I own a '07 E92 with only 22,150 miles on the odo. I service it by the book. 6 months ago the windshield washer pump went out. That was nearly a $400 fix. The service writer said the new pump carried 2 year warranty. I felt much better. However, I did ask if the washer pump installed in my '99 Ford Contour would fit, since it has never gone out in the 15 years I've owned it. No answer.
Then couple of weeks ago I noticed yet another leak under my beautiful Bimmer. This turned out to be a defective transmission oil pan. Being out of warranty, that set me back over $900. Again, the service writer was proud to inform me that the new pan carried a 2 year warranty. I smiled, then asked him if BMW had considered buying transmission oil pans from Ford, since my 15 year old '99 Contour has never sprung a leak. No answer.
Okay, my airport car, the Ford Contour, is no where close to being the ultimate driving machine. I've neglected it, and I'm paying for that now, trying to get the emissions working better. However, it has never had any issues with things that shouldn't go phooey.
I sent an email to BMW NA asking for monetary assistance. They have been prompt and polite. A formal complaint has been established on my behalf. I couldn't help but use the opportunity to tell him about the defective passenger mirror housing that hasn't worked properly in 4 years. He offered the proper empathy.
I do have a few regrets. The biggest regret would be why I didn't drive the synthetic snot out of it. Maybe some hard miles under warranty would have highlighted all the issues. Issues that no car I've previously owned has ever encountered.
Thanks for listening.
Before I go I have to ask, is it a bad sign when my still working, seat belt arm extends, handing me a maintenance bill instead of the belt? What ever it is, I'm sure it will carry a 2 year warranty.
Houdini
Pimpin' ain't cheap, G...
Sounds like you shoulda bought a ford
Welcome to BMW My entire transmission failed at 22K.
That pump is ~$70 worth at retail, I have a hard time imagining $300+ in labor. Transmission PAN or the gasket? I don't know the price of a pan but imagine it is expensive when bought from BMW. This isn't your typical failure, it's an inanimate part, more likely an item that was damaged.
Being a wise ass with the service advisor won't help endear yourself so expect little consideration in the future from him.
You'd be better served by using an independent servicer, or driving that gem of a fifteen year old Contour.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
I suggest you sell it and drive your Contour since it's apparently a much better car.
ps. Your 7 year old 22k mile car is probably breaking due to LACK of use ... you're barely even using it ...
I sent an email to BMW NA asking for monetary assistance.
Interesting approach.
1998 323is - m50 intake manifold / 328is exhaust / Shark Injector
I don't know about currently, but up until the e46 at least, the transmissions were often built by GM.
My wind shield washer pump and grommet cost less than $15 bucks and was a 15 minute install on my e46. Can't imagine them being that more difficult on newer 3 series
I use the Contour as a cheap reference. It's not any where near the better car, but what's tanked on my Bimmer has not given up on the Ford.
I agree about the usage. I should have run the tread off those awful run flats a long time ago.
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The i should consider myself lucky.
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Why?I Already own one.
Houdini
And those are the two mfrs that BMW flip flops back and forth between for varyious models all thru the 90s and 00s, depending on which maker could get them what they wanted when they wanted it and at the right price.
Can you guess where that E90 washer tank is located by the shape of it?
We charge about $200 in labor, so still not quite as high as OP's estimate, but it's not a quick, "reach in and grab the washer motor" job.
lol, just like PT cruisers with the battery in the fender. Stupid.
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I don't think its stupid, I think its a good use of otherwise wasted space (not the battery, thats pretty stupid). Also makes for more room and a tidier look in the engine compartment.
..and its also very easy to access, turn your steering wheel all the way left (or remove your rf wheel), unfasten the rear screws holding the fender liner pull it out of the way and your in.
Not so much a signature as a cry for help.
Hold on, saw this in a cartoon once...think I can pull it off.
My bad, I was thinking that you would have told them to piss off after hearing that it would cost that much.
My dealer would have charged about $225 labor and $90 part and we're usually on the low side of prices for major BMW dealers, so it's not a horrible price, but it likely could have been had for less.
Not so much a signature as a cry for help.
Hold on, saw this in a cartoon once...think I can pull it off.
lol, $400 to replace a windshield washer tank that will probably never be used once - except to test that its working after the $400 repair.
Cant wait to start working on these cars. E36s, E39s, you explain the problem to someone, they want to fix it themeslves. E90s, E60s, people cant even check their own oil! BMW made the owners of these cars SO dependent on mechanics that its absurd! Mechanics who can work on these cars are going to start making some real paper as these cars get out of warranty and start to break stupidly expensive stuff.
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Wait, wha? Why would you say that? OP lives in Atlanta.People that live in places where it actually rains and snows need to use their windshield washers pretty regularly.
And it was a washer motor, not a tank. I mentioned and showed a picture of the tank to highlight its hidden location and because the washer motor is attached to it.
Still waiting to hear back from BMW NA...
Houdini
Good luck with any good will anything from BMW NA on a 7 year old car. If you're planning on keeping it I'd find a good independent shop for the little things that will creep up over time regardless of miles.
2011 335i XDrive Coupe
2001 740i Sport
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