Constant Problems

[hollyd]

Since purchasing my 2007 X5 4.8 in November 2006, the car has been in for repair countless times. The dealer has replaced the battery, gear shift, I-Drive, and many many modules throughout the car. Some problems they have not been able to fix, such as the sporadic station changes of the radio or the mysterious Bluetooth voice prompts. And now there is a new problem with the engine, requiring my car to be towed out of my garage this weekend.

I contacted BMWNA about returning the car within the first year, but they did not agree; I foolishly thought the problems would disappear and so I didn't pursue the issue aggressively enough. But I don't think it's right that I should have to be back in forth to the dealership with the latest new defect. Has anyone else had this kind of constant problem with their 2007 X5? And what are my options, now that the car is 2 years old and has 20K miles on it?

[tiy8198]

Hello

Those problems are absolutely ludicrous. I have an 03 x5 with way more mileage than you and I havent seen not one problem you have.

If they cannot fix the problem, they should replace the vehicle (especially since it should still be under warranty). If they give you a hard time i would get consumer affairs involved.

Hope this helps, and I also help you find a resolution to your problem.

Take care

[zibawala]

Hello

Those problems are absolutely ludicrous. I have an 03 x5 with way more mileage than you and I havent seen not one problem you have.

If they cannot fix the problem, they should replace the vehicle (especially since it should still be under warranty). If they give you a hard time i would get consumer affairs involved.

Hope this helps, and I also help you find a resolution to your problem.

Take care


You r too lucky or have 3.0 lol

[UncleJ]

Holly, you need to see a lawyer about getting some action out of BMWNA. I don't know what the Colo lemon laws are but you may be too far out for that, but at least try. If all else fails, and they get it running again, shop it to the nearest Porsche store for a New Cayenne. You will like it better anyway! Good luck!

[hollyd]

Thanks for the affirmation that I'm not being difficult or unrealistic. Just learned that the engine wiring harness needs to be replaced. This isn't a common repair, right? BMWNA is looking at my service records and will let me know what they can do for me. But I agree: they should replace the car.

[dcharnet]

I googled "lemon law colorado" and found this: "If the same defect or condition has been subject to repair four or more times during a period of one year from the date of purchase or if the new car is out of service due to those repairs for a cumulative total of thirty or more business days during the same period, then the Lemon Law may apply. " Beyond that, it gets more difficult. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, you have an "implied warranty of merchantability" which may provide some ultimate theory of recovery, but it is very general and the ultimate applicability will depend on the case law in Colorado and other states. There may be other consumer laws in Colorado that give you some protection. It may be worth some discussion with an attorney. I agree that this is beyond acceptable and not typical for the X5, especially the 3.0 (my two have been great cars), although I had a problem with a heated seat on an older X5 that was beyond warranty. It burned a hole in an expensive coat and pants (and almost me!). The dealer and BMW ignored me. I was so angry I finally sued them under a "product liability" theory, which relates to damage caused by defective products. Shortly after service of process they settled. Your's is not so simple, and that theory would not apply. It is somewhat easier to "make them" fix things than to take the car back. Getting them to replace the whole car (unless it has been totally destroyed by something which creates a cause of action for you) generally requires a statute like the lemon law.

[vatkens]

Since purchasing my 2007 X5 4.8 in November 2006, the car has been in for repair countless times. The dealer has replaced the battery, gear shift, I-Drive, and many many modules throughout the car. Some problems they have not been able to fix, such as the sporadic station changes of the radio or the mysterious Bluetooth voice prompts. And now there is a new problem with the engine, requiring my car to be towed out of my garage this weekend.

I contacted BMWNA about returning the car within the first year, but they did not agree; I foolishly thought the problems would disappear and so I didn't pursue the issue aggressively enough. But I don't think it's right that I should have to be back in forth to the dealership with the latest new defect. Has anyone else had this kind of constant problem with their 2007 X5? And what are my options, now that the car is 2 years old and has 20K miles on it?

I am with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

[hollyd]

Thanks for the suggestions and explanation of CO lemon law. Vatkens, I have been in touch with Sarah at BMWNA and hope to hear from her tomorrow after she speaks with the service manager at my local dealership. She has been very responsive and seems to appreciate my frustration. No one yet has offered any possible remedies, but the bottom line is that I no longer have faith in this car. It was returned to me today with a new engine wiring harness, but based upon previous experience, it's only a matter of time before another warning light appears or some part fails. I would appreciate any assistance you could provide.

[mswaz]

I would have to disagree with going to the Porsche dealer for a Cayenne. I went from a 2006 X5 4.4 to a 2008 Cayenne GTS. I had it for 26 days and went back to a 2008 X5 4.8. It looks nice from afar and the sport exhaust sounded great but the fit and finish was awful and I was already having difficulties with the transmission. Overall below par for an $85K vehicle. It was a beautiful car to look at and even drive but live in it for a few weeks and you will be dissappointed. Just my opinion but I am amazed at the number of low mile GTS's I have seen in the past 6 months on the used Porsche lots. Either trade ins or people can't afford the leases.

[UncleJ]

Sorry about your Cayenne GTS and I hope your new 4.8 does better than Holly's seems to have done. Beauty I guess is in the eye of the beholder and I have looked long and hard at the Cayenne and personally have not found anything to not like, except the price and fuel mileage. Looking with a very critical eye I have found the build quality superb. I suppose if I were to live with one on a daily basis I might have a different opinion, but I really don't think so. With the economy in the situation it is now I am not surprised at the high end cars that have been returned to the dealer. All that means to me is there are some really great bargains out there now and that is unusual at a Porsche store!

[UncleJ]

Holly, be sure to let us know how things work out! Good luck.