I write this letter to express my experience with owning a BMW 328ic convertible from one of the independent dealerships in South Florida, Holman Lauderdale Imports, LTD. I have leased this vehicle for 20 months of a 42-month lease and have experienced many problems with this vehicle over this period of time.
This vehicle was certified under BMW's meticulous inspection process for pre-owned vehicles at BMW's Holman Lauderdale Imports dealership. Owning a BMW convertible was always a dream of mine and believed that leasing a preowned BMW through the stringent CPO program would not only meet my desire and budget, but also provide me the confidence that this vehicle would provide me with many years of trouble free fun under the sun. Unfortunately, this dream of mine has become a bust! I am very disappointed in the poor current working condition of this vehicle and the flagrant run-around I have received at this dealership!
A few weeks after I had leased this vehicle, the trunk of the automobile had to be re-aligned and the two side panels of the vehicle had to be hammered out from an automotive accident from the prior BMW lease owner. At this time, the vehicle had an ignition problem preventing the engine from turning over. The ignition system was not replaced because the dealership did not want to spend the money to fix. I was told to use the back-up valet key to get the engine to start, which I continue to use to this day. Rear break light failure light was checked and bulb replaced during this visit to the service shop. I continue to have problems with my rear brake light and I have had to replace the bulbs intermittently over the past 20 months. No resolution to the real cause to this problem. I am concerned about my safety without this light working properly.
What causes me the most aggravation has been the failure of my convertible top to this vehicle to open and close. After nearly 20 months of usage, the convertible top has begun to shred leaving brown bits of rooftop throughout my automobile. The interior front seats to the automobile are also beginning to peel from a layer of paint that was sprayed on from the dealership to prepare the vehicle for sale. The dealership's shotty repair work is also evident from the oxidation beginning to seep through the front hood of the vehicle that was also re-painted from an accident from the prior BMW leaseholder.
Last weekend, I spoke at length with the dealership's used car sale manager for Holman Lauderdale Imports regarding the issues discussed above. After nearly 2 hours of discussions, this manager had stated to me that the problems of the vehicle are not covered under BMW's warranty service program. He indicated to me that BMW Corporate has a Cavalier attitude towards providing a warranty for problems like I have experienced with my car. BMW expects their automobiles to fall apart before warranty is up. He said that is how the dealerships make most of their money from selling service and parts. I was floored when I heard these comments!
I had just received the bill from the dealership to repair the convertible top and fix the upholstery and correct the issues of shotty repair work created by the dealership. This bill was for over $2,500. I said to myself how could I be charged for a certified BMW that has been only driven nearly 20,000 miles in 20 months???
This experience has been a far cry from driving the ultimate driving machine!
Sincerely Your Unsatisfied and Taken Advantaged Customer
Brian
Boca Raton, Florida
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