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Timing chain fault on BMW 320d Touring
In late November 2013, I purchased a BMW 320d Touring from a small dealer. The car was registered in ‘08 and had been a lease car which had completed 96000 miles. It had a full service record – with every service carried out by BMW main dealers – and appeared in excellent condition.
In early January, the car developed a serious fault and, after it was examined by the local BMW specialists, I was informed that the timing chain had jumped, causing irreparable damage, and that the car needed a new engine – at a staggering cost of £8,500.
I was informed that this was a ‘common fault’ and had, in fact, been aired on the BBC Watchdog programme. I was also told that BMW had, in similar circumstances in the past, offered a good-will payment or even paid for the replacement engine. In this instance, BMW have refused to pay anything.
I have spoken to Trading Standards (who mentioned you as a useful source of advice!) and I am in contact with the dealer, having informed him that I intend to claim recompense from him.
This is a five year old car which admittedly has done a lot of miles, but which should have been expected to last considerably longer. Surely, if this is a ‘common fault’, then BMW ought to take some responsibility? As things stand, I am in a situation where to put the car right would cost more than I actually paid for it.
Please could you give us some advice on how we should proceed?
In early January, the car developed a serious fault and, after it was examined by the local BMW specialists, I was informed that the timing chain had jumped, causing irreparable damage, and that the car needed a new engine – at a staggering cost of £8,500.
I was informed that this was a ‘common fault’ and had, in fact, been aired on the BBC Watchdog programme. I was also told that BMW had, in similar circumstances in the past, offered a good-will payment or even paid for the replacement engine. In this instance, BMW have refused to pay anything.
I have spoken to Trading Standards (who mentioned you as a useful source of advice!) and I am in contact with the dealer, having informed him that I intend to claim recompense from him.
This is a five year old car which admittedly has done a lot of miles, but which should have been expected to last considerably longer. Surely, if this is a ‘common fault’, then BMW ought to take some responsibility? As things stand, I am in a situation where to put the car right would cost more than I actually paid for it.
Please could you give us some advice on how we should proceed?
Asked on 16 January 2014 by Alex Tristram
Answered by
Honest John
It is a common problem and the dealer who sold you the car is 100% liable. The reason is BMW's ridiculous 'Longlife' Service regime in the UK that can leave the same oil in the engine for 25,000 miles. That suits fleet operators because it reduces maintenance costs and downtime. Unfortunately it gets paid for by private buyers who unwittingly buy these cars. But happily for you (not for him) full liability rests with the dealer who sold you the car. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Tags:
owning
timing chain
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