Broken Subframe and Differential. Dealer won't fix. $9k in damage. Any advice?

gnhm3 · 06-20-2011, 07:45 PM

Issue has been resolved. Thanks everyone

gthal · 06-20-2011, 07:50 PM

Call BMW NA... this is total BS and you should fight it... get a lawyer involved IMO.

e92m3allday · 06-20-2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthal

Call BMW NA... this is total BS and you should fight it... get a lawyer involved IMO.

This ... +1

tooshay · 06-20-2011, 07:52 PM

I say get a lawyer.

ES_TRADER · 06-20-2011, 07:53 PM

I've read nothing but good reviews about a few of the SAs there at Center. Was actually planning on takin me car there for service. Whos the SA?

KTM505SX · 06-20-2011, 08:01 PM

No need for lawyers yet,take it to another dealer..Some dealers are just plain stupid and should not be in business.

e92m3allday · 06-20-2011, 08:07 PM

I mean, he bought the damn car from that dealer, why should he just let them get away with not repairing his $70,000 car? I say you go back to your dealer, say listen, i just bought this friggen car from you guys, it broke as i was simply SHIFTING, threaten to call BMW-NA, then go from there. Once the issue is resolved, depending on your local dealer's reaction to this threat, either change dealerships for service or stay there.

SchnellM3 · 06-20-2011, 08:10 PM

They are telling you not to have fun with your 70k+ car ?

Sounds like its time to lawyer up, that is all BS

gnhm3 · 06-20-2011, 08:11 PM

I would take my car to another dealer but supposedly some high powered engineers from BMW came to check out my car and now no dealer can do anything about it.

As for contacting BMW NA, I have already tried that. They are basically telling me tough luck.

Echo M3 · 06-20-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnhm3

I would take my car to another dealer but supposedly some high powered engineers from BMW came to check out my car and now no dealer can do anything about it.

As for contacting BMW NA, I have already tried that. They are basically telling me tough luck.

Couple of quick questions for you:

1.) Have you ever launched the car? Do you go the drag strip frequently/ at all?

2.) Have you ever experienced 'wheel hop'? Did this happen recently (when your differential/subframe broke)?

3.) Have you asked to speak to the service manager/general manager?

Finally, I'll back up what the others have said on this thread - if you feel aggrieved and BMW NA won't listen to you, you need to speak to a lawyer. That is a massive repair bill out of pocket, for such a new car.

Brandon26pdx · 06-20-2011, 08:18 PM

I think they're just trying to rake you over the coals and see if they can chicken you into coughing up $9,000 so the service team can make a fat commission off the whole thing. (In some ways they're no better than the sales floors at many dealers. )

Call BMWNA and tell them you're not amused with such a catastrophic failure on a brand new car that was mean't to be driven in a sporting fashion, or the treatment you're getting from the dealer you bought it from.

badbimmer · 06-20-2011, 08:24 PM

Hire an attorney and have him/her send a letter. Did you modify your car? If yes, you may be liable.

Technic · 06-20-2011, 08:26 PM

One dealer telling you that you are to blame, blame on them. A second dealer telling you that you are to blame... you should know the ending of this story by now.

Take it to another dealer and keep us updated...

Nelrock · 06-20-2011, 08:26 PM

Are we getting the full story?

I have a hard time believing a few runs up to redline...or launches...has both the dealer and BMW NA refusing warranty.

But...if it is the full story, then yeah, definitely get a lawyer. If you can't rev the engine...then they shouldn't make it so you can. If you can't launch it...then they shouldn't of included the capability.

gnhm3 · 06-20-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pman10

Couple of quick questions for you:

1.) Have you ever launched the car? Do you go the drag strip frequently/ at all?

2.) Have you ever experienced 'wheel hop'? Did this happen recently (when your differential/subframe broke)?

3.) Have you asked to speak to the service manager/general manager?

Finally, I'll back up what the others have said on this thread - if you feel aggrieved and BMW NA won't listen to you, you need to speak to a lawyer. That is a massive repair bill out of pocket, for such a new car.

No drag strip or launching. As for the manager, I will hopefully speak with him tomorrow but I know it will be useless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by badbimmer

Hire an attorney and have him/her send a letter. Did you modify your car? If yes, you may be liable.

Only mod was a Gintani axle back which was not even on the car when it happened. Even if it was an axle back exhaust shouldn't be the cause of this.

ChitownM3 · 06-20-2011, 08:28 PM

The only thing I can think of is you snapped a bolt when you experienced wheel hop 2 months ago, and you've been driving on a broken subframe bolt for 2 months now, when you shifted into second this time something happened because the diff isn't held in the right place and it broke something.

Seattle S65B40 · 06-20-2011, 08:35 PM

Sorry to hear about all this bro. Here's my take:

You may have grounds for a breach of warranty claim.

Hang it over their heads via firmly written letter before you pay a lawyer a retainer fee for something you can do yourself.

Tell them that this 2nd gear grind is a known problem with BMWs and even print out some of the threads talking about grinding 1-2 etc. Irrespective of your driving style, this condition existed in the transmission. Research some language on breach of warranty, and throw it in. Talk about their failure to investigate or take your appeal seriously and that you will give them an opportunity to cure the situation before you file a lawsuit with consumer protection act implications (check the laws in your state).

If they ignore your letter, you make it exhibit A to the complaint and file suit in court through a lawyer. Good luck and keep us posted.

ChitownM3 · 06-20-2011, 08:35 PM

But, that still wouldn't be good enough reason for them to void your warranty.

eisenb11 · 06-20-2011, 09:09 PM

A friend's kid got the warranty on his manual Honda voided (engine blew) for hitting red line, but 8k RPM isn't red line in this case. It seems like dealers universally use this line with MT cars to get out of fixing stuff.

M3Bahn · 06-20-2011, 09:43 PM

Take it to another dealer that gets good online reviews and see what they say about it.

signes · 06-20-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelrock

Are we getting the full story?

I have a hard time believing a few runs up to redline...or launches...has both the dealer and BMW NA refusing warranty.

But...if it is the full story, then yeah, definitely get a lawyer. If you can't rev the engine...then they shouldn't make it so you can. If you can't launch it...then they shouldn't of included the capability.

Agree there must be something missing. Have them produce data that supports their claim about "driving style." Subframes don't just break driving around on the street for a few thousand miles.

TailHappyM3 · 06-20-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signes

Agree there must be something missing. Have them produce data that supports their claim about "driving style." Subframes don't just break driving around on the street for a few thousand miles.

+1 This is extremely important to either side of this case-proof or no proof.

06-20-2011, 07:45 PM	#1
gnhm3 Major Drives: 12' e92 m3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West LA Posts: 1,372 iTrader: (17)	Resolved. Issue has been resolved. Thanks everyone __________________ Last edited by gnhm3; 07-19-2011 at 01:48 AM.
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06-20-2011, 07:50 PM	#2
gthal Colonel Drives: C63 coupe Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,054 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [3.37]	Call BMW NA... this is total BS and you should fight it... get a lawyer involved IMO. __________________ 2014 Corvette Stingray \| Cyber Grey \| Z51 \| On order... 2012 C63 coupe \| Obsidian Black \| Performance Package (481hp, 443ft/lbs) \| Sold 2011 M3 coupe \| Jerez Black \| ZCP/DCT \| Sold but never forgotten nor will the love affair end 2010 M3 coupe \| Alpine White \| 6MT \| Sold

06-20-2011, 07:52 PM	#4
tooshay First Lieutenant Drives: e92 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: So Cal Posts: 325 iTrader: (5)	I say get a lawyer. __________________ e92 with some ///M3 stuff

06-20-2011, 08:07 PM	#7
e92m3allday Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 SG E92 M3 - 6mt Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wayne NJ Posts: 204 iTrader: (0)	I mean, he bought the damn car from that dealer, why should he just let them get away with not repairing his $70,000 car? I say you go back to your dealer, say listen, i just bought this friggen car from you guys, it broke as i was simply SHIFTING, threaten to call BMW-NA, then go from there. Once the issue is resolved, depending on your local dealer's reaction to this threat, either change dealerships for service or stay there. __________________ 2011.75 E92 M3 - Premium pkg - Convenience- Heated Seats-Red/Black/black interior- Carbon Leather Trim- Carbon Fiber Roof-6MT ------------

06-20-2011, 08:10 PM	#8
SchnellM3 Digger Drives: 03 E46 M3, 09 E92 M3, 09 X6 50 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa Posts: 2,606 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [4.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [4.17] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [4.75]	They are telling you not to have fun with your 70k+ car ? Sounds like its time to lawyer up, that is all BS __________________ 2009 E92 M3 /// Melbourne Red /// Fox Red /// M DKG Full Innotech Exhaust - DINAN Intake - IND Engine Bay Appearance - IND Hand Stitched Boot Covers - and much more....

06-20-2011, 07:53 PM	#5
ES_TRADER Colonel Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC Posts: 2,377 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2012 328i E92 [5.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [0.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [5.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	I've read nothing but good reviews about a few of the SAs there at Center. Was actually planning on takin me car there for service. Whos the SA?

06-20-2011, 08:01 PM	#6
KTM505SX Lieutenant Drives: 2011.5 E92 M3 6MT ZCP Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Valencia,CA Posts: 502 iTrader: (0)	No need for lawyers yet,take it to another dealer..Some dealers are just plain stupid and should not be in business.

06-20-2011, 08:11 PM	#9
gnhm3 Major Drives: 12' e92 m3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West LA Posts: 1,372 iTrader: (17)	I would take my car to another dealer but supposedly some high powered engineers from BMW came to check out my car and now no dealer can do anything about it. As for contacting BMW NA, I have already tried that. They are basically telling me tough luck. __________________

06-20-2011, 08:18 PM	#11
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,938 iTrader: (1)	I think they're just trying to rake you over the coals and see if they can chicken you into coughing up $9,000 so the service team can make a fat commission off the whole thing. (In some ways they're no better than the sales floors at many dealers. ) Call BMWNA and tell them you're not amused with such a catastrophic failure on a brand new car that was mean't to be driven in a sporting fashion, or the treatment you're getting from the dealer you bought it from.

06-20-2011, 08:24 PM	#12
badbimmer Private Drives: E92 M3 White/Fox Red CF Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NY Posts: 94 iTrader: (2)	Hire an attorney and have him/her send a letter. Did you modify your car? If yes, you may be liable.

06-20-2011, 08:26 PM	#13
Technic Major General Drives: 2012 E92 M3, 2010 CC Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ft Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 9,851 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2004 M3 [0.00]	One dealer telling you that you are to blame, blame on them. A second dealer telling you that you are to blame... you should know the ending of this story by now. Take it to another dealer and keep us updated... __________________ -2012 E92 M3 Jerez Black/Rust Brown, M-DCT: September ED -2008 E90 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo, 6MT: Gone -2007 MK5 GTI United Grey/Grey, DSG: Gone -2004 E46 M3 Carbon Black/Cinnamon, 6MT: Gone -2002 E46 330i Orient Blue/Natural Brown, 5MT: Gone

06-20-2011, 08:26 PM	#14
Nelrock Lieutenant Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 516 iTrader: (0)	Are we getting the full story? I have a hard time believing a few runs up to redline...or launches...has both the dealer and BMW NA refusing warranty. But...if it is the full story, then yeah, definitely get a lawyer. If you can't rev the engine...then they shouldn't make it so you can. If you can't launch it...then they shouldn't of included the capability. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 \| Melbourne Red \| Black Novillo w/Carbon Leather Trim \| M-DCT \| Competition Package \| Premium Package 2 \| Convenience Package \| Enhanced Premium Sound \| Heated Front Seats 2004 E46 M3 \| Silver Grey \| - Retired

06-20-2011, 08:28 PM	#16
ChitownM3 Lieutenant Drives: 2001 SS Camaro Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Burbs of Chicago Posts: 489 iTrader: (0)	The only thing I can think of is you snapped a bolt when you experienced wheel hop 2 months ago, and you've been driving on a broken subframe bolt for 2 months now, when you shifted into second this time something happened because the diff isn't held in the right place and it broke something.

06-20-2011, 08:35 PM	#17
Seattle S65B40 Major Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW Posts: 1,396 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Sorry to hear about all this bro. Here's my take: You may have grounds for a breach of warranty claim. Hang it over their heads via firmly written letter before you pay a lawyer a retainer fee for something you can do yourself. Tell them that this 2nd gear grind is a known problem with BMWs and even print out some of the threads talking about grinding 1-2 etc. Irrespective of your driving style, this condition existed in the transmission. Research some language on breach of warranty, and throw it in. Talk about their failure to investigate or take your appeal seriously and that you will give them an opportunity to cure the situation before you file a lawsuit with consumer protection act implications (check the laws in your state). If they ignore your letter, you make it exhibit A to the complaint and file suit in court through a lawyer. Good luck and keep us posted. __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)

06-20-2011, 09:09 PM	#19
eisenb11 Major Drives: 2012 E92 M3 SSII Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Redondo Beach, CA, USA Posts: 1,107 iTrader: (0)	A friend's kid got the warranty on his manual Honda voided (engine blew) for hitting red line, but 8k RPM isn't red line in this case. It seems like dealers universally use this line with MT cars to get out of fixing stuff.

06-20-2011, 09:43 PM	#20
M3Bahn Lieutenant Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ATL Posts: 487 iTrader: (0)	Take it to another dealer that gets good online reviews and see what they say about it. __________________ The journey is the reward.

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