Approved Used BMW????

[AndyRA]

Hi,
Could really use some advice. I bought an "Approved" Used BMW X5 about 3 months ago. It had 20,000 miles on the clock. After a couple of weeks it started making a funny noise and sticking in gear. Took it back in, they changed the transmission oil (something that BMW know about on that model,... why they didnt change it before I took delivery, I dont know). Picked it backup, noise still there. Took it in again, it then needed a new Turbo, intercooler, filter and some valve or other. Oh oh, starting to look like a right nail! Got it back, couple of days later another noise.......took it to another main dealer, now it needs a new Catalytic converter and a new steering rack! Told the dealer where I bought it that I was not happy and had lost confidence in the car and wanted either my money back or a like for like replacement....they flatly refused, said it wasnt costing me money so they wouldnt do anything. Can anyone give me some advice please cause you dont expect to pay £33,000 for a car and have all these problems.

[Bookworm]

When you say "approved", who is it approved by? BMW or a dealer specialising in 2nd hand BMWs? There are some dealers out there that seem to be BMW approved, but are not, they simply sell used BMWs.

If it is BMW direct, go straight to their head office Quality Control (in Bracknell, 01344 426565, if I remember rightly) and make noise, and lots of it. BMW have a brand reputation to uphold of a) great quality cars, b) great customer services, so don't be afraid of standing firm.

If it is not a BMW garage, then the usual SOGA 79 applies, not fit for its purposes, have a read of this:
Trading Standards Central - Trading Standards and Consumer Protection information for the UK
and take it from there.

Edit: Sorry, I wasn't clear. SOGA applies whether it is a BMW garage or not, but it might be easier to go through customer svces if it is BMW direct, is what I meant.

[AndyRA]

Hi Bookworm,
Yes it is a BMW main dealer, and you would have thought that they would have been more thorough in their vetting of the vehicle before selling it. I will call BMW in the morning and put my point across, and see if they are willing to intervene....If not, I will pursue it the other way. Many many thanks for the advice. I'll post any replies that I get.

[Bookworm]

Yes, please. It will be nice to get some feedback.

[AndyRA]

UPDATE: My brother, lucky for me, knows a partner in a large law firm, and he's had a word with him on my behalf. He's said the same as you bookworm...I am entitled to a like for like replacement as the goods are not of a satisfactory quality. I'm now trying to get either the dealer priciple or the sales manager on the phone....they appear to be avoiding me at all cost at the moment.....had the service manager phone me though...very nice man, nothing to do with him, but very pleasant. Will bug them to death if I have to.