[Msporty]

Hi, i have one dead pixel on my iDrive screen, it gets really annoying at night as shines brighter than all the others, and during the day looks like a spec of dust i can't get rid of!!

Any idea if this is something that will be replaced under warranty? Just wondering before i mention it to the dealership and look like I'm moaning about nothing.....

Thanks

[NISFAN]

Definitely report it to them.......I remember someone complaining about dead pixels on a TV screen. The warranty fine print stated that x number of dead pixels was considered 'normal'. Hope BMW don't think the same.

Good luck! ...and keep us posted.

[RobUK]

I'd agree, ask the dealer to swap it out under warranty.

In the mean time, here's an article on various home remedies for dead pixels including hitting the screen with a sharp object and using a dishcloth soaked in boiling water!!!

[Msporty]

Originally Posted by RobUK

I'd agree, ask the dealer to swap it out under warranty.

In the mean time, here's an article on various home remedies for dead pixels including hitting the screen with a sharp object and using a dishcloth soaked in boiling water!!!

Hah thanks! I'll keep you updated with what they say (but may leave the boiling cloth in the sink )

[Msporty]

Took car to dealer today, mainly to get my blower fixed that currently sounds like a leaf blower turning on but thats another story, showed them the screen, and they said they'll just order me a new one under warranty

Awesome

[RobUK]

Good result!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Yep as it should be , new one on order.

[Msporty]

Originally Posted by Msporty

Took car to dealer today, mainly to get my blower fixed that currently sounds like a leaf blower turning on but thats another story, showed them the screen, and they said they'll just order me a new one under warranty

Awesome

Hmmm, so after initial jubiliation BMW Germany have come back to the dealer and it seems that unless 3+ pixels have gone then its not covered by warranty and my screen is no longer getting replaced anymore, ridiculous

[RobUK]

That's crap (although probably a policy they get away with). Why not ask the dealer if they'll just swap it for a screen on one of their other cars? ...and remind them about customer satisfaction, goodwill and all that while you're asking

(They unplug pretty easily from what I understand).

[MaestroAl]

Just remind the dealer that although BMW might have a policy, that policy is in contravention of your consumer rights. You have a contract with the dealer and it is up to the dealer to replace your screen or repair it. That is the law

[NISFAN]

I said earlier, TV manufacturers would only replace a screen if X number of pixels are faulty. Consumer rights does nothing to change that, the unit it still perfectly functional. Sucks but thems da ruuuulz.

[MaestroAl]

Not so. The ISO standard of 3 dead pixels that manufacturers adhere to is not in lieu of your consumer rights.

It simply means that they will not do anything under warranty terms. And again, all warranty terms "do not affect your statutory rights" They are still legally obliged to replace or repair your screen if it is in any way defective

[NISFAN]

Yes I know, but the onus is on you to prove that less than 3 dead pixels affects the performance of the product. The manufacturers will claim IT DOES NOT, so it NOT faulty. Like a dashboard rattle, a steering wheel vibration, crackly speaker, etc.

Even worse to prove if it is just a small part of a car, because you surely have to convince the jury that the whole driving experience is ruined. They won't swap a TV thats sole purpose is to be watched.

Sucks but other than goodwill, you will struggle. Being heavy handed with the consumer rights act will not get you very far. FACT.

[RobUK]

Found this article that seems relevant.

"The issue of defective pixels that are not performing properly because they are permanently lit or switched-off is a grey area. The ISO 13406-2 standard introduced rules regarding defective pixels in relation to screen size saying a certain number of defective pixels may be tolerated. But an ISO standard is not a legal requirement and not all manufacturers interpret ISO 13406-2 in exactly the same way, if they even follow it at all.

Companies tend to have their own policies; some have a zero tolerance for defective pixels where even one is unacceptable. Others will set out what is acceptable or not by how they classify a monitor. So they will allow a certain number of defective pixels before they consider a screen or monitor defective. Manufacturers say the standard of production techniques cannot guarantee a pixel-perfect monitor, and this seems to be legally permissible.

So it could be that one or two defective pixels may not be legally considered a minor defect. (There is no case law).

What is a minor defect? The Sale of Goods Act states that goods should be free from ‘minor defects' and of a satisfactory quality. But what is not clear is if pixel problems, which while undeniably a defect, would make goods unsatisfactory. Most consumers would argue it does. The courts may disagree. From the moment, the only way to guarantee a defect-free monitor is to examine it first, or buy from a make with a zero-defect guarantee."

Conclusion seems to be that's it's a grey area. Personally I'd hope BMW would replace it. There is a visible problem and they should want the customer to be satisfied with their £30-£40K car. However, exeprience tells me otherwise - remember the fiasco over the cracks in 19" alloys a year or two back?

[NISFAN]

Rob

It is not BMW that would NOT want to change it, any faulty items get sent back to the manufacturer and they are the ones that replace the product. BMW would have asked the question and the manufacturer would simply state that x number of pixels are OK, and point to some contractual fine print.

BMW are powerless unless they change it at own cost.

It would have been exactly the same with the wheels fiasco. The wheel supplier would simply state that they have made wheels that met/pass the required spec and tests, so any cracks would be a excessive use or fitment issue, no warranty claim. BMW corporate would have no doubt leaned on the supplier threatening future business, but that is a slow process.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by Msporty

Hmmm, so after initial jubiliation BMW Germany have come back to the dealer and it seems that unless 3+ pixels have gone then its not covered by warranty and my screen is no longer getting replaced anymore, ridiculous

I would break it, and then claim, there is NO way they would get away with that with me.

[MaestroAl]

You could always drive through the front window of the dealership

[NISFAN]

No, order a new car.....and when it arrives write a cheque out for £4000.00 and say "like pixels, what's a few missing zero's between friends"

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

No, order a new car.....and when it arrives write a cheque out for £4000.00 and say "like pixels, what's a few missing zero's between friends"

Love that.

[RobUK]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

No, order a new car.....and when it arrives write a cheque out for £4000.00 and say "like pixels, what's a few missing zero's between friends"

^^^ what he said

PS - still think BMW could do more, but then I have a basic mistrust of large companies

[Msporty]

Thanks for all the comments guys! Unfortunately it's a lease car so didn't actually buy it through the dealer, so guess they're not fussed whether I'm happy or not as they're not securing future business for themselves!

Maybe if I had it would be a different story.....

Might call Lex Autolease and see what they say next