Brand New BMW 320i - needs new gearbox after 1 week.

[OMGImInPattaya]

My view on this is that a new 3 series is a no go for me.

The question is - which of their cars is different enough that it doesnt have the same gearbox as the 3 series? The X3? The 5 series?

At this point I am willing to pay more for a different model as i have lost faith in the 3 series but BMW themselves have been great throughout.

With a 3 series i'll always be waiting for the gearbox to go again.

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Just take ur baht and buy the top spec Accord and be done with it. Use the remaining balance to pay for fuel and insurance for the next 10 years!

[thaicookingchef]

Not the best advice to someone who likes nice things...

The top Accor is 1.7 MB and for only 1 MB more you have a lot more luxury with a Benz CLA or C-class that not everybody else has, this is why I will never buy a Japanese car anymore.

[pedro01]

My view on this is that a new 3 series is a no go for me.

The question is - which of their cars is different enough that it doesnt have the same gearbox as the 3 series? The X3? The 5 series?

At this point I am willing to pay more for a different model as i have lost faith in the 3 series but BMW themselves have been great throughout.

With a 3 series i'll always be waiting for the gearbox to go again.

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Just take ur baht and buy the top spec Accord and be done with it. Use the remaining balance to pay for fuel and insurance for the next 10 years!

The Accord and Camry drive like boats. With the BMW, the driving experience cannot be compared. I know that sounds like BS but if you try them all, there's only one that leaves a smile on your face.

The fact that when you drive into a car park, the security guards move cones to give you a best spot or manage to find you a space when its full is an added bonus. Not getting pulled by the BIB is nice too.

But basically, different car, different taste, different budget.

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[pedro01]

Well, the car went back on the 27th and I emailed BMW Thailand on 28th with what I thought were some fair options to how we sort this out to everyone's satisfaction.

My priority of course was to not set foot in another 320 again. I simply would not trust one any more. I offered to pay to go to a different model. Not an insignificant sum either - another 1M for the 528i M or 450k for the X3.

Anyway - 1 week later and all I am hearing from a BMW Thailand (not the dealer, seems it's not their decision) is that management isn't around to make a decision. She's really sorry, they are considering it, she understands how we feel - but no actual details. No progress.

So here I am - 7 days of worrying about what BMW will decide and today I'm at the point where I'm really wondering why I'm paying so much for cars that last days or weeks from a company that will let a customer hang for 7 days worrying about what on earth will happen.

So today, to cut the stress, I told them that I wanted a refund. If they can't decide, then I'll make the decision.

They argued a bit but eventually came back and said that a refund was fine. I then asked "you do mean a 100% refund, right?" and again I got more "really sorry, understand your position, management in Germany", cannot answer".

So it appears that no-one in BMW can make a decision right now OR I'm simply not being given access to anyone that can make a decision.

So I'm still hanging with absolutely no clue of what will happen. My guess is I lose on both the car and the financing - as I paid 1.6M and financed 1M.

Next step is Office of the Consumer Protection Board I guess. Then the Mercedes dealership.

Edited June 4, 2014 by pedro01

[thaicookingchef]

Thank you for update, really feel for you.

I am sure that they will refund you because they know exactly how much noise you can do very easily.

If Ihad any problem with Benz I would send them 1 Email with linsk to all my websites, pages and video account that I have online and explain them how many millions people will know how they treat their customers.

I am sure that they will listen.

Do you know the story of the unlucky Porsche customer ?

Finally they replied him nicely <3

Wish you good luck, and if you need someone to make a lot of noise online I am a specialist, just tell me !

[keemapoot]

This is really a horrible story, and goes to show that lemons can exist in any car marque, though we expect them less often with premium brands such as BMW. I've owned a few new bimmers over the years, 7 series, and 3, and I have always been fond of the driving experience too, and had no problems. You have wisely not chosen to denigrate the entire brand based on this bad experience, which is to your credit, unlike some posters on this board.

However, I would suggest the following. Why not consider hunting for a really primo prior-owned 3 series? They do exist, one-owners, few miles, pampered, perfect in every way, only year or two old. Try the BMW clubs.

Edited June 4, 2014 by keemapoot

[Thai at Heart]

The parts still attract a big tax when assembled here.

A new 320i in the uk with 20% vat is a lot cheaper.

In the UK a 320d Luxury with approximately the same spec as the Thai version is about £40,000 without any discount. In Thailand it's about £53,000 without discount.

It's easy to forget the Thai spec is quite a lot higher than the run of the mill versions generally sold in the UK.

Not a worrying difference in my view.

Perhaps BMW TH should bring in some low spec cars just for the Expat (tiny) market. They'd then be complaining about the not so great resale value too.

I am not sure of spec but the basic list price in UK is 33.3k

1.3mn.

[Woodsie888]

The parts still attract a big tax when assembled here.

A new 320i in the uk with 20% vat is a lot cheaper.

In the UK a 320d Luxury with approximately the same spec as the Thai version is about £40,000 without any discount. In Thailand it's about £53,000 without discount.

It's easy to forget the Thai spec is quite a lot higher than the run of the mill versions generally sold in the UK.

Not a worrying difference in my view.

Perhaps BMW TH should bring in some low spec cars just for the Expat (tiny) market. They'd then be complaining about the not so great resale value too.

I am not sure of spec but the basic list price in UK is 33.3k

1.3mn.

I've re read my post and I don't notice anything about basic spec in it. What is your point?

[thaicookingchef]

This is really a horrible story, and goes to show that lemons can exist in any car marque, though we expect them less often with premium brands such as BMW. I've owned a few new bimmers over the years, 7 series, and 3, and I have always been fond of the driving experience too, and had no problems. You have wisely not chosen to denigrate the entire brand based on this bad experience, which is to your credit, unlike some posters on this board.

However, I would suggest the following. Why not consider hunting for a really primo prior-owned 3 series? They do exist, one-owners, few miles, pampered, perfect in every way, only year or two old. Try the BMW clubs.

Yes, exactly what he need,s a second hand car that is even worst but that has good makeup...

He should just be smart and forget the brand, Merc and Porsche are wating for him !

[Woodsie888]

This is really a horrible story, and goes to show that lemons can exist in any car marque, though we expect them less often with premium brands such as BMW. I've owned a few new bimmers over the years, 7 series, and 3, and I have always been fond of the driving experience too, and had no problems. You have wisely not chosen to denigrate the entire brand based on this bad experience, which is to your credit, unlike some posters on this board.

However, I would suggest the following. Why not consider hunting for a really primo prior-owned 3 series? They do exist, one-owners, few miles, pampered, perfect in every way, only year or two old. Try the BMW clubs.

Yes, exactly what he need,s a second hand car that is even worst but that has good makeup...

He should just be smart and forget the brand, Merc and Porsche are wating for him !

What a very silly comment.

Have you considered the fact that the two transmissions are possibly from the same batch and all of them have a problem?

ZF make the transmission, not BMW.

A far more interesting question might be finding out how close to each other the respective transmission serial numbers are.

I suggest you keep cooking. Hopefully you have never ever made a bad meal for a customer.

[Ace of Pop]

He didnt Buy a Z.F. he bought a B.M.He can afford one but has been unfortunate.Like many Ford owners gearbox wise

[Woodsie888]

He didnt Buy a Z.F. he bought a B.M.He can afford one but has been unfortunate.Like many Ford owners gearbox wise

Quite right.

I still think it was a silly reply.

BMW aren't the first manufacturer to have a problem like this.

No need to bag the brand because of it.

It's not as if the two largest manufacturer's on earth (by volume) GM & Toyota have escaped any issues.

[pedro01]

Still no commitment from BMW on the amount or timing of any refund.

Just emails from somebody who cant make a commitment and whose job appears to be to placate me without actually giving any real update.

I did email their after sales director - Mr Badilla but got a note back that he is out till the 8th June. I guess this is the reason nobody can answer. Nobody at the helm!

Went to Benz yesterday, some nice cars there but the one we want wont be in Thailand till Q4. The new C250 AMG - looks like a nice car.

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[pedro01]

This is really a horrible story, and goes to show that lemons can exist in any car marque, though we expect them less often with premium brands such as BMW. I've owned a few new bimmers over the years, 7 series, and 3, and I have always been fond of the driving experience too, and had no problems. You have wisely not chosen to denigrate the entire brand based on this bad experience, which is to your credit, unlike some posters on this board.

However, I would suggest the following. Why not consider hunting for a really primo prior-owned 3 series? They do exist, one-owners, few miles, pampered, perfect in every way, only year or two old. Try the BMW clubs.

Yes, exactly what he need,s a second hand car that is even worst but that has good makeup...

He should just be smart and forget the brand, Merc and Porsche are wating for him !

What a very silly comment.

Have you considered the fact that the two transmissions are possibly from the same batch and all of them have a problem?

ZF make the transmission, not BMW.

A far more interesting question might be finding out how close to each other the respective transmission serial numbers are.

I suggest you keep cooking. Hopefully you have never ever made a bad meal for a customer.

This is the reason i would not have taken another 3 series.

Bigger question - which other BMWs use these gearboxes?

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[Woodsie888]

What a very silly comment.

Have you considered the fact that the two transmissions are possibly from the same batch and all of them have a problem?

ZF make the transmission, not BMW.

A far more interesting question might be finding out how close to each other the respective transmission serial numbers are.

I suggest you keep cooking. Hopefully you have never ever made a bad meal for a customer.

This is the reason i would not have taken another 3 series.

Bigger question - which other BMWs use these gearboxes?

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Probably all the 4 cylinder range, at least petrols (X1,1's, 3's & 5's) anyway. The diesels may use a beefier version possibly. BMW TH will know exactly and will freely advise you.

Ralf Bissinger (If he is still based at BMW TH) will help you with this answer, or if unable to, will know how to find the info you are looking for.

[theoldgit]

Highly offensive post, and response, removed.

[pedro01]

Still no answer from BMW....

Test drove the CLA AMG yesterday. Was ok but nothing special.

Looking at the new C250 AMG but not driven one yet...

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[pedro01]

Finally got an answer from BMW today.

They are giving a 100% refund.

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[funcat]

Finally got an answer from BMW today.

They are giving a 100% refund.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Good for you...and BMW reputation.

[ThaiSanookGuy]

Finally bought a Benz ? :-)

[wowjudo]

congrats on the 100% refund

I recommend the new C-Class saloon which costs 2.8M (looks like a s-class)

My friend got it few weeks ago and it's magnificent

I'd rather go comfort than stiff sporty version on these bumpy roads

but get what you like - its your car and money at the end. test drive are always good

Wish i could own a bmw or benz but it's just not worth the tax. would rather spend the tax money on the new kawasaki h2

[Jessi]

Have you got the refund yet or are they still writing the cheque?

[thailandforumaddict]

Can I know if you next BMW had problems ? cheers.

[AsianExport]

Hi, BM under BSI, they are too slow to fix few problems, I guess that it's the same story for all, but I never had to face such delay with my benz, can you tell me if you can get things done faster with few thousand cash ?

Can I know also what happened to your gear box ? They told you to shuut up and refunded you ?

 

Thanks.

[mortenaa]

On 9/28/2016 at 10:53 AM, AsianExport said:

Hi, BM under BSI, they are too slow to fix few problems, I guess that it's the same story for all, but I never had to face such delay with my benz, can you tell me if you can get things done faster with few thousand cash ?

Can I know also what happened to your gear box ? They told you to shuut up and refunded you ?

 

Thanks.

 

If your dealer is too busy, change to a different one then. I have no problems with delays.

[AsianExport]

On 10/1/2016 at 7:03 PM, mortenaa said:

 

If your dealer is too busy, change to a different one then. I have no problems with delays.

 

 

So you feel that it's just normal that they treat me like this ?

 

They supersuxx compared to Benz and Porsche.

 

Will never buy a BM anymore if they are not able to work faster even for money ! How ridiculous is this BSI !

 

 

 

 

 

[mortenaa]

On 10/3/2016 at 5:07 PM, AsianExport said:

 

 

So you feel that it's just normal that they treat me like this ?

 

They supersuxx compared to Benz and Porsche.

 

Will never buy a BM anymore if they are not able to work faster even for money ! How ridiculous is this BSI !

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can't blame it on BSI. BSI is a service agreement, that ensures that your car is properly serviced within the first 5 years.

 

You can blame your dealer - which is a stand alone company. If they deliver bad service, find another one. There is quite a few in Bangkok and surrounding provinces... 

 

http://www.bmw.co.th/en/fastlane/dealer-locator.html#/TH/en/BMW_BMWM 

 

[AsianExport]

If most people like you just dont mind waiting I guess that it will be similar everywhere. Thank you anyway.

[mortenaa]

1 minute ago, AsianExport said:

If most people like you just dont mind waiting I guess that it will be similar everywhere. Thank you anyway.

 

I have no idea. I never waited more than a day, except when my GF crashed my car. Took two weeks to order parts and repaint.

[questionsreplies]

can we contact bmw germany in case of problem ? anybody tried it ?