Owned for 10 days, in service for 9.

rclee820 · 01-13-2013, 12:45 PM

So I purchased a pre-owned 2010 335i xdrive from a local BMW dealership 10 days ago. The car is not a Certified Pre-Owned, and has 40k miles on it. Driving it home the first night, it threw an SES light. I took it back in the very next morning, and they've had it ever since, trying to figure out what the problem is.

They told me it's throwing a lean fuel mixture code over and over again. So far, they claim they've replaced a cracked valve cover to address a vaccuum leak, tightened a hose clamp to address another vaccuum leak, reflashed the ECU, and replaced all injectors. This is making me seriously question the integrity of this vehicle.

At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Do I give the dealership the opportunity to fix this issue and take the car hoping it won't be plagued with issues in the future? Should I have them search for another vehicle for me? Should I get my money back (which wouldn't be entirely fair because there was a trade-in and they would just give me the value of the trade in back and pay off the loan. It's not like I can buy the same car back that I traded in for the value they gave me for it.)? Any input is appreciated.

UPDATE 1/24:

So here's a list of everything that's been repaired on this vehicle so far that was "missed" by the dealership prior to delivery:

1. Replaced cracked valve cover & gasket
2. Repaired vacuum leak on one of the hoses
3. Replaced faulty fuel injectors (causing lean mixture)
4. Realigned wiper arm
5. Replaced 1 tire that should not have passed state inspection (damaged the rim in the process)
6. Repaired the damaged rim
7. Replaced Telecommunication Unit (during troubleshooitng process)
8. Replaced CIC (during troubleshooting process)
9. Currently still troubleshooting why data features on BMW assist will not work

I have a buy-back guarantee on this vehicle that I'm perfectly within my rights to enforce if I choose to. Options are:

1. Let the dealership repair all the problems that I find and keep the car
2. Have them take this car back and find me another one
3. Return the vehicle and get my money back, except they would just give me the value of my trade-in. The trouble here is that I would only get trade-in value back for my former vehicle, and get nothing else out of it. If I were to take this action, shouldn't I request that the dealership pay me retail value for my trade-in so that I could theoretically go out and purchase the same vehicle again?

Crewchief05 · 01-13-2013, 12:51 PM

I had a very similar case. Bought a vehicle from a used car lot (not BMW). Took back the next day due to problems such as codes, bad brakes, incorrect software, dead batt, etc. They wrecked my car. They replaced it with a new one. I am not a lawyer/attorney so definitely do your own research but I would check your states lemon law and google similar cases such as yours. If you do get to replace the vehicle I would recommend getting a CPO if at all possible. Gives you a extra peace of mind even though all used vehicles are hit and miss when it comes to hidden mechanical/cosmetic issues.

rclee820 · 01-13-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crewchief05

I had a very similar case. Bought a vehicle from a used car lot (not BMW). Took back the next day due to problems such as codes, bad brakes, incorrect software, dead batt, etc. They wrecked my car. They replaced it with a new one. I am not a lawyer/attorney so definitely do your own research but I would check your states lemon law and google similar cases such as yours. If you do get to replace the vehicle I would recommend getting a CPO if at all possible. Gives you a extra peace of mind even though all used vehicles are hit and miss when it comes to hidden mechanical/cosmetic issues.

They replaced your car with a brand new one?

John 070 · 01-13-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclee820

So I purchased a pre-owned 2010 335i xdrive from a local BMW dealership 10 days ago. The car is not a Certified Pre-Owned, and has 40k miles on it. Driving it home the first night, it threw an SES light. I took it back in the very next morning, and they've had it ever since, trying to figure out what the problem is.

They told me it's throwing a lean fuel mixture code over and over again. So far, they claim they've replaced a cracked valve cover to address a vaccuum leak, tightened a hose clamp to address another vaccuum leak, reflashed the ECU, and replaced all injectors. This is making me seriously question the integrity of this vehicle.

At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Do I give the dealership the opportunity to fix this issue and take the car hoping it won't be plagued with issues in the future? Should I have them search for another vehicle for me? Should I get my money back (which wouldn't be entirely fair because there was a trade-in and they would just give me the value of the trade in back and pay off the loan. It's not like I can buy the same car back that I traded in for the value they gave me for it.)? Any input is appreciated.

Your car is not a cpo but it should have a warranty...just let the dealer fix it and make sure you drive it so other things break under warranty...my .02....

Crewchief05 · 01-13-2013, 01:03 PM

They replaced it with a car similar to price. Same model though.

rclee820 · 01-13-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Your car is not a cpo but it should have a warranty...just let the dealer fix it and make sure you drive it so other things break under warranty...my .02....

This by far would be the easiest solution, which is why I'm even considering it. I have the factory warranty for 1 more year, and theres a state standard used car warranty for 60 days/3000 miles. I just dont want to be bringing this car in for service every other week for the foreseeable future, and eventually these warranties are going to run out.

///M3NACE · 01-13-2013, 01:08 PM

This is one of the main reasons I didn't get the twin turbo engine. I hope everything works out for you but if you search there's hundreds maybe thousands of problems people have with these cars.

Mavus · 01-13-2013, 01:14 PM

+1

N54/N55 are great designs on paper but parts reliability is a huge issue.

Falafel Combo · 01-13-2013, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NokTurNaL 330i

+1

N54/N55 are great designs on paper but parts reliability is a huge issue.

Yes, but as you will come to realize (as did I), you can not hang on to your N55 forever. You eventually will feel left behind if you do not get on-board with newer technologies.

N55 reliability seems to have improved somewhat over the N54.

rclee820 · 01-13-2013, 01:37 PM

Well if I continue down this road, they'll soon replace everything that could be causing the problem... I guess. Anyone have any insight as to what the problem may be? The dealership seems to be clueless, so maybe with people's help, I can point them in the right direction. Could it be the HPFP?

Red_Bean_Bun · 01-13-2013, 01:44 PM

Don't think it's hpfp .... Why don't you grab the codes and list it here ?

rclee820 · 01-13-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red_Bean_Bun

Don't think it's hpfp .... Why don't you grab the codes and list it here ?

Yeah I'll have to do that when I talk to the service dept again tomorrow.

BQTuning · 01-13-2013, 02:01 PM

Those are just some of the risks you take when buying a used vehicle expecially one that is a turbo charged sport car.

Off leases, are worse, people just abuse them.

Try talking to operations manager of sales at that dealer and explain you issue. Get out of that car ASAP.

ChasVS · 01-13-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

This is one of the main reasons I didn't get the twin turbo engine. I hope everything works out for you but if you search there's hundreds maybe thousands of problems people have with these cars.

More uneducated BS. This is the crap that give the N54 a bad rep in these forums. There are Thousands of totally satisfied 335 owners who don't write a thing because THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM.

ChasVS · 01-13-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NokTurNaL 330i

+1

N54/N55 are great designs on paper but parts reliability is a huge issue.

Pure BS.

pruettfan · 01-13-2013, 02:28 PM

Relax. Your car will be fixed and it will be great. I had a similar experience and was frustrated. Depending on the issue they sometimes send data to BMW for analysis (that was the case in my situation) to ensure that the repair is done completely and properly so that the car is returned to factory specs. I feel your pain but BMW will make things right.

Vegetable · 01-13-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasVS

Pure BS.

You don't think reliability is an issue with the N54? Really?

rondocap · 01-13-2013, 02:38 PM

It seems like a crapshoot sometimes with these cars. I bought my 2008 last year, CPO with only 10,000 miles. It was obviously a garage car and very well cared for - and I have not had any issues with it aside from something vanos related that was replaced with the transmission.

I guess some of them are just worse than others!

romanonj · 01-13-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclee820

So I purchased a pre-owned 2010 335i xdrive from a local BMW dealership 10 days ago. The car is not a Certified Pre-Owned, and has 40k miles on it. Driving it home the first night, it threw an SES light. I took it back in the very next morning, and they've had it ever since, trying to figure out what the problem is.

They told me it's throwing a lean fuel mixture code over and over again. So far, they claim they've replaced a cracked valve cover to address a vaccuum leak, tightened a hose clamp to address another vaccuum leak, reflashed the ECU, and replaced all injectors. This is making me seriously question the integrity of this vehicle.

At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Do I give the dealership the opportunity to fix this issue and take the car hoping it won't be plagued with issues in the future? Should I have them search for another vehicle for me? Should I get my money back (which wouldn't be entirely fair because there was a trade-in and they would just give me the value of the trade in back and pay off the loan. It's not like I can buy the same car back that I traded in for the value they gave me for it.)? Any input is appreciated.

I would have them CPO this car at no charge to you.. BMW cpo warranty is very good, in addition buy extended maintenance plan (another 2k but well worth it). I did this with my both of my cars. X3 has been in the shop several times, nothing major.

Be Awesome 335i · 01-13-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChasVS

More uneducated BS. This is the crap that give the N54 a bad rep in these forums. There are Thousands of totally satisfied 335 owners who don't write a thing because THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM.

Agreed 100% !!

I am super happy with mine and know several people with 335's and love them...

Love the N54 set up

BMDoublYou · 01-13-2013, 03:51 PM

N54's have issues, but so do N52's, just because every time someone has a problem with the car and they feel the need to get on the internet and bash the engine, dosen't mean they aren't amazing power plants.

DFW_M · 01-13-2013, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shicobico

Yes, but as you will come to realize (as did I), you can not hang on to your N55 forever. You eventually will feel left behind if you do not get on-board with newer technologies.

N55 reliability seems to have improved somewhat over the N54.

Interesting...
My 2011 N54 is as reliabl as the 96 Civic I had in College, so far...

The other 3 people I personally know that have the N54 are as "lucky" as I am, so far...

01-13-2013, 12:45 PM	#1
rclee820 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2010 335i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (1)	Owned for 10 days, in service for 9. So I purchased a pre-owned 2010 335i xdrive from a local BMW dealership 10 days ago. The car is not a Certified Pre-Owned, and has 40k miles on it. Driving it home the first night, it threw an SES light. I took it back in the very next morning, and they've had it ever since, trying to figure out what the problem is. They told me it's throwing a lean fuel mixture code over and over again. So far, they claim they've replaced a cracked valve cover to address a vaccuum leak, tightened a hose clamp to address another vaccuum leak, reflashed the ECU, and replaced all injectors. This is making me seriously question the integrity of this vehicle. At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Do I give the dealership the opportunity to fix this issue and take the car hoping it won't be plagued with issues in the future? Should I have them search for another vehicle for me? Should I get my money back (which wouldn't be entirely fair because there was a trade-in and they would just give me the value of the trade in back and pay off the loan. It's not like I can buy the same car back that I traded in for the value they gave me for it.)? Any input is appreciated. UPDATE 1/24: So here's a list of everything that's been repaired on this vehicle so far that was "missed" by the dealership prior to delivery: 1. Replaced cracked valve cover & gasket 2. Repaired vacuum leak on one of the hoses 3. Replaced faulty fuel injectors (causing lean mixture) 4. Realigned wiper arm 5. Replaced 1 tire that should not have passed state inspection (damaged the rim in the process) 6. Repaired the damaged rim 7. Replaced Telecommunication Unit (during troubleshooitng process) 8. Replaced CIC (during troubleshooting process) 9. Currently still troubleshooting why data features on BMW assist will not work I have a buy-back guarantee on this vehicle that I'm perfectly within my rights to enforce if I choose to. Options are: 1. Let the dealership repair all the problems that I find and keep the car 2. Have them take this car back and find me another one 3. Return the vehicle and get my money back, except they would just give me the value of my trade-in. The trouble here is that I would only get trade-in value back for my former vehicle, and get nothing else out of it. If I were to take this action, shouldn't I request that the dealership pay me retail value for my trade-in so that I could theoretically go out and purchase the same vehicle again? Last edited by rclee820; 01-24-2013 at 01:07 PM.. Reason: Update
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01-13-2013, 12:51 PM	#2
Crewchief05 SBD 3 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 335i e90 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0) Garage List 08 335i [0.00]	I had a very similar case. Bought a vehicle from a used car lot (not BMW). Took back the next day due to problems such as codes, bad brakes, incorrect software, dead batt, etc. They wrecked my car. They replaced it with a new one. I am not a lawyer/attorney so definitely do your own research but I would check your states lemon law and google similar cases such as yours. If you do get to replace the vehicle I would recommend getting a CPO if at all possible. Gives you a extra peace of mind even though all used vehicles are hit and miss when it comes to hidden mechanical/cosmetic issues.
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01-13-2013, 01:03 PM	#5
Crewchief05 SBD 3 Rep 273 Posts Drives: 335i e90 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0) Garage List 08 335i [0.00]	They replaced it with a car similar to price. Same model though.
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01-13-2013, 01:08 PM	#7
///M3NACE Banned 168 Rep 3,900 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E36 Vert , E90 N52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downers Grove, IL iTrader: (5)	This is one of the main reasons I didn't get the twin turbo engine. I hope everything works out for you but if you search there's hundreds maybe thousands of problems people have with these cars.
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01-13-2013, 01:14 PM	#8
Mavus Colonel 2033 Rep 2,672 Posts Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	+1 N54/N55 are great designs on paper but parts reliability is a huge issue.
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01-13-2013, 01:37 PM	#10
rclee820 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2010 335i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (1)	Well if I continue down this road, they'll soon replace everything that could be causing the problem... I guess. Anyone have any insight as to what the problem may be? The dealership seems to be clueless, so maybe with people's help, I can point them in the right direction. Could it be the HPFP?
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01-13-2013, 01:44 PM	#11
Red_Bean_Bun Captain 62 Rep 944 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (4)	Don't think it's hpfp .... Why don't you grab the codes and list it here ?
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01-13-2013, 02:01 PM	#13
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	Those are just some of the risks you take when buying a used vehicle expecially one that is a turbo charged sport car. Off leases, are worse, people just abuse them. Try talking to operations manager of sales at that dealer and explain you issue. Get out of that car ASAP.
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01-13-2013, 02:28 PM	#16
pruettfan Brigadier General 1622 Rep 3,402 Posts Drives: 2017 M2, LBB, DCT, Exec Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (0)	Relax. Your car will be fixed and it will be great. I had a similar experience and was frustrated. Depending on the issue they sometimes send data to BMW for analysis (that was the case in my situation) to ensure that the repair is done completely and properly so that the car is returned to factory specs. I feel your pain but BMW will make things right.
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01-13-2013, 02:38 PM	#18
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	It seems like a crapshoot sometimes with these cars. I bought my 2008 last year, CPO with only 10,000 miles. It was obviously a garage car and very well cared for - and I have not had any issues with it aside from something vanos related that was replaced with the transmission. I guess some of them are just worse than others!
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01-13-2013, 03:51 PM	#21
BMDoublYou Captain 117 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335xi / 08 E82 128i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: True North iTrader: (1)	N54's have issues, but so do N52's, just because every time someone has a problem with the car and they feel the need to get on the internet and bash the engine, dosen't mean they aren't amazing power plants.
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