335i having big problems--need help

[odanrot]

Hi,

I hate to make my first post a one for help, but suggestions/advice will be appreciated!

I have a 2008 BMW 335i that i am leasing (got it brand new). It has 38000 miles on it. It has now been in the shop 5 times this year for the same problem--loss of power in the engine...stuttering and stalling. It's put me in some very dangerous driving situations.

The first time in, I was told to add a fuel cleaner--prob got some bad fuel. The problem remained and I returned a week later.

2nd time: Was told it was a software problem. Nothing they could do. Fix would be out in late summer. Uploaded what software they had and declared the car drivable.

3rd time: Changed fuel pump. Car declared fixed.

4th time: Changed fuel pump, cleaned heads. New software to fix the problem installed. Car declared fixed.

5th time: (one day after the 4th and in the shop right now) Changing injectors, fuel pump.

Each time the car has been in the shop for long periods.

Called National BMW after the 2nd time it wasn't fixed. Wanted help to get it fixed. After the 5th time, I asked to get a buy out or a trade in.

Here's what they offered me:
List price: 58,000
Offer: 27,000 (one year later)
I owe 40000 on the lease.

BMW suggested I take a $13000 loss (plus deposit of $2000) on a defective car. I feel it is unsafe (loss of power while passing--can't always predict, car dies, stalls, stutters....big problem at lights)

Does anyone have any experience here?

[obeythelaw]

you may have certain "lemon" laws that could help. if i were you i'd contact the attorney general's office in your state.

[Eternal]

Definitely try and use the Lemon law. I think its 3 times for the same issue and they have to deal with it, if your state has the law.

[Bandit335]

the lemon law has a time limit for filing. It is usually one year. You must file with the state official NOT BMW. Also, I'm pretty sure there is a mileage limit. Either way my prediction is your chance under the lemon law has expired. I would just press on for them to fix it under warranty before you run out, especially with the miles you're piling on.

[duncan17]

If you ever read Bimmer magazine there is an absolutely wonderful tech help section there. They always suggest contacting BMW Customer Support from the "Contact Us" link on the BMW USA web site in similar situations. You may not get any help but it can't hurt.

[mattjw916]

You put 38k miles on a leased car in 1 year? :confused

Are you insane?

[Beer Goggles]

And you leased the full amount of the car? These one post BS stories are pretty weak.

If it's a real post just look up a lemon law attorney in your state and they will handle everything for free.

[odanrot]

Beer Goggles,

I want to thank you for your wonderful advice, and even more, your warm welcome to the forum.

Why would I make this up? A "one post BS story?" Quite honestly, I'd rather have one post on here and have a real life rather than living on a forum and posting over 3000 times. That's actually quite sad.

To the others....thank you. I've contacted a lemon law attorney. Even though it's more than one year, he stated that with 5 times and more than 30 days, we have a case. The whole reason I posted was in the hope that someone had an experience in dealing with BMW that would help. That's probably what one of the intents of this forum is.

And no...if you read the original post, I didn't lease the full amount of the car.

Interesting how the most useful replies came from the people with the fewest posts.

[acmaui]

sweet response.


Beer Goggles,

I want to thank you for your wonderful advice, and even more, your warm welcome to the forum.

Why would I make this up? A "one post BS story?" Quite honestly, I'd rather have one post on here and have a real life rather than living on a forum and posting over 3000 times. That's actually quite sad.

To the others....thank you. I've contacted a lemon law attorney. Even though it's more than one year, he stated that with 5 times and more than 30 days, we have a case. The whole reason I posted was in the hope that someone had an experience in dealing with BMW that would help. That's probably what one of the intents of this forum is.

And no...if you read the original post, I didn't lease the full amount of the car.

Interesting how the most useful replies came from the people with the fewest posts.

[Jhunter]

Beer Googles is right. Your numbers make your post sound like BS. They don't make sense to anybody who knows anything about leasing.

[Beer Goggles]

And there are post that are complete BS posted by people. They post once with some horror story and never post or really offer any information.

If you leased that amount on the car, I'd like to sell you your next car.

[cemman]

I also agree with Beer Goggles. This may be a legit post, but your numbers make absolutely no sense. If you drove 38,000 miles on a leased car that was in the shop 5 times, thus not adding any miles, that would be a lot of driving. Also, I have never seen anyone who drives that much, lease this or any other car. Also, how do you owe $40,000 on the two remaining years of your lease? That would be $1,667.00 of principal per month, alone. In the worst lease deal I have seen, no one has paid over $800 with $0 down unless they rolled another upside down car into the lease. So, I completely understand Beer Goggles skepticism. Additionally, BG has quite often provided useful advice to many readers on this board and taking a shot at how he chooses to spend his free time is a little out of bounds.

[Beer Goggles]

I can see how he got a bum deal, he said I have over 3,000 post and if you look it's 2900. :)

And over 2 years of being a member that's an average of 4 posts a day...which if you came here to ask advice from people why would you be a tool and comment on people posting?

So when can I lease you a car :)

[imageplayer]

I am having the same problem and I'm at your '3rd time' stage.

Had the ignition and loss of power in the middle of the freeway. Took it for service and they couldn't find any problem. 2 days later, I got the same problem and the 'service soon' light came on so I took it back. They replaced the bad fuel pump but now the car drives different. The gas paddle is much lighter. I HATE it. I feel like I'm driving a civic, with turbo.

[rdadhania]

hmm, this is an interesting situation with the issues the car is having and the details of your lease...I will stay tuned to this one haha

[Jhunter]

I am having the same problem and I'm at your '3rd time' stage.

Had the ignition and loss of power in the middle of the freeway. Took it for service and they couldn't find any problem. 2 days later, I got the same problem and the 'service soon' light came on so I took it back. They replaced the bad fuel pump but now the car drives different. The gas paddle is much lighter. I HATE it. I feel like I'm driving a civic, with turbo.

How many times are you going to post and tell us your gas pedal feels like a Honda Civic?

[rdadhania]

:lol HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA, i was thinking it...but decided not to post it. Took the words right outta my mouth!

[Beer Goggles]

How many times are you going to post and tell us your gas pedal feels like a Honda Civic?

What does that even mean?:help

[rdadhania]

What does that even mean?:help

Check some of ImagePlayers recent posts...i think I've read that exact line in 3 different threads

[LuvMyE92]

Beer Goggles,

I want to thank you for your wonderful advice, and even more, your warm welcome to the forum.


:D


Why would I make this up? A "one post BS story?"

Lots of sad lonely people out there who have nothing better to do. :(


To the others....thank you. I've contacted a lemon law attorney. Even though it's more than one year, he stated that with 5 times and more than 30 days, we have a case. The whole reason I posted was in the hope that someone had an experience in dealing with BMW that would help. That's probably what one of the intents of this forum is.

And no...if you read the original post, I didn't lease the full amount of the car.

Interesting how the most useful replies came from the people with the fewest posts.

Heh, well hopefully my post count is low enough to qualify.

I agree, it sounds like you've got a potential lemon law case here. Good luck. I've been down that road before. As have others - do a search for stories.

And the original post is not specific as to how much you paid for the car, so I can see where some might make that assumption.

I confess I too wonder about the amount of miles that you've put on the car. That's quite a bit, especially for a lease.

Sorry you are having problems; best of luck and keep us posted on the outcome!