2 week old M3 OIL LEAK

[13 NF]

Hi New to forum
Had 4 e60s(535d) ,1 X6(35d),1 FO1 Msport(30d) ,6 series(635d) and now M3 2011 comp pack DCT
All these cars have been purchased in the last 7 years and do not include my wifes X3 and 3 E70 lastest a LCI 3.0D mSPORT.
So totally into BMW culture and problems etc.

My current car M3 2011 Comp Pack DCT,two weeks old.

I was delighted with purchase, the correct size car for parking and that fab sounding engine, and after all my previous cars all being diesels and quite similar in driving experience it was great to be in petrol V8 before the 'greens' force me to drive some thing powered by Duracell!

So keen to get past 1200 mile service, made sure I completed the required miles quickly but within recommended speed and revs.

Had to give the engine 1 ltr of oil after 460miles and it appeared to use it quickly, but assumed it was just part of the running in process.

Had my 1200 mile service, tech (very good guy)explained that there was oil in the tray and all over the engine and questioned my skill at pouring in the oil,I explained I had been careful but could not rule out spilling some!

So after service the tech advised revisit 48 hours.

The paper which I put under the car (from dealer) was soaked in oil, and it appeared to have lost .3ltr of oil.

When revisited the dealer, the car was put on a ramp and the full horror was to be seen, NOT TWO WEEKS old and the whole engine covered in oil, all the rubber brushes and pipes and belts where soaked in oil,a bolt which has a hole to allow oil through had failed, it is postioned at the top of the engine,so fan has splated engine with oil.

I have been told its fixable, but the engine needs dismantling to repair and requires steam cleaning!

I am concerned that oil on rubber parts creates premature wear and will end up in belt drives etc and will result in other problems and I am pissed off with the failure of the car, assuming its clearly been manufactured with a problem!

I trust the dealer, but have no faith in BMW and have decided to reject the car, in favour of a replacement new M3 to the same spec.

I notified dealer today, and they agreed to speak to BMW, this will be interesting.

Your comments please, particular if you have had a simlar problem

[THE TECH]

Sucks to hear these kinds of stories. Not sure what I would do if I was in your shoes. I don't think I would want that motor period but not sure what kind of recourse you have in this situation. You may have to have it fixed. I am doubting that they will take the car back and get you another one.

[13 NF]

Thanks, will see initial response, will need my lawyers help and a few UK based car mags I think.

My experience with BMW is they have no concern unless they have muliple probs, but I have the cash and resolve to see this one out.

But they may surprise me! (unlikely)

Thanks TECH

[positiveions]

oh my goodness. That is terrible. I hope you get this issue resolved. I know how I would feel about this

[bmg040]

I picked up my brand new M3 from the dealer two weeks ago and they forgot to put the "o" ring on the oil cap and I lost a liter of oil just on the ride home. I freaked out because I thought there was a crack in the engine bay. The dealership flat bedded the car back to the dealership the next morning and they told me the problem. I asked if they steamed cleaned the engine because oil got on some other parts, then my service advisor said you never want to steam clean your engine due to all the electrical components. I would decline any offer they give you other then a new M3. Be patient, and good luck!

[creepy coupe]

I had to have a new oil filler cap on my 2010 M3. I was told that BMW had revised the part. pity your's isn't as simple OP

[13 NF]

Thanks for support, I feel a replacement car should be offered or I will always be blaming the leak, plus more miles on the clock they will be less inclined to help.

Dealer phoned to say BMW have been in touch to evaluate the situation.

This is where the fun starts,hopefull they will see the light.

I am off on Hols from 15th until 27th so hope to hear soon

Thanks again for your replies

[IFX]

horror stories with the e9xM3 seem to surface more and more lately..

[jrlee53]

Originally Posted by IFX

horror stories with the e9xM3 seem to surface more and more lately..

Seriously, especially with the newer 2011 models.

[Templar]

Wouldn't this be a warranty item if the car is only two weeks old?

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Templar

Wouldn't this be a warranty item if the car is only two weeks old?

It is but it doesn't sound like he wants a fix, just replacement.

[immiketoo]

Nothing kills the love like a major problem early on.

[13 NF]

The point I have is after two weeks is acceptable to have a serious oil leak which has washed the engine bay with oil, rubber suspention parts,hoses and electrical parts and expect no further issues down the line.

The dealer phoned to day to explain an answer will be with us from BMW in the next 48 hours.

Another issue gave cause for concern today, and that is if BMW do agree to replace the car, it will not cover the add ons which I have paid for.

The Tracker and its 12 month subscription, tyre insurance,shortfall insurance and the 1200 mile service all add up to £1600,in 14 days! so if the car is replaced they may expect me to shell out that amount again. So that £3200 in a couple of months, THANKS BMW!

I have to stress none of this is confirmed but thats what I have been told.

Should I be grateful! I don't think so.

This is a expensive car thats gone wrong, its not the dealers fault they have been great, I just have no faith in BMW past experience tells me they are difficult to deal with in these situations and I get the feeling they would be doing me a great service replacing there faultly car and I should thank them !

I could be wrong, please give me your opinions, PARTICULARLY on the issue on the oil leak and the potentional issue keeping the car.

Thanks

Not the greatest experience for my first M3, and certainly no JOY

[M3er]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

You may have to have it fixed. I am doubting that they will take the car back and get you another one.

This sounds insane,
according to his description, this is clearly a lemon situation and it has to go back for a replacement. Beyond that even if lemon was not the case,
the particular experience, customer has every right to ask for replacement
and dealer has every right to grant it.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by bmw_enthusiasm

This sounds insane,
according to his description, this is clearly a lemon situation and it has to go back for a replacement. Beyond that even if lemon was not the case,
the particular experience, customer has every right to ask for replacement
and dealer has every right to grant it.

Normally a lemon can only be granted when the vehicle goes into the shop for the same issue 3 times or more. A single issue would normally not be granted lemon status.

Don't get me wrong, I would hope that the OP gets taken care of in the manner than he sees fit, but I think it's overoptimistic to think that they will take the car back.

[CrazyIvan]

OP doesnt specify but it might be tough to get a replacement E90 this late. Best of luck though!

[bmg040]

If they don't give you a new car like you want I would hire a lemon law lawyer and let them look into the case, or just decline the purchase. Tell them you no longer want the car and want your down payment back, end of story.

[13 NF]

So back from my Holidays.
Spoken to dealer today when I collected car, the car has now been fixed, apparently not one leak but two!

The housing for the oil filter leaked,and a seal between gearbox and engine.The gearbox was removed and the problem solved.

The tech who did the job is good, very good I spent 30 minutes with him today he explain the repair and is confident is good as new.

I explained I have always had the opinion to dismantle a car to such extent and put it back together must not be as good as a factory assembled car.I think he might have been upset with that point(Opinions please on the car being dismantled and put back together)

So to the opinion from BMW,which has come from the dealer as yet I have had no direct contact with them.

According to dealer they have been very sympathetic to my issue they have not ruled out changing the car, they would prefer me to continue driving the car and look at it in two weeks, if I am then happy to stay in the car then NEXT time I buy a BMW they will offer a discount above and aboard the deal from the dealer.

Please give me your opinion,I have complete trust in the tech and I know he is good but is it a lemon? It seems ok today done about 100 miles in it.

Not the greatest experience for my first M car

I feel a very pissed off and wish now I have jumped brand B4 this.

Opinions please.

[GIdriver]

What a horrible nightmare!!! Even though it is working fine now, this issue might give you problems in the long run as you stated in your initial post. The tech may be good but in the end HE WORKS FOR THEM. An offer on the next purchase is lame. A million things can happen from now till then. I would try to get a new one as hard as I could. It was BMW's fault and you should not pay for it. Don't fall asleep and put your boxing gloves on. You paid good money for the car.

[bvernon]

How about getting them to extend your warranty? Especially if you plan on holding on to the car long term.......might be a fair resolution.......

[jonasaurus]

Good luck mate with the resolution hope you come out of this well

[DBH]

Originally Posted by bvernon

How about getting them to extend your warranty? Especially if you plan on holding on to the car long term.......might be a fair resolution.......

Good idea! Don't know what UK warranty is like, but I believe any repairs due to this problem would be covered under warranty.