I don’t believe it - total E60 nightmare!

I decided to buy myself a brand new 525d SE. I opted out of my company car scheme because the tax man was killing me. I know that paying a lot of tax is a nice problem to have (don't earn it - don't pay it and all that) but getting killed for having a company car is total madness.

Took delivery on the Friday before the May Bank Holiday and was chuffed to bits. My joy was to be short lived. I went on holiday on the Sunday and drove the new car - brilliant. Didn't do much on the Monday as I was bit tired etc. On Tuesday we set out for a steam railway site for the kids. Didn't get there though as the car broke down.

We were collected by Mondial within 45 minutes and the car was taken to the nearest dealer. A faulty inlet valve was diagnosed and a part had to be obtained from Germany. 8 Days without the car and I was not impressed with the grubby Zafira I got as a courtesy car. Speaking of grubby, I was also not impressed when my car returned with grease marks on the leather and scratch marks on the perspex covering the iDrive screen. My local dealer gave me a free valet and replaced the screen after a letter to the Dealer Principle.

Had the car back and it drove really weird. Huge turbo lag, poor fuel economy etc. This culminated in the car breaking down again and off it went to the dealer. This time they changed the valve control unit and updated the software. Another week without the car and I was approaching breaking point.

Collected the car on Thursday afternoon and it drove like a dream. Had a migraine over the weekend (stress induced) so didn't get to drive the car. Went out on business on the Monday and guess what?? Yep, it broke down again with the same fault. Back to the dealer again and this time a faulty air flow meter was diagnosed. BMW GB sent a technician this time and they loaded analysis kit into my car. They found several faults and changed the air flow meter. Took the car out to test drive it again and this time the turbo unit let go! That was 2.5 weeks ago and they are fitting a new Turbo unit today.

I have now rejected the car  because the faults were ridiculous. I have a feeling that a visit to the Audi dealership may be next because BMW GB don't want to offer compensation for the weeks of torment I have suffered.

Anyone else had this much grief?

BMW's certainly aren't as good quality as they used to be.

I hope your next car is more reliable.

wow thats unreal - I thought it was just second hand BMW's that did that.

Yours make my problems seem like nothing.  I bought a E39 540i with only 30k on clock but has been back to garage three times in three months. Touch wood all ok now and a joy to drive.  I do agree that the later BMW's aren't as good build wise a the ealier ones.  (or as good looking!)

good luck

Max

Thats very nice to hear Dave, please let Cotswold know you have posted you experience on here, as that is the first positive comment I've ever heard about them.

Every other comment has been negative, with people even driving past them to get to Robert Sterns in Evesham.

I hope it works out as you wish.

Well after much haggling and chasing and moaning and being a thorn in the side of BMW GB I have been granted my request.

They have upgraded me to the 530d SE for a minimal sum. I won't lower the tone by talking actual pounds but suffice it to say it was less than half the difference between the two vehicles!!

A good result but a lot of stress and aggravation I could really have done without.

-a good outcome for you in the end. I hope the new one performs better than the old one.

-a slightly disturbing thought; someone else will eventually end up with you 'lemon' I expect.....

cheers