time to upgrade your car a bit.

try these:

Why are those on that thing?

Obvious. He took the car to the same garage as me!