A/C evaporator leaking. Dealer wants $4k to fix

808MGuy · 03-22-2012, 09:10 PM

I have 52K miles on the car and dealer says even though the car is less than 4 years old, they won't stretch the mileage to cover the repair. Quote for the work was over $4k because they say they need to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. I called BMWNA to see what they will do. They said they would contact the dealer's service manager to see if they would be willing to work something out with me. Hopefully I'll hear something good but I'm already shopping around for an independent shop that can do the work.

Is it really necessary to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. Seems like a really bad design if that is the case. Dealer said the V8 just doesn't allow enough room to access it from the engine bay.

Singletrack · 03-22-2012, 09:29 PM

I can't tell where the evaporator is based on realoem.com...so can't help you there.

So you are 2k miles past the warranty? I would escalate within BMW, not the dealer, to try to get them to cover it for you. I had a warranty issue with my Subaru when it was just out of warranty. Dealer said to screw, initial Subaru support said to screw...kept escalating. Eventually a VP called me and I explained the situation. 2 weeks later I had a check in hand for the repair. They will do a good will repair if you make your case professionally.

Good luck.

mdosu · 03-22-2012, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singletrack

I can't tell where the evaporator is based on realoem.com...so can't help you there.

So you are 2k miles past the warranty? I would escalate within BMW, not the dealer, to try to get them to cover it for you. I had a warranty issue with my Subaru when it was just out of warranty. Dealer said to screw, initial Subaru support said to screw...kept escalating. Eventually a VP called me and I explained the situation. 2 weeks later I had a check in hand for the repair. They will do a good will repair if you make your case professionally.

Good luck.

good story, you would think some people stand by the integrity of running a sound business. I know they don't get rich by writing checks, but you can't screw your customers either.

Krozi · 03-23-2012, 12:24 AM

Yes, the entire dash does in fact have to be removed. I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest. It's a pretty big job and I'd leave it to the dealer.

808MGuy · 03-23-2012, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krozi

Yes, the entire dash does in fact have to be removed. I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest. It's a pretty big job and I'd leave it to the dealer.

It's not like this dealer has done the greatest work for me in the past. I've had to return the car to them after several service visits for substandard work. No choice to go to another dealer since there's only 1.

spyderco10 · 03-23-2012, 02:04 AM

my a/c evaporator had a leak at 7200 miles, must be something to do with the humidity here. but anyway, it was still under warranty so i took it to bmw of honolulu. unfortunately i was very displeased with the quality of work.

apparently they replaced the evaporator ok, but they did a poor job of putting the car back together. the major screw up was they did not seat the intake manifold (engine cover) back on the throttle bodies properly. this caused a host of issues that i had no idea where it was coming from. upon acceleration I would hear a fluttering noise from the engine bay. and at idle, there was a loud buzzing noise inside the dash.

so because the intake manifold wasn't seated on the throttle bodies, there was a gap and UNFILTERED air was being sucked into the engine, hence the fluttering. ugh. and because the manifold was not seated properly, it was sitting much higher than it should have been. high enough to be right up against and touching the stress bars, hence the buzzing noise from the dash.

also i smelled gas inside my car while driving. turns out there's this rubber boot that fits on the firewall between the steering column and engine bay. the rubber boot was not reinstalled, just hanging there, hence the gas odors coming into the cabin. thankfully they seemed to put the dash back together OK as it's still pretty solid with no creaks or rattles.

i figured out, and fixed, all these problems by myself. no way would i take it back to the dealer for them to mess it up more. they also put a few nicks and dings on my door sills. my car was pristine before having service done at the dealer.

i don't know if it's just our dealer, but the bmw techs here just don't give a rip about your car and don't care about the work they do. and it's not just this car. i had a mini before the stuff they did to it there is what nightmares are made of. to make a long story short, they caused about $10k of damage to that car while working on it. no joke. could it be due to the fact that they are the only bmw dealer in the state? my car comes off warranty this june, and if at all possible I will NOT take it back there for any work whatsoever.

try checking out BME or A&A for maintenance or repair. my family takes their bmws there and have been very happy with them.

Mahmood07 · 03-23-2012, 02:09 AM

It is weird both of you in Hawaii got the same problem. I hope it's not from the humidity or my car will be visiting the dealer too! Goodluck OP.

spyderco10 · 03-23-2012, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahmood07

It is weird both of you in Hawaii got the same problem. I hope it's not from the humidity or my car will be visiting the dealer too! Goodluck OP.

yeah the SA said it's pretty common for cars in hawaii, although he couldn't say why.

808MGuy · 03-27-2012, 11:59 AM

Got a call back from BMWNA. They said that the $500 discount the dealer offered me is all they are willing to do at this point because the issue does not affect the driveability of the car. Well I say BS because if it doesn't have a/c I won't be driving it.

Anybody know how I can raise this to the next level at BMWNA? I've already started my search for an indy mechanic to do this work. If BMW is not willing to help and only builds cars to last 50k miles, then I can give my money to someone else.

BPMSport · 03-27-2012, 01:45 PM

Really surprising that they did not goodwill this...

They definitely should have given the age and proximity to 50K.

808MGuy · 03-27-2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

Really surprising that they did not goodwill this...

They definitely should have given the age and proximity to 50K.

I can't even get in touch with the customer service manager who was reviewing my case at BMWNA. Been trying to call him all day yesterday and tried again this morning but nothing.

I'm hoping I can still get someone at BMWNA to step in but I've already made an appointment at an indy shop to get it looked at this afternoon.

Mike van D · 03-27-2012, 02:36 PM

Not good, hopefully NA comes through in the end. Keep fighting the good fight and good luck!

1MOREMOD · 03-27-2012, 03:00 PM

i would never even think to ask for repairs under warranty when my warranty was up. i will have to try that.

aus · 03-27-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriszeh

i would never even think to ask for repairs under warranty when my warranty was up. i will have to try that.

BMW (and most manufacturers) will do a good will repair if it's right after the warranty expired. This would be a good example since it seems to happen to car in HI for some reason.
It REALLY helps if the dealer get behind THEIR customer and pushes the issue up the ladder at BMW or any manufacturer.
The tranny on Honda Odyssey's are known to go bad and Honda has repaired many out of warranty. Yes there's an Odyforum out there to help you.

MattE92 · 03-27-2012, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808MGuy

I have 52K miles on the car and dealer says even though the car is less than 4 years old, they won't stretch the mileage to cover the repair. Quote for the work was over $4k because they say they need to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. I called BMWNA to see what they will do. They said they would contact the dealer's service manager to see if they would be willing to work something out with me. Hopefully I'll hear something good but I'm already shopping around for an independent shop that can do the work.

Is it really necessary to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. Seems like a really bad design if that is the case. Dealer said the V8 just doesn't allow enough room to access it from the engine bay.

why don't you extend your warranty?

TTG · 03-27-2012, 06:14 PM

Evaporator is a very common problem on 850 Volvos and it is a PIA job to replace....

I've learned to use the AC function only when it is absolutely necessary.....but most people have it on constantly.

I hope BMWNA comes to your rescue and only use the AC when you must...given the fact that you are in HI you may not have too many options.

GL and keep us posted.

Here is what is involved to change the Evap....

OC3 · 03-27-2012, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTG

Evaporator is a very common problem on 850 Volvos and it is a PIA job to replace....

I've learned to use the AC function only when it is absolutely necessary.....but most people have it on constantly.

I hope BMWNA comes to your rescue and only use the AC when you must...given the fact that you are in HI you may not have too many options.

GL and keep us posted.

Here is what is involved to change the Evap....

lulz, looks just like my wife's Acura MDX when they had to do a similar job.

808MGuy · 03-27-2012, 09:31 PM

I wasn't aware that BMW even offered an extended warranty and I've heard too many horror stories about 3rd party warranties.

ScottMaganay · 03-27-2012, 09:54 PM

I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest.

808MGuy · 03-27-2012, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottMaganay

I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest.

The guy is actually an AC specialist and has done a bunch of BMW ACs before. He is highly recommended by the local BMW community. I just got a quote from him today for $2400 with genuine BMW parts. Unless the dealer can match that. I'm going to the indy.

boostedM · 03-27-2012, 11:42 PM

I just got informed of the same issue at ~56K. Quoted 3K to fix. This is ridiculous to me. I'm going to ask about extended warranty. But honestly, with my mods, I don't see it happening. Just shelled out $4100 to get ONE OEM header replaced. The stealership is bending me over the kitchen sink.

Edit: Also might ask about getting it goodwilled. Guess we'll see...

808MGuy · 03-29-2012, 01:07 PM

Still haven't received a call back from BMWNA. Tried calling again multiple times and even asked to talk to someone else since my car is sitting waiting for repair. They said no one else can help me so I take it as they are pretty much blowing me off which leaves a pretty bad taste in my mouth. The BMWNA case manager left a message on my phone to tell me of the decision. Couldn't even talk to me live. With this and the issues I've had with the local dealership, I don't think I'll be buying or recommending another BMW anytime soon.

Seriously considering fixing it and then making the jump to a 991S before any other major problems show up.

03-22-2012, 09:10 PM	#1
808MGuy Colonel 219 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	A/C evaporator leaking. Dealer wants $4k to fix I have 52K miles on the car and dealer says even though the car is less than 4 years old, they won't stretch the mileage to cover the repair. Quote for the work was over $4k because they say they need to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. I called BMWNA to see what they will do. They said they would contact the dealer's service manager to see if they would be willing to work something out with me. Hopefully I'll hear something good but I'm already shopping around for an independent shop that can do the work. Is it really necessary to remove the entire dash to replace the evaporator. Seems like a really bad design if that is the case. Dealer said the V8 just doesn't allow enough room to access it from the engine bay. __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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03-22-2012, 09:29 PM	#2
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. 87 Rep 3,850 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 19 FG M5C Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (3)	I can't tell where the evaporator is based on realoem.com...so can't help you there. So you are 2k miles past the warranty? I would escalate within BMW, not the dealer, to try to get them to cover it for you. I had a warranty issue with my Subaru when it was just out of warranty. Dealer said to screw, initial Subaru support said to screw...kept escalating. Eventually a VP called me and I explained the situation. 2 weeks later I had a check in hand for the repair. They will do a good will repair if you make your case professionally. Good luck.
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03-23-2012, 12:24 AM	#4
Krozi Colonel 167 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs iTrader: (24)	Yes, the entire dash does in fact have to be removed. I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest. It's a pretty big job and I'd leave it to the dealer. __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
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03-23-2012, 02:04 AM	#6
spyderco10 Colonel 63 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	my a/c evaporator had a leak at 7200 miles, must be something to do with the humidity here. but anyway, it was still under warranty so i took it to bmw of honolulu. unfortunately i was very displeased with the quality of work. apparently they replaced the evaporator ok, but they did a poor job of putting the car back together. the major screw up was they did not seat the intake manifold (engine cover) back on the throttle bodies properly. this caused a host of issues that i had no idea where it was coming from. upon acceleration I would hear a fluttering noise from the engine bay. and at idle, there was a loud buzzing noise inside the dash. so because the intake manifold wasn't seated on the throttle bodies, there was a gap and UNFILTERED air was being sucked into the engine, hence the fluttering. ugh. and because the manifold was not seated properly, it was sitting much higher than it should have been. high enough to be right up against and touching the stress bars, hence the buzzing noise from the dash. also i smelled gas inside my car while driving. turns out there's this rubber boot that fits on the firewall between the steering column and engine bay. the rubber boot was not reinstalled, just hanging there, hence the gas odors coming into the cabin. thankfully they seemed to put the dash back together OK as it's still pretty solid with no creaks or rattles. i figured out, and fixed, all these problems by myself. no way would i take it back to the dealer for them to mess it up more. they also put a few nicks and dings on my door sills. my car was pristine before having service done at the dealer. i don't know if it's just our dealer, but the bmw techs here just don't give a rip about your car and don't care about the work they do. and it's not just this car. i had a mini before the stuff they did to it there is what nightmares are made of. to make a long story short, they caused about $10k of damage to that car while working on it. no joke. could it be due to the fact that they are the only bmw dealer in the state? my car comes off warranty this june, and if at all possible I will NOT take it back there for any work whatsoever. try checking out BME or A&A for maintenance or repair. my family takes their bmws there and have been very happy with them. __________________ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
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03-23-2012, 02:09 AM	#7
Mahmood07 Captain 86 Rep 856 Posts Drives: E92 M3 + F85 X5M Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Boston->San Diego->Bahrain iTrader: (0)	It is weird both of you in Hawaii got the same problem. I hope it's not from the humidity or my car will be visiting the dealer too! Goodluck OP. __________________ ///M3 Mods: \| Eisenmann Race Exhaust \| Primary Cats Delete (TTP) \| ESS Tune \| 19" Advan RS \| Eibach Springs \| MS Air Filter \| BMW Perf. Spoiler \| BMW Perf. Splitters \| Euro LCI Tail lights \| Angel iBright v.3.0 \| 20% Tint \| Matte black Kidney Grills \| CF Side Gills \| Painted Reflectors \| Black M3 emblem
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03-27-2012, 11:59 AM	#9
808MGuy Colonel 219 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	Got a call back from BMWNA. They said that the $500 discount the dealer offered me is all they are willing to do at this point because the issue does not affect the driveability of the car. Well I say BS because if it doesn't have a/c I won't be driving it. Anybody know how I can raise this to the next level at BMWNA? I've already started my search for an indy mechanic to do this work. If BMW is not willing to help and only builds cars to last 50k miles, then I can give my money to someone else. __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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03-27-2012, 01:45 PM	#10
BPMSport BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3387 Rep 7,541 Posts Drives: Harrop M3 / F10 M5 / F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (9) Garage List 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 1990 BMW 735i Turbo [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [7.50] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 [0.00]	Really surprising that they did not goodwill this... They definitely should have given the age and proximity to 50K. __________________ -----\| Like us on Facebook \| Instagram \|\| Tuning Information \| Remote Coding \|----- ----Visit us at www.BPMSport.com - Emotion. Driven. \| Toll Free: (888) 557-5133----
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03-27-2012, 02:36 PM	#12
Mike van D Major 18 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Not good, hopefully NA comes through in the end. Keep fighting the good fight and good luck! __________________ ...just enjoying life.
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03-27-2012, 03:00 PM	#13
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	i would never even think to ask for repairs under warranty when my warranty was up. i will have to try that. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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03-27-2012, 06:14 PM	#16
TTG ... 935 Rep 4,326 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	Evaporator is a very common problem on 850 Volvos and it is a PIA job to replace.... I've learned to use the AC function only when it is absolutely necessary.....but most people have it on constantly. I hope BMWNA comes to your rescue and only use the AC when you must...given the fact that you are in HI you may not have too many options. GL and keep us posted. Here is what is involved to change the Evap.... __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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03-27-2012, 09:31 PM	#18
808MGuy Colonel 219 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	I wasn't aware that BMW even offered an extended warranty and I've heard too many horror stories about 3rd party warranties. __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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03-27-2012, 09:54 PM	#19
ScottMaganay New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: yu iTrader: (0)	I would not go to an indy shop for this to be honest. __________________
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03-27-2012, 11:42 PM	#21
boostedM First Lieutenant 33 Rep 381 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cape Coral, FL iTrader: (1)	I just got informed of the same issue at ~56K. Quoted 3K to fix. This is ridiculous to me. I'm going to ask about extended warranty. But honestly, with my mods, I don't see it happening. Just shelled out $4100 to get ONE OEM header replaced. The stealership is bending me over the kitchen sink. Edit: Also might ask about getting it goodwilled. Guess we'll see...
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03-29-2012, 01:07 PM	#22
808MGuy Colonel 219 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	Still haven't received a call back from BMWNA. Tried calling again multiple times and even asked to talk to someone else since my car is sitting waiting for repair. They said no one else can help me so I take it as they are pretty much blowing me off which leaves a pretty bad taste in my mouth. The BMWNA case manager left a message on my phone to tell me of the decision. Couldn't even talk to me live. With this and the issues I've had with the local dealership, I don't think I'll be buying or recommending another BMW anytime soon. Seriously considering fixing it and then making the jump to a 991S before any other major problems show up. __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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