[Amysellsdallas]

So I had a drivetrain malfunction and it was for vanos. Had it repaired and just got it back 3 days ago. They replaced the vacuum pump as well along with the vanos central valve. Tonight the error came on again. I'm taking it back in the morning. The repair was $3900. Timing chain was done 40k miles ago as well. Any ideas what else it could be? All codes were clear on Friday when I got it back from dealer. I'm sick to my stomach

 

[pungo]

Any ideas of what it could be would only be a wild guess. You'll need exact error code(s) since "drivetrain malfunction" could be any one of hundreds of faults.

 

[ard]

Any reason you are using a dealer?????

Ima gonna guess you though "I'll take it to the dealer cause they are experts...and sure they may be expensive but at least it will be done perfect. $3900 is a lot, but hey- they never make mistakes. And if they do, they stand behind it"

I hope I am wrong, but IMO- get ready to hear more lies...

Oh, if you want help you need codes and the results of test plans. And a very clear idea of what they did (ie testplans from prior to repair, documented work done with part list, etc.) Please dont approve any work without checking back in. Remember, BMW service advisors are absolute professionals at separating you from your money- first and foremost. You will be given information in a way that serves THEIR needs, not yours.

Edit: If you have the work order, black out your stuff- so we cannot see VIN, names, numbers or dealer stuff- and post it. Part numbers, and work done.

 

[Amysellsdallas]

Any ideas of what it could be would only be a wild guess. You'll need exact error code(s) since "drivetrain malfunction" could be any one of hundreds of faults.

Ya I don't know yet. I have to take it tomorrow to get those.

 

[Amysellsdallas]

Any reason you are using a dealer?????

Ima gonna guess you though "I'll take it to the dealer cause they are experts...and sure they may be expensive but at least it will be done perfect. $3900 is a lot, but hey- they never make mistakes. And if they do, they stand behind it"

I hope I am wrong, but IMO- get ready to hear more lies...

Oh, if you want help you need codes and the results of test plans. And a very clear idea of what they did (ie testplans from prior to repair, documented work done with part list, etc.) Please dont approve any work without checking back in. Remember, BMW service advisors are absolute professionals at separating you from your money- first and foremost. You will be given information in a way that serves THEIR needs, not yours.

Edit: If you have the work order, black out your stuff- so we cannot see VIN, names, numbers or dealer stuff- and post it. Part numbers, and work done.

Because the first and second mechanic I went to recommend I take it to the dealer. they were saying it would only be about $300 savings. One was a German car specialist. Their cost was "around $3500". So that's what I did.

 

[235301]

Turbos? Depending on the mileage, probably time for those to fail as well.

 

[smokeyyy]

Is this the N20 2L turbo 4 engine? How many miles?

 

[Amysellsdallas]

Is this the N20 2L turbo 4 engine? How many miles?

Is this the N20 2L turbo 4 engine? How many miles?

I think so? It has 108k miles.

 

[Amysellsdallas]

Because the first and second mechanic I went to recommend I take it to the dealer. they were saying it would only be about $300 savings. One was a German car specialist. Their cost was "around $3500". So that's what I did.

So I had a drivetrain malfunction and it was for vanos. Had it repaired and just got it back 3 days ago. They replaced the vacuum pump as well along with the vanos central valve. Tonight the error came on again. I'm taking it back in the morning. The repair was $3900. Timing chain was done 40k miles ago as well. Any ideas what else it could be? All codes were clear on Friday when I got it back from dealer. I'm sick to my stomach

 

[ard]

Did they replace or clean the VANOS actuator solenoids? Id have done that first. "change oil, flush solenoids"...seems they did the oil, then took out the parts cannon.

Your vanos code is discussed here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10053485-8362.pdf

If you google it, you will see a range of issues/fixes.

If I were you, my focus would be "$3900 and it didnt fix the issue. WHAT will you do about that?"
Not 'how much more" not 'what is the real issue". Keep th pressure on them, they were playign with your money, IMO

 

[Amysellsdallas]

I posted the work order above. Now they are saying it has a fault code for vanos exhaust something. Another large repair and they are seeing if they can help with cost. Is it just time to get another car?? I'm super sad and really don't know what to do at this point.

 

[Burning2nd]

Any reason you are using a dealer?????

Ima gonna guess you though "I'll take it to the dealer cause they are experts...and sure they may be expensive but at least it will be done perfect. $3900 is a lot, but hey- they never make mistakes. And if they do, they stand behind it"

I hope I am wrong, but IMO- get ready to hear more lies...

Oh, if you want help you need codes and the results of test plans. And a very clear idea of what they did (ie testplans from prior to repair, documented work done with part list, etc.) Please dont approve any work without checking back in. Remember, BMW service advisors are absolute professionals at separating you from your money- first and foremost. You will be given information in a way that serves THEIR needs, not yours.

Edit: If you have the work order, black out your stuff- so we cannot see VIN, names, numbers or dealer stuff- and post it. Part numbers, and work done.

lol

Im the expert the dealers call when they cant figure it out

but i can spell so please ignore me lol

 

[gapost]

I'm sorry for your trouble and hope it can get fixed without more cost. The TSB posted about talks about a programming error in the DME. You should make sure they have checked this. And.... I figure about $1500 in parts (their prices are that out of line). That means it was about $2400 for labor???

 

[Amysellsdallas]

There's much more wrong. There's also an internal engine problem. Way too much wrong than first thought. so I'm getting a new one. Thank you all for the help.

 

[tom2021]

I am sorry for your trouble. I believe you made the right decision to cut it loose and move on. Best of luck with your new car. If it will be another BMW, you may want to consider newer one with original warranty left or CPO warranty. I made a purchase recently for 2017 X3 with original warranty left. Take care.

 

[ard]

Sorry, You got screwed for $3900 by a bad mechanic and a bad dealer. My opinion, but it strains the bounds of credibility that on one day the entire issue was fixed for $3900 and days later- out of the blue- the engine self destructed.

Id wonder if the repairs that did previously failed, they read some codes and guessed at $3900, tossed new parts in, then when it degraded, all of a sudden they actually really LOOKED.

Id be on them for $$$ and not 'we will take a few bucks off a new car which has been jacked up $8000 anyway'

very sorry to hear

 

[ard]

lol

Im the expert the dealers call when they cant figure it out

but i can spell so please ignore me lol

you know I was being totally sarcastic, right??

 

[Amysellsdallas]

you know I was being totally sarcastic, right??

yes...lol

 

[Amysellsdallas]

Sorry, You got screwed for $3900 by a bad mechanic and a bad dealer. My opinion, but it strains the bounds of credibility that on one day the entire issue was fixed for $3900 and days later- out of the blue- the engine self destructed.

Id wonder if the repairs that did previously failed, they read some codes and guessed at $3900, tossed new parts in, then when it degraded, all of a sudden they actually really LOOKED.

Id be on them for $$$ and not 'we will take a few bucks off a new car which has been jacked up $8000 anyway'

very sorry to hear

Ya, I don't know. it all started with I went somewhere else for an oil change and he didnt put something on right and it caused all of these issues to spiral. I ended up getting $13k off of a new x1 fully loaded. I loved my x3, but this is pretty neat. I will keep it under warranty this time around for sure.

 

[Burning2nd]

Like martial arts... Not all dealers are created equally

The problem that most people dont understand is that the dealer is not a auto repair garage.. Its a dealership..they make there money on selling cars, not fixing them

going to the dealer isnt a problem if its covered under warranty , a factory defect job or some sort of special occasion

They are not the sharpest tool in the shed.. They normally have access to information before that info leaks out to the public..

This is good for factory recalls, and thats about it...

i have friends all over the valley here, that work in different dealers, and a few shop formans that i know who i still stay in contact with, i get a call every now and then to come in and check something out..

normally i do the work for free (*which gets me a kick back) but what i said wasn't a exaggeration: I have a few dealers who call me for advanced technical issues at which i kindda provide a specialist service \\

in the past this has included, shop manual printing error's a couple of weird computer issues
Bmw, mazda, ford, benz, volvo you name it... all of it