Aaaagh

framerate · 07-07-2008, 09:20 AM

Hi all.

I picked up my brand new 330i E92 on Thursday and the first thing I noticed was a small line on the top of the dashboard - best way I can describe it is it looked like someone had run a pencil eraser along it. The dealer said we could have a go at cleaning it up and if we had no luck to bring it back in and they'd have a go. Well we took it back in and they had a look and told us its actually a scratch and we had two choices: 1) ignore it (!), 2) get it re-sprayed (!). We said we'd phone em after we'd thought about it.

I've just finished talking with the dealer on the phone and they've agreed that ignoring/respraying are not options so they're now looking at replacing the entire dashboard.

My question is: should I be OK with this? I mean, we ordered a new car and here they are taking it apart and putting a new dashboard in... is this going to be good as new or is this likely to introduce more problems (squeaks, rattles, etc.)? The dealer brought up the possibility of ordering a replacement car but that they want to try the replace-the-dashboard route first as it costs less.

It's a shame because I absolutely love the car.

xenon · 07-07-2008, 09:54 AM

I would give the dealer the option of replacing the dashboard provided that they keep you mobile during the repair with a similar or better car. Further, get it in writing that if the replacement causes any problems such as rattling, squeeking etc., that you reserve the right to request a replacement car.

In other words, give them a chance to fix it but explain that you're not accepting a compromise. If it's done perfectly, all well and good but if not you won't be fobbed off with "sorry mate, but we did try...."

jonsteele · 07-07-2008, 10:45 AM

+1

TK - 421 · 07-07-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

I would give the dealer the option of replacing the dashboard provided that they keep you mobile during the repair with a similar or better car. Further, get it in writing that if the replacement causes any problems such as rattling, squeeking etc., that you reserve the right to request a replacement car.

In other words, give them a chance to fix it but explain that you're not accepting a compromise. If it's done perfectly, all well and good but if not you won't be fobbed off with "sorry mate, but we did try...."

Wise words +1

threethirty · 07-07-2008, 11:06 AM

I totally agree with xenon. I'd have the same reservations about removing the dashboard, but give them a chance. Make sure you have the option of a brand new replacement if it is not done to your total satisfaction.

neilmc · 07-07-2008, 11:38 AM

I really feel for you, at least mine was only a new bumper, but it drove me nut's. It did however turn out ok. I would have the same reservations as you with regards to noises and rattles, so as it is not your fault, if you can stand the wait and they put you in a replacement car, look at a replacement and some compensation. If not go with the replacement and a lot of compensation. e.g. free first service and £250 worth of acessories at the least. The car is not as ordered, even if the do put it right. You still can reject it. It is your hard earned money.

framerate · 07-07-2008, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the advice - I've followed it and sent a politely worded e-mail off to the dealer. The dealer has actually been great so far, so fingers crossed.

They'd already offered a courtesy car, a 120d or a 530d (I chose the 120d!).

If the worst does happen, what are the rules for rejecting the car? Does it need to be done within a certain time (because I have to wait a week for this repair)?

neilmc · 07-07-2008, 12:45 PM

Yes, it does, I cannot remember how long though. if they have indicated a replacement, and you are thinking that way, i would do it sooner rather than later. if you have already taken delivery, it is not that bad, I signed for and took delivery of a 57 plate 325 and then rejected it within a few days due to poor paint and was lucky as the paperwork was still sat on someones desk at the dvla/c and it was sorted out very quickly. Make sure you get the loan car for the time it takes to get a new car delivered, you may find one in similar spec in stock with BMW uk or they have one due in soon. hope this helps and me personally, I would go for the new car, as it will always niggle you if you are anything like me!!!!

tmarshall57 · 07-07-2008, 01:20 PM

If you go for the dealer fix take the time to outline your concerns in writing and get (in writing) confirmationn from the dealer that your concerns will be dealt with.

It is much easier for the dealer to fix than it is for him to supply a new car so he should be bending over backwards to allay your fears in writing. If he won't, then reject the car. You are the customer.

SoYank · 07-07-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

I would give the dealer the option of replacing the dashboard provided that they keep you mobile during the repair with a similar or better car. Further, get it in writing that if the replacement causes any problems such as rattling, squeeking etc., that you reserve the right to request a replacement car.

In other words, give them a chance to fix it but explain that you're not accepting a compromise. If it's done perfectly, all well and good but if not you won't be fobbed off with "sorry mate, but we did try...."

Some of the wisest words written on this forum.

gIzzE · 07-07-2008, 01:30 PM

What I would say is this, if you go for a new car tell them you wan't to wait for sept build, this will give you the new I-Drive etc. with the high res display and new interace, dvd playback etc. etc.
That is if you have i-drive of course??

xenon · 07-08-2008, 02:31 AM

Incidentally, a friend of mine had the entire dashboard replaced in his e46 because of a weird fading along the top. There was no problem afterwards and the dealer said it wasn't as complex a job as it appeared.

framerate · 07-08-2008, 03:37 AM

That's good to know, thanks Xenon. The dealer's basically saying the same thing but when I've spent so much of my own money I become naturally pessimistic!

gIzzE: Fortunately I didn't bother with iDrive.

neilmc: Pretty sure I'm passed the point when I can reject the car, all the DVLA documents turned up in the mail the day after I picked up the car!

07-07-2008, 09:20 AM	#1
framerate New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: '08 E92 330i SE Arctic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Nottingham (UK) iTrader: (0)	Aaaagh - new car woes! Hi all. I picked up my brand new 330i E92 on Thursday and the first thing I noticed was a small line on the top of the dashboard - best way I can describe it is it looked like someone had run a pencil eraser along it. The dealer said we could have a go at cleaning it up and if we had no luck to bring it back in and they'd have a go. Well we took it back in and they had a look and told us its actually a scratch and we had two choices: 1) ignore it (!), 2) get it re-sprayed (!). We said we'd phone em after we'd thought about it. I've just finished talking with the dealer on the phone and they've agreed that ignoring/respraying are not options so they're now looking at replacing the entire dashboard. My question is: should I be OK with this? I mean, we ordered a new car and here they are taking it apart and putting a new dashboard in... is this going to be good as new or is this likely to introduce more problems (squeaks, rattles, etc.)? The dealer brought up the possibility of ordering a replacement car but that they want to try the replace-the-dashboard route first as it costs less. It's a shame because I absolutely love the car.
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07-07-2008, 09:54 AM	#2
xenon Major General 1405 Rep 8,093 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	I would give the dealer the option of replacing the dashboard provided that they keep you mobile during the repair with a similar or better car. Further, get it in writing that if the replacement causes any problems such as rattling, squeeking etc., that you reserve the right to request a replacement car. In other words, give them a chance to fix it but explain that you're not accepting a compromise. If it's done perfectly, all well and good but if not you won't be fobbed off with "sorry mate, but we did try...." __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-07-2008, 10:45 AM	#3
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	+1 __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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07-07-2008, 11:06 AM	#5
threethirty Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 204 Posts Drives: BMW 330i M Sport Saloon 2006 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: East Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	I totally agree with xenon. I'd have the same reservations about removing the dashboard, but give them a chance. Make sure you have the option of a brand new replacement if it is not done to your total satisfaction. __________________ BMW 330i M Sport Saloon - 06 plate - Le Mans Blue
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07-07-2008, 11:38 AM	#6
neilmc Lieutenant 22 Rep 437 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M SPORT Join Date: May 2008 Location: uk iTrader: (1)	I really feel for you, at least mine was only a new bumper, but it drove me nut's. It did however turn out ok. I would have the same reservations as you with regards to noises and rattles, so as it is not your fault, if you can stand the wait and they put you in a replacement car, look at a replacement and some compensation. If not go with the replacement and a lot of compensation. e.g. free first service and £250 worth of acessories at the least. The car is not as ordered, even if the do put it right. You still can reject it. It is your hard earned money.
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07-07-2008, 12:19 PM	#7
framerate New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: '08 E92 330i SE Arctic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Nottingham (UK) iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the advice - I've followed it and sent a politely worded e-mail off to the dealer. The dealer has actually been great so far, so fingers crossed. They'd already offered a courtesy car, a 120d or a 530d (I chose the 120d!). If the worst does happen, what are the rules for rejecting the car? Does it need to be done within a certain time (because I have to wait a week for this repair)?
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07-07-2008, 12:45 PM	#8
neilmc Lieutenant 22 Rep 437 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M SPORT Join Date: May 2008 Location: uk iTrader: (1)	Yes, it does, I cannot remember how long though. if they have indicated a replacement, and you are thinking that way, i would do it sooner rather than later. if you have already taken delivery, it is not that bad, I signed for and took delivery of a 57 plate 325 and then rejected it within a few days due to poor paint and was lucky as the paperwork was still sat on someones desk at the dvla/c and it was sorted out very quickly. Make sure you get the loan car for the time it takes to get a new car delivered, you may find one in similar spec in stock with BMW uk or they have one due in soon. hope this helps and me personally, I would go for the new car, as it will always niggle you if you are anything like me!!!!
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07-07-2008, 01:20 PM	#9
tmarshall57 Captain 56 Rep 623 Posts Drives: F10 530d M Sport, E87 118d M Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bury, Lancs, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E87 118d M ... [0.00] 2012 BMW F10 530D M ... [0.00] 1997 K1100RS Specia ... [0.00]	If you go for the dealer fix take the time to outline your concerns in writing and get (in writing) confirmationn from the dealer that your concerns will be dealt with. It is much easier for the dealer to fix than it is for him to supply a new car so he should be bending over backwards to allay your fears in writing. If he won't, then reject the car. You are the customer. __________________ F10 530d M Sport, September 2012 Individual Amazonite Silver, Oyster Dakota Leather, Auto, Nav Pro, Bluetooth + USB Devices, Expanded BMW Online, Comfort Seats, Sunroof, Sun Protection Glass Individual Satin Walnut Honey Brown Trim Interior Inside/Outside Mirror with folding and autodip, M Rear Spoiler
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07-07-2008, 01:30 PM	#11
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	What I would say is this, if you go for a new car tell them you wan't to wait for sept build, this will give you the new I-Drive etc. with the high res display and new interace, dvd playback etc. etc. That is if you have i-drive of course??
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07-08-2008, 02:31 AM	#12
xenon Major General 1405 Rep 8,093 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Incidentally, a friend of mine had the entire dashboard replaced in his e46 because of a weird fading along the top. There was no problem afterwards and the dealer said it wasn't as complex a job as it appeared. __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
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07-08-2008, 03:37 AM	#13
framerate New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: '08 E92 330i SE Arctic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Nottingham (UK) iTrader: (0)	That's good to know, thanks Xenon. The dealer's basically saying the same thing but when I've spent so much of my own money I become naturally pessimistic! gIzzE: Fortunately I didn't bother with iDrive. neilmc: Pretty sure I'm passed the point when I can reject the car, all the DVLA documents turned up in the mail the day after I picked up the car!
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