My 528i is starting to drive me crazy!

First my nav and phone volume wouldn't stay set. Dealer corrected it after having to reload software, now my information display will not stay set and disappears each time the car is turned off and restarted. I also now have a light vibration while driving, especially between 65 and 75 miles per hour. Never hit any large potholes or road obstructions. I cannot see anything obviously amiss with the tires or rims. If it is a wheel / tire issue, at least I have the isurance package for that if needed. The car currently has Dunlop 18" RFT's. And we won't even mention the tip-in issue that they say is "normal".
Took it back to the dealer (again...). They agreed about the vibration and will check it. Sat and watched while they tried everything to get the info display to stay on. They say they never saw one do that before. (great, just what I wanted to hear....) Probably ANOTHER software problem which means another overnight service visit for my car. I will get a loaner, but I'm getting tired of driving 45 minutes each way to the dealer a few times each week, especially since I live in a beach area where traffic is abismal this time of year.
Now I'm wondering what new thing will go wrong after they fix this latest issue with the software. Fix one problem that results in another issue.
So far this is stacking up to be the worst new car I ever bought. Not even 1400 miles on the clock yet. I am cutting it some slack so far because it is also the most "complicated" car I ever owned and a first year F10 model.
I hope my luck improves here.

Info display is how it works on my car after re-load. I just deal with it as it made the nav arrows work correctly. Others have noted the same thing.

My nav arrows worked correctly before. My original issue was with the nav volume only. Nav arrows still work, but info display won't stay on without manually pushing the button on the turn signal lever. Not a major issue, but I want the car to work as it is supposed to. That's what I paid for. Fixing one problem should not cause another.
When it happened to yours after the reprogram, did you bring it to the dealers attention, or just let it go. If you did tell the dealer / service department, what was their response?

BURN it !

Originally Posted by BlackBerryCubed

BURN it !

LOL! While I'm not quite at that stage yet, I would take that into consideration..... providing you are willing to reimburse me for the price of the car.
I'll even bring the marshmallows.

I love Cape May, it's so lovely down there. As far as problems go with first year model cars, it's a crap shoot. I have had no issues with the car that people complain about on Bimmerfest. And I have a 3/10 build date. I guess I shouldn't be crapping sunshine just yet as it's still early in the life cycle and things could go wrong. But as far as known issues, RFT tires,pulling to the right,throttle tip in, grinding noise, or what ever. Nothing. Hang in there, it's a great car, and I'm sure you'll get things sorted out.

Originally Posted by TJPark01

Hang in there, it's a great car, and I'm sure you'll get things sorted out.

I'm sure you're right. But it's not the destination I'm worried about....it's the journey.

I have a 2011 528i and haven't experienced any of the problems you are describing. Granted I only have 700 miles on it so far. The tip in throttle problem seems to be universal and I have the same issue. I wish you the best in getting your issues squared away.

Same with me. Other than the throttle issue and Google Maps not working my car has been great so far.
I'm sure your problems will get resolved.

Originally Posted by romeofrosty

My nav arrows worked correctly before. My original issue was with the nav volume only. Nav arrows still work, but info display won't stay on without manually pushing the button on the turn signal lever. Not a major issue, but I want the car to work as it is supposed to. That's what I paid for. Fixing one problem should not cause another.
When it happened to yours after the reprogram, did you bring it to the dealers attention, or just let it go. If you did tell the dealer / service department, what was their response?

when I first got the car it used to stay on after a restart, after they did a software update it does not stay on... I told this to my client adviser and he says that a lot of people complained about same thing but there's nothing they can do since it's the latest software update, maybe they will fix it in the next one... so i'm sure it's "normal"

Uncheck navigation under info display in I drive and the display comes back on after restart

Originally Posted by PFC

Uncheck navigation under info display in I drive and the display comes back on after restart

We tried that. It comes back on, but disappears again after about 20 seconds.

Originally Posted by TJPark01

I love Cape May, it's so lovely down there. As far as problems go with first year model cars, it's a crap shoot. I have had no issues with the car that people complain about on Bimmerfest. And I have a 3/10 build date. I guess I shouldn't be crapping sunshine just yet as it's still early in the life cycle and things could go wrong. But as far as known issues, RFT tires,pulling to the right,throttle tip in, grinding noise, or what ever. Nothing. Hang in there, it's a great car, and I'm sure you'll get things sorted out.

Ditto with my 535i X drive November 2010 build. Hope it lasts!!!

Luckily, in 9600 miles, I've only taken my 535i in for service once, for its interim oil change. When I take it for the scheduled oil change I'll be sure they don't upgrade the software unless other people confirm that they've got the new version straightened out. I don't have a problem with navigation arrows or the multi-display, and I have an August 2010 build.

To the OP, the vibration is the main issue I'd be concerned about. Otherwise the other items don't sound like a "worst car" scenario. You must have been very lucky so far with other cars. These are minor issues, IMO. The tip-in issue will resolve itself after a few hundred miles.

I've had problems with my 528i from day one. I've taken my car in 5 times now for the Bluetooth sound quality issue and they still can't fix it. I got my car back a few weeks ago and had the same problem with the info display. I took the car back to the dealer and after a week later, they told me that it's normal and the new update made this change. I'm sorry but this is not normal! Why do you want the Info Display not show? I found out that it can be changed if you uncheck the Navigation display but I shouldn't have to do this. I just switch it back and forth when I use the navigation but BMW needs to realize they screwed up on this update.

In my experience the more you let the dealer "fix" issues with your car the more issues come up until you finally have to declare the thing a lemon. These guys only have a vague idea of how your car works and they are guessing on how to fix it most of the time. Perhaps it is too late for you now that you've started the process but keep this in mind the next time you purchase a new car - I could tell you many first hand stories of how these guys have ruined cars belonging to me, members of my family and friends. I wish you the best and I hope that in your case my analysis is completely incorrect.

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

In my experience the more you let the dealer "fix" issues with your car the more issues come up until you finally have to declare the thing a lemon. These guys only have a vague idea of how your car works and they are guessing on how to fix it most of the time. Perhaps it is too late for you now that you've started the process but keep this in mind the next time you purchase a new car - I could tell you many first hand stories of how these guys have ruined cars belonging to me, members of my family and friends. I wish you the best and I hope that in your case my analysis is completely incorrect.

Yikes, that's a little unnerving! My BMW dealer service has always been pretty good.

Originally Posted by 1HOT BMR

In my experience the more you let the dealer "fix" issues with your car the more issues come up until you finally have to declare the thing a lemon. These guys only have a vague idea of how your car works and they are guessing on how to fix it most of the time. Perhaps it is too late for you now that you've started the process but keep this in mind the next time you purchase a new car - I could tell you many first hand stories of how these guys have ruined cars belonging to me, members of my family and friends. I wish you the best and I hope that in your case my analysis is completely incorrect.

+1. I've learned over 40 years of owning cars not to sweat the small stuff. If an arrow appears on a display once in a while, just let it go. The more times you let your dealer touch your car the unhappier you will be. From all the nit-picking I read here, I see why manufacturers have such a hard time satisfying everyone.

Originally Posted by markl53

From all the nit-picking I read here, I see why manufacturers have such a hard time satisfying everyone.

"Nit-picking"? Wanting a new car with less than 2,000 miles to work as it should is not nit-picking. These systems should work properly. Period. We're not talking about minor subjective interior flaws, or complaining about one headlight being 1/8 of an inch higher than the other, etc.
These systems should, using the phrase BMW likes to espouse, "operate as designed".

I brought the car to my dealer first thing last Tuesday morning. I explained about the info display not staying on since the software reload they did to solve the nav volume issue. I told them I read online that this seems to be what was happening to all the other F10's after a software reload and that there appears to be no current fix for it. I said if that was actually the case, rather than beating themselves up about it, that I could live with it if need be. They looked at me like I had two heads and said they never heard of that. I also explained about my mild vibration issue, trying to go into as much detail as possible, trying to be helpful. Took about 2 minutes. They seemed like I was wasting their time, cut me off totally disinterested and said they would check it.
They still have the car as of today. I tried to call late Friday afternoon to see how they were making out, since I have heard nothing from them. I was told the shop foreman was still working on it and they would probably need it for at least another day. They would call when it was ready. I have no idea what they are doing or how far along they are. On the posative side, they gave me a 328 convertible as a loaner. The weather at home has been fantastic and the wife and I are having fun with it. However, I have some family business out of state coming up next week and while the convertible is fun, it's too small for me to cart the family and luggage down to where I need to go. It would have been nice for them to at least give me a hint when they thought my car might be done so I could make alternate arrangements for my transportation, if needed. If they are waiting on parts, let me know. I can understand that. Other than that, I can't think why 2 relatively minor complaints would keep my car tied up for 5 days and counting with no explanation. I guess I'm not feelin' the love with my dealer's service department right now.

Originally Posted by markl53

+1. I've learned over 40 years of owning cars not to sweat the small stuff. If an arrow appears on a display once in a while, just let it go. The more times you let your dealer touch your car the unhappier you will be. From all the nit-picking i read here, i see why manufacturers have such a hard time satisfying everyone.

+1

Originally Posted by Sophisto

+1

I don't get you guys? That doesn't say much for the dealerships or the cars themselves, if that's your take on things. I'm sure I can dig up a bunch of defective items with bugs in them that don't work right and sell them to you on the cheap since you don't seem to care if what you buy works properly. Gimmee a list and I'll see what I can do.

You might start with the products of Microsoft.

Romeo, I'm with you! After ordering my 550i and waiting 5 weeks for delivery, 4 days later the engine symbol comes on as well as the passenger side airbag (same issue that plagued my 2005 545 )

The Dealership was quite accommodating and set me up with an immediate loaner (328i with pet hair and cigarette smoke )

My 2008 550i was not a perfect car, however, besides routine maintenance, I never had to bring the car in for repairs.

I am giving this car a short leash when it comes to repairs. Two more repairs within the next 10k miles and I will ask for some sugar and water

Originally Posted by romeofrosty

I don't get you guys? That doesn't say much for the dealerships or the cars themselves, if that's your take on things. I'm sure I can dig up a bunch of defective items with bugs in them that don't work right and sell them to you on the cheap since you don't seem to care if what you buy works properly. Gimmee a list and I'll see what I can do.

First of all, BMW has never been known for having reliable electronic equipment. Who knows why, but it's true. The Japanese (Lexus and Infiniti) have that field covered.

Second, you broke the golden rule of car buying and bought a car in it's first year of production. If you do that you have to expect problems with the car.

Car manufacturers introduce new technology in their cars to stay competitive, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work perfectly, especially the first year it's out.

I had a new download last week and my display is blank also when I start the car.

It appears that one of the displays is for the nav signals etc. When the nav is off that display is blank. Apparently, the new software defaults to that screen whe the car is started. By unchecking Nav in the display info page it no longer defaults to this blank display. I dont use my nav that often, but when I do I'll have to recheck it. This should not happen but you never know. Maybe the same German who decided that runflats are a panacea also decided that we have to have that display up first every fookin time....