My most recent problem involved a very common defect in my BMW 2000 323i — the transmission failed to engage in reverse gear.
Twice I contacted the service manager, Mr. Li by e-mail from the company's website and twice — despite a promise of a prompt response — I received none. I then went to the service center in Port Chester and informed two service center employees about the car. They asked me to sit down, mentioning they'd be back to me shortly. However, they both disappeared within minutes. I sat in the waiting room for nearly 30 minutes before leaving and contacting a law firm.
I subsequently had the transmission repaired at an independent transmission-repair service (total cost: $5,000) and we (law firm and I) have since tried to get remuneration from the BMW NA headquarters in New Jersey. The corporate response, which we eventually received, was characteristic of the response given to all other owners of the 2000 323i who have had their transmissions fail to engage in reverse: "BMW is not responsible."
The next step is court, for which we have an upcoming June date set. For anyone interested, please do an Internet search of "Consumer Affairs". There you'll find an article about BMW's flippant response to owners of the 2000 BMW 323i. Additionally, a search of Edmunds.com will reveal the many owners who have experienced transmission failure with this particular vehicle.
The above incident is just one of several which reflect badly on BMW. On another occasion, I took the car in for brake pad replacement. I was not provided an estimate as promised and required by law. The bill was for $900 and the work was not covered under warranty.
Earlier, for an air conditioner repair, I had to bring the car in three times over two years in order to get it repaired peoperly.
On another occasion, a signal light went out on the car and I was quoted $35 to replace the bulb. I said I'd do it myself and the service person with whom I was dealing offered to replace the bulb as a courtesy. I was quite impressed by this but when I brought the car in for a subsequent repair, the $35 was added to my bill.
Regarding the transmission problem, which is endemic with my particular make/model/year, the corporate office still will not own up to the defect. It's no wonder BMW NA has an "Unsatisfactory" rating with the Better Business Bureau — something few BMW owners are aware of.
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