Damage at the VDC

eleven24 · 02-06-2006, 02:18 PM

I understand that the VDC has to declare any damage to the dealer in excess of 3% of the car's value. Does anyone know what rights the consumer (me) has? Does the dealer have to disclose whether or not the car suffered any damage in transport/preparation?

The reason I'm asking...

My car came off the ship on 1/29 and it is still at the VDC. When I called my SA this morning, he said the delay was most likely because my car was awaiting parts as all cars needed to be "Americanized" upon arrival. He then called the VDC and was informed my car had been delayed because one of the wheels was damaged and they are awaiting a replacement. He was told by the VDC that the car has been prioritized and should go out by the end of the week.

I'm going to go over the car with a fine tooth comb when it finally does arrive, but I was just curious as to whether or not the dealer is required to disclose all info to me. It just seems odd that a wheel would cause a 1 week delay - especially when the VDC is 30 miles from my dealer.

Maybe it's my frustration in not having the car, but my

alarm is going off.

txusa03 · 02-06-2006, 02:28 PM

my

alarm would also go off too. I'm not sure what to tell you. That just sucks that you had to wait so long for the car.

E90Fleet · 02-06-2006, 02:56 PM

Wheel probably got scratched taking it onto or off the boat

VDO would have to order a new one from their stock source, which actually works a bit different from dealers stock source, then have a tire fitted and then fit it to the car.

This could easily take more than a week.

BMW doesnt have to diclose any work below 3% done at the VDO due to damage, and doesnt have to disclose things like engine swaps, because its seen as the same standard as factory work.
A number of cars even have things fixed at the factory

eleven24 · 02-06-2006, 09:35 PM

Thanks for the info E90Fleet. A bit more comforting to know a week is a legit timeframe for a wheel replacement.

And so the waiting continues...

govtec · 02-06-2006, 10:19 PM

did u do ed? if so, it might comfort u to know my car was at vdc for about 10 days with no damage bc ed redelivery gets lower priority.

SCA · 02-06-2006, 10:39 PM

Red Flag!

My car arrived at the dealer 3 days after it had arrived at the port.

eleven24 · 02-09-2006, 11:56 AM

No ED for me - car has now been at the port/vdc for 10 days. Does not appear that I'll have it by the weekend either.

I could've floated in a new tire across the Atlantic in the amount of time it's taking to get this done. My worst fear is that there was body damage that the VDC is not telling me or my SA.

ashecnc · 02-09-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleven24

No ED for me - car has now been at the port/vdc for 10 days. Does not appear that I'll have it by the weekend either.

I could've floated in a new tire across the Atlantic in the amount of time it's taking to get this done. My worst fear is that there was body damage that the VDC is not telling me or my SA.

DOn't think bad, it may just be held up

keep your spirits up!

LEDZEP · 02-09-2006, 12:51 PM

As Fleet said, it is reasonable that it would take a week to get the right wheel and tire to replace the damaged one. I had a car that I had ordered and waited over 6 weeks for get damaged at the dealership coming off the truck!

You should certainly give it a good inspection when it arrives, but try not to obsess on it. Your warranty doesn't change, and a scraped wheel is no big deal. Don't let it spoil your new car experience.

eleven24 · 02-09-2006, 03:48 PM

Just talked with SA - wheel should arrive at the VDC/VPC tomorrow. Car will be more than likely discharged on Monday, which means I'll have the car by Tuesday at the latest.

The wheel wasn't the issue, per se. My primary concern was body damage that wouldn't be disclosed to me.

LEDZEP · 02-09-2006, 07:03 PM

Understood. Best not to know. If it is bad they have to tell you, so if it got a scratch and they fixed it (especially if you can't tell) then don't let it eat at you.

Why does everyone keep saying SA? How is the Service Advisor involved in any pre-delivery activity??

bily · 02-09-2006, 07:54 PM

I ordered a 98 528i. Took delivery in Jan. By March i noticed to paint looked different from the rear door to the rear qp. Brought it back to the dealership and they had their body guy look at it and they agreed it was repaired and you could actually see repair work on the door when you looked really closely. They wanted to repair the door, then offered to replace the entire door. I stood my ground and laid a lawsuit brief on the GM's desk from the AL Supreme Court a few years prior. I believe it may have been Dr. Gore vs. BMW. The let me out of my lease and I went on my way a bought a different make. BMW's customer service was of no help, so don't even waste your breath. Anyway just be wary and check it out. If it is just wheel damage it should be easy for them to fix. But if you notice anything else, hold out.

You are correct about the 3% and that came about after the jury awarded this guy a few million dollars. Good Luck!

Oz · 02-09-2006, 08:18 PM

I hope everything works out for you. I don't see why your dealer can't tell you what was damaged...Good luck!

alniri · 02-09-2006, 08:21 PM

Don't know if this has been posted before, but interesting article about BMW VDC

http://www.autospies.com/article/ind...4&categoryId=1

eleven24 · 02-09-2006, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Why does everyone keep saying SA? How is the Service Advisor involved in any pre-delivery activity??

On my salesman's business card it says "Sales Advisor" under his name.

poldim · 02-10-2006, 12:44 AM

We were talking about six sigma in class today and the professor quoted that Merc spends $17,000 per car before it leaves the factory in repair costs.....

Has anyone heard of this?

FlyingFinn · 02-10-2006, 01:07 AM

I had damaged wheel as well when I picked up my car a month ago and I'm still waiting for replacement. Luckily it is not so big damage that it would prevent driving.

02-06-2006, 02:18 PM	#1
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	Damage at the VDC I understand that the VDC has to declare any damage to the dealer in excess of 3% of the car's value. Does anyone know what rights the consumer (me) has? Does the dealer have to disclose whether or not the car suffered any damage in transport/preparation? The reason I'm asking... My car came off the ship on 1/29 and it is still at the VDC. When I called my SA this morning, he said the delay was most likely because my car was awaiting parts as all cars needed to be "Americanized" upon arrival. He then called the VDC and was informed my car had been delayed because one of the wheels was damaged and they are awaiting a replacement. He was told by the VDC that the car has been prioritized and should go out by the end of the week. I'm going to go over the car with a fine tooth comb when it finally does arrive, but I was just curious as to whether or not the dealer is required to disclose all info to me. It just seems odd that a wheel would cause a 1 week delay - especially when the VDC is 30 miles from my dealer. Maybe it's my frustration in not having the car, but my alarm is going off. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-06-2006, 02:28 PM	#2
txusa03 Major General 556 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	my alarm would also go off too. I'm not sure what to tell you. That just sucks that you had to wait so long for the car.
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02-06-2006, 02:56 PM	#3
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Wheel probably got scratched taking it onto or off the boat VDO would have to order a new one from their stock source, which actually works a bit different from dealers stock source, then have a tire fitted and then fit it to the car. This could easily take more than a week. BMW doesnt have to diclose any work below 3% done at the VDO due to damage, and doesnt have to disclose things like engine swaps, because its seen as the same standard as factory work. A number of cars even have things fixed at the factory __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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02-06-2006, 09:35 PM	#4
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info E90Fleet. A bit more comforting to know a week is a legit timeframe for a wheel replacement. And so the waiting continues... __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-06-2006, 10:19 PM	#5
govtec Brigadier General 39 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (7)	did u do ed? if so, it might comfort u to know my car was at vdc for about 10 days with no damage bc ed redelivery gets lower priority.
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02-06-2006, 10:39 PM	#6
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	Red Flag! My car arrived at the dealer 3 days after it had arrived at the port.
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02-09-2006, 11:56 AM	#7
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	No ED for me - car has now been at the port/vdc for 10 days. Does not appear that I'll have it by the weekend either. I could've floated in a new tire across the Atlantic in the amount of time it's taking to get this done. My worst fear is that there was body damage that the VDC is not telling me or my SA. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-09-2006, 12:51 PM	#9
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 419 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	As Fleet said, it is reasonable that it would take a week to get the right wheel and tire to replace the damaged one. I had a car that I had ordered and waited over 6 weeks for get damaged at the dealership coming off the truck! You should certainly give it a good inspection when it arrives, but try not to obsess on it. Your warranty doesn't change, and a scraped wheel is no big deal. Don't let it spoil your new car experience. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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02-09-2006, 03:48 PM	#10
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	Just talked with SA - wheel should arrive at the VDC/VPC tomorrow. Car will be more than likely discharged on Monday, which means I'll have the car by Tuesday at the latest. The wheel wasn't the issue, per se. My primary concern was body damage that wouldn't be disclosed to me. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-09-2006, 07:03 PM	#11
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 419 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Understood. Best not to know. If it is bad they have to tell you, so if it got a scratch and they fixed it (especially if you can't tell) then don't let it eat at you. Why does everyone keep saying SA? How is the Service Advisor involved in any pre-delivery activity?? __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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02-09-2006, 07:54 PM	#12
bily Lieutenant 84 Rep 540 Posts Drives: 22 G05, 22 G26 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 i4 [10.00] 2022 BMW X5 [0.00] 2015 BMW 428 Cabriolet [0.00]	This happened to me a few years back... I ordered a 98 528i. Took delivery in Jan. By March i noticed to paint looked different from the rear door to the rear qp. Brought it back to the dealership and they had their body guy look at it and they agreed it was repaired and you could actually see repair work on the door when you looked really closely. They wanted to repair the door, then offered to replace the entire door. I stood my ground and laid a lawsuit brief on the GM's desk from the AL Supreme Court a few years prior. I believe it may have been Dr. Gore vs. BMW. The let me out of my lease and I went on my way a bought a different make. BMW's customer service was of no help, so don't even waste your breath. Anyway just be wary and check it out. If it is just wheel damage it should be easy for them to fix. But if you notice anything else, hold out. You are correct about the 3% and that came about after the jury awarded this guy a few million dollars. Good Luck!
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02-09-2006, 08:18 PM	#13
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I hope everything works out for you. I don't see why your dealer can't tell you what was damaged...Good luck! __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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02-09-2006, 08:21 PM	#14
alniri Enlisted Member 1 Rep 48 Posts Drives: C2, ML350, 335 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Don't know if this has been posted before, but interesting article about BMW VDC http://www.autospies.com/article/ind...4&categoryId=1
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02-10-2006, 12:44 AM	#16
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 303 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	We were talking about six sigma in class today and the professor quoted that Merc spends $17,000 per car before it leaves the factory in repair costs..... Has anyone heard of this? __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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02-10-2006, 01:07 AM	#17
FlyingFinn Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 294 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	I had damaged wheel as well when I picked up my car a month ago and I'm still waiting for replacement. Luckily it is not so big damage that it would prevent driving.
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