My Recall Experience

mark1181 · 06-05-2019, 09:08 PM

After an excellent sales process and first 10k miles, I fell in love with my 328d and BMW as a brand.

When I first heard about the recall in November 2018, I took my 328d to BMW to have my car fixed, assuming that parts would be ready like they had been for previous cars we’ve owned. They made me wait for two hours and then told me that they didn’t have parts ready, and to just keep driving my car because the chances of the part malfunctioning was slim.

I drove around as normal until April 2019, then the check engine light came on. I took it to a local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as the EGR under recall. He cleared the light and told me to just keep driving it until I could get it fixed.

A month or so later, the light came on again for the same reason. My local mechanic cleared the code and said to try and take it in to get it fixed. I took my car in to BMW who said that the parts still weren’t ready, over 6 months after the recall first was announced.

A few weeks after that, the light came on AGAIN for the same problem. My mechanic cleared the code, but the light just came back on again immediately afterward. I looked online, and the website said that parts were FINALLY available.

8 months is not an acceptable waiting time, BMW.

I then booked an appointment at BMW on Monday, 6/3 to get it fixed. They diagnosed the check engine light and quoted me that it was all part of the recall and that it would all be no charge, including a waived check engine light diagnosis fee. I signed the paperwork, and my service advisor said that due to the service department’s backlog, the car wouldn’t be ready until Tuesday 6/4 in the evening. They didn’t give me a loaner vehicle, so I had to call my mom to pick me up.

Later that afternoon, I got a call from my service advisor saying that the car wouldn’t be ready until Friday, 6/7. He also tried to sell me an alignment and two rear tires that I didn’t need for a total of $829.00 + tax. I politely declined.

On Wednesday 6/5, I received a message from my service advisor saying that the part that tripped the light wasn’t covered under the recall and that we would be charged $416.00 + tax to get it fixed. This was after they had quoted me “no charge” to have it fixed. Even if the part in question is not part of the recall, if BMW would have taken my car in sooner, the part probably wouldn’t have broken.

We agreed to pay the charge to get my car out of the stealership, but this is ridiculous. My whole experience with the recall has been nothing but a disaster. This is by far the worst recall I’ve ever been a part of.

Meanwhile, other cars we’ve owned (Ford, Honda, Mazda, Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes, Volkswagen) have either not had any recalls or have had parts available almost immediately after recalling their cars.

My overall perception of BMW as a brand has been significantly degraded by this recall.

Feel free to share your recall experiences below:

CleanKM · 06-05-2019, 09:21 PM

For what it's worth, ive always found that (at least in my area) your experience and level of quality varies from dealer to dealer. In the Baltimore/DC area, we have at least 6 within 40 miles of each other. There is only one that I will take mine to if I absolutely have to have anything only dealer related done. I will sit my ass in traffic for 2 hours one way to do so. They are the only ones I trust.

They all wear the BMW flag, but not all created equal.

cfm56d7b · 06-05-2019, 09:59 PM

Very unusual response to a recall by the BMW dealer. Recall procedures, parts covered, and labor tasks are well defined.

I sense a visit to another dealer would have a better outcome as unfortunate as it sounds.

mark1181 · 06-05-2019, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleanKM

For what it's worth, ive always found that (at least in my area) your experience and level of quality varies from dealer to dealer. In the Baltimore/DC area, we have at least 6 within 40 miles of each other. There is only one that I will take mine to if I absolutely have to have anything only dealer related done. I will sit my ass in traffic for 2 hours one way to do so. They are the only ones I trust.

They all wear the BMW flag, but not all created equal.

I sense the same situation here. I’ve waited so long to have it “fixed” though, and I’m not sure how I can get it out of the current dealership.

mark1181 · 06-05-2019, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Very unusual response to a recall by the BMW dealer. Recall procedures, parts covered, and labor tasks are well defined.

I sense a visit to another dealer would have a better outcome as unfortunate as it sounds.

I agree, but I am not sure how to get it out of the current dealership without paying

cfm56d7b · 06-05-2019, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark1181

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Very unusual response to a recall by the BMW dealer. Recall procedures, parts covered, and labor tasks are well defined.

I sense a visit to another dealer would have a better outcome as unfortunate as it sounds.

I agree, but I am not sure how to get it out of the current dealership without paying

Perhaps a call to BMW NA would be a good next step? Explain the situation ...

AlpineX · 06-06-2019, 03:44 AM

Your local mechanic was wrong? What is the dealership repla cing or repairing?

mark1181 · 06-15-2019, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Perhaps a call to BMW NA would be a good next step? Explain the situation ...

I emailed BMW NA a while ago and they replied telling me to call them. In hindsight I should've just called them in the first place but oh well.

mark1181 · 06-15-2019, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineX

Your local mechanic was wrong? What is the dealership repla cing or repairing?

My local mechanic was correct. In my case, the EGR cooler failed, which broke the EGR valve also. The dealership replaced the faulty cooler, but made me pay for the faulty valve. It doesn't make any sense at all why both parts weren't covered, hence why I'm calling.

M4_GTS · 06-15-2019, 07:56 PM

Your biggest mistake was taking it to your own mechanic when that CEL came on time and time again you kept driving it because your mechanic told you to. If you taken it to BMW, they could of diagnosed it and if it's caused by the recall, they would of told you to stop driving it and gave you a loaner. Live and learn next time.

mark1181 · 06-16-2019, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4_GTS

Your biggest mistake was taking it to your own mechanic when that CEL came on time and time again you kept driving it because your mechanic told you to. If you taken it to BMW, they could of diagnosed it and if it's caused by the recall, they would of told you to stop driving it and gave you a loaner. Live and learn next time.

I called BMW first thing when the CEL came on for the first time. The dealer wanted $170 just to read the code, which was outrageous to me.

If you read my post, you'll see that I took it to BMW before the light came on and they just said "We don't have parts ready." That's why my mechanic told me to keep driving it until they had the parts.

M4_GTS · 06-16-2019, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark1181

I called BMW first thing when the CEL came on for the first time. The dealer wanted $170 just to read the code, which was outrageous to me.

If you read my post, you'll see that I took it to BMW before the light came on and they just said "We don't have parts ready." That's why my mechanic told me to keep driving it until they had the parts.

You took it to BMW "before the light came on" and then to your mechanic "after the light came on". Your mechanic told you it's an EGR code and that's when I would go back to the dealer and tell them with the findings and demand they look into it.

With how complex these cars are. Not all mechanic knows how to deal with it.

mark1181 · 06-16-2019, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4_GTS

You took it to BMW "before the light came on" and then to your mechanic "after the light came on". Your mechanic told you it's an EGR code and that's when I would go back to the dealer and tell them with the findings and demand they look into it.

With how complex these cars are. Not all mechanic knows how to deal with it.

After my mechanic diagnosed the cause, I did take it back to the dealer, only to hear “We don’t have parts for that” If they would’ve had parts ready in the first place, none of this would’ve happened.

328iX · 06-16-2019, 01:16 PM

How many miles are you at? I'm at 62k with no signs of anything yet

Tomo366 · 06-16-2019, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleanKM

For what it's worth, ive always found that (at least in my area) your experience and level of quality varies from dealer to dealer. In the Baltimore/DC area, we have at least 6 within 40 miles of each other. There is only one that I will take mine to if I absolutely have to have anything only dealer related done. I will sit my ass in traffic for 2 hours one way to do so. They are the only ones I trust.

They all wear the BMW flag, but not all created equal.

And which DC Dealer would that be ?

CleanKM · 06-16-2019, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomo366

Quote:

Originally Posted by CleanKM

For what it's worth, ive always found that (at least in my area) your experience and level of quality varies from dealer to dealer. In the Baltimore/DC area, we have at least 6 within 40 miles of each other. There is only one that I will take mine to if I absolutely have to have anything only dealer related done. I will sit my ass in traffic for 2 hours one way to do so. They are the only ones I trust.

They all wear the BMW flag, but not all created equal.

And which DC Dealer would that be ?

Alexandria has always treated me and my vehicles right.

mark1181 · 06-17-2019, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328dX

How many miles are you at? I'm at 62k with no signs of anything yet

I'm at 76k

wicked510 · 06-26-2019, 05:59 PM

I took my 2014 BMW 328dx into Weatherford BMW in Berkeley for the recall -coolant kept running low with no sign of a leak.

When I got the car back there was a delay because the front Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ was flat.

They obviously picked up the screw because it wasn't flat when I brought it in. The valet kid basically said I'm so sorry for you and after a call to the service manager said they don't know where it picked up the screw so they wouldn't be taking care of it.

They did try to sell me a new valve cover gasket and expansion tank while the car was in for service. No way I am ever taking the car to the dealer again for anything.

It's really the luxury experience buy your own ride to the dealership because your SA is out on lunch and then to get the car back with a flat that I have to fix.

She did offer me a Lyft to the dealership after I picked the car up.

Lame lame lame.

Hangman4358 · 07-01-2019, 03:34 PM

I am really annoyed by this recall. I have had coolant drain into the ERG for like a year now.

For a year now I have had low coolant warnings come up. I refill with distilled water. While I was still under warranty I had the car at the dealer 3 times. over night pressure test, etc. no leak

When asked how that can be when i am filling like a gallon ever 2 months they shrug.

Then the recall and it all clicked. now 8 months later still no parts?? I don't ever get a CEL, just the low coolant. I don't even want to know the mess in there...

Enabled · 07-01-2019, 05:32 PM

Local Houston dealers are already busy replacing parts for the recall. Maybe find another dealer, if possible?

Tonyt915 · 07-01-2019, 07:20 PM

Been pleased so far. Brought it in for an oil change and dealer asked to check it out for the recall. Gave me and loaner cause the car was too hot to check at the time and off I went. That was Saturday, today I got a call and said the EGR was in really bad shape and they started the process. Job is estimated 40hr repair and was told it’s almost a complete teardown. Was driving when they called so I’ll try to get details tomorrow on what all is being done and see if I can get pictures.

Hangman4358 · 07-02-2019, 11:40 AM

I got fed up after posting yesterday so I called the dealer and made a bit of a stink and they said bring it in Friday. I actually just said it was frustrating and that I know they weren't to blame and I was just venting.

Now that the recall has been going so long they would escalate the case to BMW NA because of symptoms related to recall.

06-05-2019, 09:08 PM	#1
mark1181 New Member 7 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 328d Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 328d [0.00]	My Recall Experience After an excellent sales process and first 10k miles, I fell in love with my 328d and BMW as a brand. When I first heard about the recall in November 2018, I took my 328d to BMW to have my car fixed, assuming that parts would be ready like they had been for previous cars we’ve owned. They made me wait for two hours and then told me that they didn’t have parts ready, and to just keep driving my car because the chances of the part malfunctioning was slim. I drove around as normal until April 2019, then the check engine light came on. I took it to a local mechanic, who diagnosed the problem as the EGR under recall. He cleared the light and told me to just keep driving it until I could get it fixed. A month or so later, the light came on again for the same reason. My local mechanic cleared the code and said to try and take it in to get it fixed. I took my car in to BMW who said that the parts still weren’t ready, over 6 months after the recall first was announced. A few weeks after that, the light came on AGAIN for the same problem. My mechanic cleared the code, but the light just came back on again immediately afterward. I looked online, and the website said that parts were FINALLY available. 8 months is not an acceptable waiting time, BMW. I then booked an appointment at BMW on Monday, 6/3 to get it fixed. They diagnosed the check engine light and quoted me that it was all part of the recall and that it would all be no charge, including a waived check engine light diagnosis fee. I signed the paperwork, and my service advisor said that due to the service department’s backlog, the car wouldn’t be ready until Tuesday 6/4 in the evening. They didn’t give me a loaner vehicle, so I had to call my mom to pick me up. Later that afternoon, I got a call from my service advisor saying that the car wouldn’t be ready until Friday, 6/7. He also tried to sell me an alignment and two rear tires that I didn’t need for a total of $829.00 + tax. I politely declined. On Wednesday 6/5, I received a message from my service advisor saying that the part that tripped the light wasn’t covered under the recall and that we would be charged $416.00 + tax to get it fixed. This was after they had quoted me “no charge” to have it fixed. Even if the part in question is not part of the recall, if BMW would have taken my car in sooner, the part probably wouldn’t have broken. We agreed to pay the charge to get my car out of the stealership, but this is ridiculous. My whole experience with the recall has been nothing but a disaster. This is by far the worst recall I’ve ever been a part of. Meanwhile, other cars we’ve owned (Ford, Honda, Mazda, Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes, Volkswagen) have either not had any recalls or have had parts available almost immediately after recalling their cars. My overall perception of BMW as a brand has been significantly degraded by this recall. Feel free to share your recall experiences below:
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06-05-2019, 09:21 PM	#2
CleanKM SQUEAKY 104 Rep 322 Posts Drives: 2014 328d Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Washington, DC Metro Area iTrader: (0)	For what it's worth, ive always found that (at least in my area) your experience and level of quality varies from dealer to dealer. In the Baltimore/DC area, we have at least 6 within 40 miles of each other. There is only one that I will take mine to if I absolutely have to have anything only dealer related done. I will sit my ass in traffic for 2 hours one way to do so. They are the only ones I trust. They all wear the BMW flag, but not all created equal.
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06-05-2019, 09:59 PM	#3
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5881 Rep 10,255 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	Very unusual response to a recall by the BMW dealer. Recall procedures, parts covered, and labor tasks are well defined. I sense a visit to another dealer would have a better outcome as unfortunate as it sounds.
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06-06-2019, 03:44 AM	#7
AlpineX Captain 246 Rep 776 Posts Drives: Diesel Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Your local mechanic was wrong? What is the dealership repla cing or repairing?
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06-15-2019, 07:56 PM	#10
M4_GTS Lieutenant Colonel 1153 Rep 1,523 Posts Drives: M4 GTS Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Your biggest mistake was taking it to your own mechanic when that CEL came on time and time again you kept driving it because your mechanic told you to. If you taken it to BMW, they could of diagnosed it and if it's caused by the recall, they would of told you to stop driving it and gave you a loaner. Live and learn next time.
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06-16-2019, 01:16 PM	#14
328iX David 786 Rep 2,010 Posts Drives: 2015 328iX F31 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Temecula, CA iTrader: (0)	How many miles are you at? I'm at 62k with no signs of anything yet
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06-26-2019, 05:59 PM	#18
wicked510 Enlisted Member 19 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 328d xDrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Berkeley, CA iTrader: (0)	I took my 2014 BMW 328dx into Weatherford BMW in Berkeley for the recall -coolant kept running low with no sign of a leak. When I got the car back there was a delay because the front Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ was flat. They obviously picked up the screw because it wasn't flat when I brought it in. The valet kid basically said I'm so sorry for you and after a call to the service manager said they don't know where it picked up the screw so they wouldn't be taking care of it. They did try to sell me a new valve cover gasket and expansion tank while the car was in for service. No way I am ever taking the car to the dealer again for anything. It's really the luxury experience buy your own ride to the dealership because your SA is out on lunch and then to get the car back with a flat that I have to fix. She did offer me a Lyft to the dealership after I picked the car up. Lame lame lame.
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07-01-2019, 03:34 PM	#19
Hangman4358 Private 87 Rep 67 Posts Drives: '14 F31 328d Sportline Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M2 [0.00] 2014 328d F31 [0.00]	I am really annoyed by this recall. I have had coolant drain into the ERG for like a year now. For a year now I have had low coolant warnings come up. I refill with distilled water. While I was still under warranty I had the car at the dealer 3 times. over night pressure test, etc. no leak When asked how that can be when i am filling like a gallon ever 2 months they shrug. Then the recall and it all clicked. now 8 months later still no parts?? I don't ever get a CEL, just the low coolant. I don't even want to know the mess in there...
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07-01-2019, 05:32 PM	#20
Enabled Lieutenant Colonel 1406 Rep 1,799 Posts Drives: 328xd Wagon, M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Local Houston dealers are already busy replacing parts for the recall. Maybe find another dealer, if possible? __________________ -2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs. -2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe.
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07-01-2019, 07:20 PM	#21
Tonyt915 Private 57 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 14' 328D M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Been pleased so far. Brought it in for an oil change and dealer asked to check it out for the recall. Gave me and loaner cause the car was too hot to check at the time and off I went. That was Saturday, today I got a call and said the EGR was in really bad shape and they started the process. Job is estimated 40hr repair and was told it’s almost a complete teardown. Was driving when they called so I’ll try to get details tomorrow on what all is being done and see if I can get pictures.
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07-02-2019, 11:40 AM	#22
Hangman4358 Private 87 Rep 67 Posts Drives: '14 F31 328d Sportline Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M2 [0.00] 2014 328d F31 [0.00]	I got fed up after posting yesterday so I called the dealer and made a bit of a stink and they said bring it in Friday. I actually just said it was frustrating and that I know they weren't to blame and I was just venting. Now that the recall has been going so long they would escalate the case to BMW NA because of symptoms related to recall.
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