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BMW X3 approved used car problems
I purchased a BMW X3 2007 (59,508 miles) from a BMW dealership in March 2013. The Turbo and Particulate filter failed at 68,424 miles. At 90,000 miles I returned the car to BMW again with Turbo, Particulate filter and Engine failure. They estimated the total cost to be £5000 - £6000. Alarm bells ringing, I researched the vehicles history.
This vehicle has major service gaps throughout its life prior to my ownership that I was unaware of and seem to have been overlooked by BMW. The neglect and engine damage suffered, prior to my ownership may have caused underlying issues, resulting in 5 new Turbos in 90,000 miles.
I have approached BMW head office and the dealership but they have been unhelpful, saying that my servicing was late (which is true) but my issue is that I was sold an ‘approved vehicle’ and it clearly was not.
I have owned the vehicle for just over 2 years and covered 30,000 miles. The repair costs will equal its current market value and it is therefore worthless, no vehicle and no money.
This vehicle has major service gaps throughout its life prior to my ownership that I was unaware of and seem to have been overlooked by BMW. The neglect and engine damage suffered, prior to my ownership may have caused underlying issues, resulting in 5 new Turbos in 90,000 miles.
I have approached BMW head office and the dealership but they have been unhelpful, saying that my servicing was late (which is true) but my issue is that I was sold an ‘approved vehicle’ and it clearly was not.
I have owned the vehicle for just over 2 years and covered 30,000 miles. The repair costs will equal its current market value and it is therefore worthless, no vehicle and no money.
Asked on 19 August 2015 by Gary
Answered by
Honest John
You could attempt to invoke Clegg v Olle Andersson House of Lords 2003, which ruled that if any manufactured product was sold with a fault the purchaser retained the right against the supplier for the goods to be permanently repaired or to a full refund. Unlike Clegg where the goods in question could not economically be repaired (the keel of a yacht), your car can be repaired and I think the supplier is liable. Get a specialist solicitor onto the job. Once again, this illustrates the folly of BMW service plans that do not routinely change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles and that seems to be the cause of most engine failures in BMW and in MINI. Repeat turbo failures are usually because partially blocked turbo bearing oil feed and return pipes are not replaced at the same time as the turbo. You could expect to need a new DPF at 90k miles anyway; it was probably partially cleaned at 68,424 miles, not replaced.
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