Bunged
I own a BMW 325 that was first registered in March 2005. It has always been regularly serviced by BMW dealers, has covered 80,000 miles and is not covered by an extended warranty. This car recently had an oil service. During the service a technician spotted a problem with the sump plug, stating that it had worked loose and would need a sump replacement. He also indicated that it may have been cross-threaded or over-torqued at some time. It has been temporarily repaired. The repair bill will be £720, of which BMW has agreed to cover 40% as a gesture of goodwill. As stated, this car has always been serviced at BMW approved facilities, using BMW trained staff, BMW approved processes and BMW replacement parts. I have discussed this issue with the garage and with BMW UK, stating that I am not happy about the situation. The sump plug has been removed four times and, as a result of these removals, or a manufacturing fault with the sump, I am left with a very large bill. Given these circumstances, should I consider myself grateful for BMW's gesture of goodwill, or should I be looking for a solution more favourable to me? I would appreciate your advice.
Asked on 21 February 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
If the car has always been serviced by the same dealer and if you have never hit a speed hump with the sump plug then I would say that dealer is liable. If you have used different dealers then you can't prove who cross-threaded it, so take the 40%. It's actually good for the engine that they have been draining from the sump plug. Some dealers merely siphon the old stuff out, leaving a residue in the sump.
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