Dealer feeding me BS on suspension work.

[TopEnd]

I have a 2013 M6, I decided to post here as I know it gets a little more traffic. So I dropped my car off to the the service department this weekend, as it still under factory warranty. I made mention to them that the car no longer feels solid taking turns and that i was developing an uncomfortable sound on bumps. I mentioned a few other items that needed to be addressed (wind noise from driver window, 12v power supply not working, etc). I get a call from my SA today and she tells me that my car needs 2 front struts, 2 rear struts and a ball joint. She then ask me where i purchased the car, because it seems that the car was once lowered, and returned to factory height. I told her i purchased the car from Miami and that it has always been factory height while in my possession. The dealer says that they do not want not cover these items. I'm thinking: What are the odds that this is an expensive job, and this is typical dealer non-sense of not wanting to cover the bill. I called BMWNA and they state that they do not intervene with the dealers and consumers. Is it me, or is BMW diminishing in the service department? Is it worth fighting or should I go to another dealer?

[crazyhorse02]

How do they know if it was lowered or not? You could fight it, or just go to another dealer. It's not worth the hassle to me, but sounds like they're just trying to get out of it. Why? No idea

[13M5F10]

Originally Posted by TopEnd

I have a 2013 M6, I decided to post here as I know it gets a little more traffic. So I dropped my car off to the the service department this weekend, as it still under factory warranty. I made mention to them that the car no longer feels solid taking turns and that i was developing an uncomfortable sound on bumps. I mentioned a few other items that needed to be addressed (wind noise from driver window, 12v power supply not working, etc). I get a call from my SA today and she tells me that my car needs 2 front struts, 2 rear struts and a ball joint. She then ask me where i purchased the car, because it seems that the car was once lowered, and returned to factory height. I told her i purchased the car from Miami and that it has always been factory height while in my possession. The dealer says that they do not want not cover these items. I'm thinking: What are the odds that this is an expensive job, and this is typical dealer non-sense of not wanting to cover the bill. I called BMWNA and they state that they do not intervene with the dealers and consumers. Is it me, or is BMW diminishing in the service department? Is it worth fighting or should I go to another dealer?

I would question how they have come to the conclusion vs just forming an opinion. There is a TSB out there for noises on uneven surfaces that require some part replacements in the suspension.

If that doesn't work, talk to the GM and look at changing locations.

[TopEnd]

Originally Posted by crazyhorse02

How do they know if it was lowered or not? You could fight it, or just go to another dealer. It's not worth the hassle to me, but sounds like they're just trying to get out of it. Why? No idea

That has me confused as well. There are being very shady and at this point, i might just go to another dealer.

[TopEnd]

Originally Posted by 13M5F10

I would question how they have come to the conclusion vs just forming an opinion. There is a TSB out there for noises on uneven surfaces that require some part replacements in the suspension.

If that doesn't work, talk to the GM and look at changing locations.

Thanks 13M5F10,

I'll look for this TSB.. is it directly related to the f10/f13 m5/m6?

[13M5F10]

Originally Posted by TopEnd

Thanks 13M5F10,

I'll look for this TSB.. is it directly related to the f10/f13 m5/m6?

F10 M5. Not sure about the M6

[TrevorM3]

i once had a dealer tell me since my wheels were painted they were causing the wheel to vibrate when applying the brakes. so basically, never going there again. you should just do the same.

[Und3rth3radar]

Originally Posted by TopEnd

I have a 2013 M6, I decided to post here as I know it gets a little more traffic. So I dropped my car off to the the service department this weekend, as it still under factory warranty. I made mention to them that the car no longer feels solid taking turns and that i was developing an uncomfortable sound on bumps. I mentioned a few other items that needed to be addressed (wind noise from driver window, 12v power supply not working, etc). I get a call from my SA today and she tells me that my car needs 2 front struts, 2 rear struts and a ball joint. She then ask me where i purchased the car, because it seems that the car was once lowered, and returned to factory height. I told her i purchased the car from Miami and that it has always been factory height while in my possession. The dealer says that they do not want not cover these items. I'm thinking: What are the odds that this is an expensive job, and this is typical dealer non-sense of not wanting to cover the bill. I called BMWNA and they state that they do not intervene with the dealers and consumers. Is it me, or is BMW diminishing in the service department? Is it worth fighting or should I go to another dealer?

......

http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1309649


Sure..... Maybe the dealer is right on this one?!?

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by Und3rth3radar

......

http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1309649


Sure..... Maybe the dealer is right on this one?!?

epic first post sir. pure gold.

[Mbdurham17]

Originally Posted by Und3rth3radar

......

http://www.6post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1309649


Sure..... Maybe the dealer is right on this one?!?

[TopEnd]

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

epic first post sir. pure gold.

LOL i cannot say i disagree one bit as im here just laughing it up. but still how does a dealer say the OEM springs look very clean, so it appeared to have aftermarket suspension on it?

[momos750]

If it's under warranty BMWNA has to repair the vehicle per the manufacturers warranty. If that dealer won't handle it, take it somewhere else.

[TrevorM3]

if the suspension has been touched, i dont blame BMW for NOT touching it.

[momos750]

Under the Magnusson Act the dealership has the burden of proof to prove that if the suspension was lowered at one time, those modifications directly resulted in your current parts failing and needing replacement.

It's a tough road to go down without an attorney and will cost you some $.

I would recommend getting the car on a lift and inspecting the suspension for signs of tampering.

If there are signs you may be on the hook, if not just go to another dealer.

[NightM]

U have a 2013 car from your post


If u have warranty cpo

Only will cover certain parts



If u purchase cpo and maintenance up to 100k miles they should covereing everything on the case


But if u only have cpo those parts aren't covered I bliv since its 2013. And those parts are wearable parts.

2013 warranty is 2yrs or 50k i bliv. Which ever comes first.

[apexlocator]

Take it to another dealer and don't waste anymore time and energy. Right or wrong this dealer doesn't want to do the work. And don't send any business their way.

[rambino]

To be honest.. The dealer sounds right..

Its VERY common for people to lower cars and throw on rims in Miami. lol

When a car is heavily lowered it puts extra stress on the struts. He prob had aftermarket rims with a gangster offset which stressed the ball joints... when the guy went back to stock height before selling, he prob put on New OEM springs, which can be found for pretty cheap, because he prob tossed the originals explaining why yours look so new.

Having worn struts and a ball joint makes absolute sense and by how you describe the handling, even more so.

You may get another dealer to do the work for you under warranty if you befriend the service guy, tip him very well, be honest and describe what the other dealer told you.. but that really depends on the dealer and your social skills.

Your best bet would be to buy 4 new struts and maybe a ball joint online from a wholesale bmw site or ebay and bring them to the dealer or a private shop for install.. that will save you a lot of money...

good luck with the ride!

[Pedped88]

I would take the car to a second dealership and have them look at it. See if they come back with the same answer.

[drbru]

Originally Posted by TopEnd

I have a 2013 M6, I decided to post here as I know it gets a little more traffic. So I dropped my car off to the the service department this weekend, as it still under factory warranty. I made mention to them that the car no longer feels solid taking turns and that i was developing an uncomfortable sound on bumps. I mentioned a few other items that needed to be addressed (wind noise from driver window, 12v power supply not working, etc). I get a call from my SA today and she tells me that my car needs 2 front struts, 2 rear struts and a ball joint. She then ask me where i purchased the car, because it seems that the car was once lowered, and returned to factory height. I told her i purchased the car from Miami and that it has always been factory height while in my possession. The dealer says that they do not want not cover these items. I'm thinking: What are the odds that this is an expensive job, and this is typical dealer non-sense of not wanting to cover the bill. I called BMWNA and they state that they do not intervene with the dealers and consumers. Is it me, or is BMW diminishing in the service department? Is it worth fighting or should I go to another dealer?

So this is very simple but the below is based on consumer law in the UK and I would be surprised if it is very different in the US

Im assuming you bought the car from a BMW dealer...If this is a case, that dealer had a responsibility to sell you the car as presented which in this case was not lowered and based on the original manufacturers spec. The previous history of this car is irrelevant as you bought it as seen which was based on standard suspension. Take this straight to BMW head office and dont waste your time arguing this matter with the dealer; they will sort and if they dont simply reject the car

[SFT33]

I was under the impression that the service record of a car can be pulled up any BMW dealer through the VIN. If dealer A is telling you one thing - can't dealer B see that they told you that the car was lowered?

[momos750]

Edited

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by momos750

No. The dealer can only pull service history for that car on the service that was done at that specific dealership.
Another dealer cannot see what was done elsewhere.
Only BMWNA can pull a complete service history for a specific vehicle.

I dont think this is correct, because before i buy anything used i call service centers and give them VIN, and they usually tell me the history. ( depending on if the SA is a dick/lazy, u wont get anything)