Are batteries wear and tear items?
I purchased a 20 plate BMW 330e in July 2023 from Motorpoint. Upon purchasing the car I opted for the additional warranty, and cited that I wanted to be covered for everything as I am aware the cost of replacing these batteries is extremely expensive.
My wife was driving the car and a yellow light 'drivetrain warning' appeared. BMW have inspected the car and said noted that the error code and quoted me £710.70 for replacing starter unit battery, auxiliary batter, plus the labour.
I rang the warranty company who advised me they will not cover the batter as they are deemed as wear and tear items.
Obviously, I am disappointed firstly that the batteries have gone faulty within 42,000 and after 3.5 years. But I am also extremely unhappy as I believe I was missold the warranty and isn't fit for purpose. I've ended up in exact the situation I didn't want to be in! I have checked the document, and the battery is listed next to light bulbs and tyres. I feel that this should have been a very clear exclusion and made apparent at point of purchase. Motorpoint have advised me to go back to speak to the associate and see what they say, however, this was 15 months ago and isn't going to get me far as it was a verbal conversation at the time.
Is this a case of learning a lesson, or is there grounds for a formal complaint/redress?
My wife was driving the car and a yellow light 'drivetrain warning' appeared. BMW have inspected the car and said noted that the error code and quoted me £710.70 for replacing starter unit battery, auxiliary batter, plus the labour.
I rang the warranty company who advised me they will not cover the batter as they are deemed as wear and tear items.
Obviously, I am disappointed firstly that the batteries have gone faulty within 42,000 and after 3.5 years. But I am also extremely unhappy as I believe I was missold the warranty and isn't fit for purpose. I've ended up in exact the situation I didn't want to be in! I have checked the document, and the battery is listed next to light bulbs and tyres. I feel that this should have been a very clear exclusion and made apparent at point of purchase. Motorpoint have advised me to go back to speak to the associate and see what they say, however, this was 15 months ago and isn't going to get me far as it was a verbal conversation at the time.
Is this a case of learning a lesson, or is there grounds for a formal complaint/redress?
Asked on 16 September 2024 by Rob Simmons
Answered by
David Ross
A warranty is only as valuable as the items that are included, so if you made it clear to the sales person that you wanted a warranty that included the battery it is disappointing to hear that you have been sold one that does not. The issue is that, as you say, this was a verbal rather than written conversation and the warranty company will likely point to the supplied documentation indicating what is and is not covered. You could pursue a complaint with the dealership but the chances of success are likely to be slim.
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