My AM experience so far...
Discussion
When AM decided to do the necessary work required to get the V12V to pass the crash tests in the States, I was very excited. Saw the first example at a car show in Boston earlier this year in January. Was blown away at its appearance and performance numbers.
Fast forward 11 months and I see one at the local AM dealer outside of Boston. After several weeks of negotiations, a carbon black version was delivered to my door and I waved goodbye to my R8 5.2.
Enjoyed the car for about 300 miles before it shook rather violently, like a terribly matched downshift. Lots of red and yellow warning lights and of course the ubiquitous emissions statement on the dash.
Had the car trucked to the dealer where the gas pedal (potentiometer) was replaced, along with a new engine control unit sent from AM. That process took 10 days. Picked it up and drove the 75 miles home. As soon as I got home, same warning lights and emissions/engine statements popped up. Car was again picked up and resides at the dealer. Service manager says the computer is reading the same message as before. Calls and data have been sent to AM.
Mixed feelings. Still want to drive the wheels off this car, but confidence for long road trips is ebbing, if it can be fixed at all. That's the part that really wrangles me. Love to drive and take tours. Never had a situation like this with a new car. Guess I'm just disappointed.
Comments welcome.
Fast forward 11 months and I see one at the local AM dealer outside of Boston. After several weeks of negotiations, a carbon black version was delivered to my door and I waved goodbye to my R8 5.2.
Enjoyed the car for about 300 miles before it shook rather violently, like a terribly matched downshift. Lots of red and yellow warning lights and of course the ubiquitous emissions statement on the dash.
Had the car trucked to the dealer where the gas pedal (potentiometer) was replaced, along with a new engine control unit sent from AM. That process took 10 days. Picked it up and drove the 75 miles home. As soon as I got home, same warning lights and emissions/engine statements popped up. Car was again picked up and resides at the dealer. Service manager says the computer is reading the same message as before. Calls and data have been sent to AM.
Mixed feelings. Still want to drive the wheels off this car, but confidence for long road trips is ebbing, if it can be fixed at all. That's the part that really wrangles me. Love to drive and take tours. Never had a situation like this with a new car. Guess I'm just disappointed.
Comments welcome.
Update....and it's not good. Dealer called me and said they found the problem. The electrical lead that plugged into the potentiometer was not making a solid contact. There was too much insulation preventing contact. They cut it off and spliced a new lead on and everything was perfect. AM also agreed that this was THE fix. 
I dutifully drove the 70 miles to the dealer and they showed me all the great work they had done. All they had to do was pull the car out front.
10 minutes go by and no car. I went back in and saw the car hooked up to the diagnostic again. As they started it up to pull it around, the red/yellow lights were back. They were speechless and could offer no solution.
So as of now, I own a $200K lump of metal that does not want to run, with no fix in sight.
Since the purchase date, they've had the car more days than I've had it.
I dutifully drove the 70 miles to the dealer and they showed me all the great work they had done. All they had to do was pull the car out front.
10 minutes go by and no car. I went back in and saw the car hooked up to the diagnostic again. As they started it up to pull it around, the red/yellow lights were back. They were speechless and could offer no solution.
So as of now, I own a $200K lump of metal that does not want to run, with no fix in sight.
Since the purchase date, they've had the car more days than I've had it.
Edited by CPBRI on Monday 19th December 01:41
I've already looked into the LL for my state. Easily found online and rather straight forward. Car is still with the dealer. The regional AM rep was there yesterday to aid in trouble shooting. They found another "chafed" wire. It's clear they don't really know what they are looking for. But no worries, they are running their findings through the engineers at AM. *sigh*.
Edited by CPBRI on Wednesday 21st December 00:03
michael gould said:
perhaps you should write to dealer and say they have one last chance to get it right and after that you will invoke the lemon law........I would also be seeking recompense for the loss of use.
Exactly where it's at now. AM has decided to change out the entire engine harness. Was told it will be shipped over this week. Trouble is, the qualified techs are going on holiday and won't be back for 2 weeks. Therefore, I won't get the car back for another 3 weeks. I've told them my intentions if this fix does not work, and of course the dealer says if it comes to that, I'll have to square off directly with AM. Shame to have to involve lawyers, but it seems likely.
Have also been told about compensation in the form of service visits should this final fix do the trick.
Well then, after 33 days at the dealer, a new engine harness and a host of other new parts, I am again in possession of the V12V. No trouble with the 70 mile drive home, although I'm terrified to go start the car again, as that is when the warning lights have shown in the past.
Was nice to hear the exhaust note again and play around with the power.
Hopefully there will be no further trouble.
Was nice to hear the exhaust note again and play around with the power.
Hopefully there will be no further trouble.
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