What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

I can't drive my car with the warning light on but the dealer won't look at it. What do I do?

Six weeks ago, my six-month-old BMW G20 3 Series had an engine management light come on. I called my dealer and booked it in (10 days was first appointment). I asked if it was okay to run with this light on for 10 days and they asked me to call BMW emergency services to get a technician to look at it. The technician told me I couldn't run it and he would arrange for my car to be looked at immediately. It was to be taken to the dealer and a hire car would be provided and I should be at the dealer at 4pm that day. Another agent then called me to confirm and arrange the Hire Car. Got to the dealer and of course they knew nothing about it, no hire car and a 70 miles round trip wasted. I called BMW Emergency and there reply was " there's nothing in the notes so nothing I can do".

I raised a complaint with BMW and got a letter 2 days later saying they were looking into it. Its now 6 weeks and I've heard nothing, I escalated to BMW and their stance is that its not their problem as BMW Emergency service is with Allianz not them. My stance is that my warranty (of which BMW emergency service is part) is with BMW and if they choose to subcontract it, that's their issue not mine. What's your advice on this one?

Asked on 13 March 2020 by David McCann

Answered by Dan Powell
The line of responsibility here stops with the dealer that sold you the car. Tell them in writing that you want the car fixed or replaced. If they are unable to do either of these things. you will need to seek legal advice to reject the car and get a refund (minus a fair deduction for the usage you have already had fro the vehicle) . For legal help, start with Citizens Advice (it's free).

For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-cons...s
Similar questions
We bought a Land Rover from a private seller with an extended warranty certificate. Unfortunately we have had a major fault on the vehicle which requires work, which will hopefully be covered by the warranty....
A national dealership is only offering a 60-day warranty, I thought that by law the consumer was protected for longer. Who is right?
Is the MG seven year warranty any good? The catalytic converter has failed (or the particulate filter) after only three years. Is that acceptable to be excluded from cover?
Related models
Great to drive with a wide range of refined engines. Looks and feels very classy. New infotainment from late in 2022 means it's now entirely up-to-date.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer