E46 M3 MAF Warranty Confusion

[vagabond]

Wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and if I have a leg to stand on to get something back from BMW NA:

I purchased my car from a private seller 5/05, had a warranty service and paid maintenance 6/05, Service I 1/06, and I'm positive I sent in the change of owner card, as well as ensuring the dealer noted the change in ownership when I brought it in for service.

In May, my MAF failed, and since I hate paying dealer prices for repairs, I took it to Auto Advantage in Manassas. Glenn, Brian, and their mechanics fixed the problem quickly and professionally, transforming my car from a bucking go-kart back into a proper M3.

Two months later, I get a letter from the previous owner (dated March 2006) with the recall letter stating, "BMW has become aware of a potential problem..." which is exactly why I had the work done, work I would have done at the dealer if they had sent the recall letter to the right person.

I call BMW NA, and they say there's nothing they can do to reimburse (at the very least), the cost of the MAF. According to Jay (of customer relations), "If you would have taken the car to the dealer when you had the problem, we would have told you about the recall." This, after he verified that I was indeed on file with this chassis number and my correct address.

In my opinion, I was not properly informed of this recall and feel that I should be compensated for having to have this diagnosed and repaired even though BMW NA clearly had my address, current contact information, and worked on my car in the past. Not only that, but ALL of the car's routine maintenance was done through the dealer to ensure something like this wouldn't happen.

Do you think it's worth pushing, or am I crazy for thinking I'm in the right?Has anyone been in a similar situation, and what did you do?

Great autocross course last Saturday, BTW.

[bren]

Are lawyer fees going to be less than the MAF?

I'd be amazed if BMW just cut you a check.

[jkuper]

IMO, you should have at least called the dealer before going to an indy shop. Warranty repairs only happen at BMW dealerships, owners or indy shops don't get paid of reimbursed.

[chicane]

Wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and if I have a leg to stand on to get something back from BMW NA:

I purchased my car from a private seller 5/05, had a warranty service and paid maintenance 6/05, Service I 1/06, and I'm positive I sent in the change of owner card, as well as ensuring the dealer noted the change in ownership when I brought it in for service.

In May, my MAF failed, and since I hate paying dealer prices for repairs, I took it to Auto Advantage in Manassas. Glenn, Brian, and their mechanics fixed the problem quickly and professionally, transforming my car from a bucking go-kart back into a proper M3.

Two months later, I get a letter from the previous owner (dated March 2006) with the recall letter stating, "BMW has become aware of a potential problem..." which is exactly why I had the work done, work I would have done at the dealer if they had sent the recall letter to the right person.

I call BMW NA, and they say there's nothing they can do to reimburse (at the very least), the cost of the MAF. According to Jay (of customer relations), "If you would have taken the car to the dealer when you had the problem, we would have told you about the recall." This, after he verified that I was indeed on file with this chassis number and my correct address.

In my opinion, I was not properly informed of this recall and feel that I should be compensated for having to have this diagnosed and repaired even though BMW NA clearly had my address, current contact information, and worked on my car in the past. Not only that, but ALL of the car's routine maintenance was done through the dealer to ensure something like this wouldn't happen.

Do you think it's worth pushing, or am I crazy for thinking I'm in the right?Has anyone been in a similar situation, and what did you do?

Great autocross course last Saturday, BTW.

You are correct and they should have sent you the letter BUT they will never reimburse you. If you press the issue you might be able to convince them to credit you that money on your next dealer servicing.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Try the BMWCCA ombudsmen program. I had an issue with my AC and had my independent shop replace part of the AC. Cost me about $900.00. Since I had documented the problem when the car was under warranty and they couldnt find a problem and the car was just out of warranty thought I would give it a try. BMWNA paid for the cost of the part which was about $600.00 at the time and I paid for the labor. Now this was about 12 years ago. You have nothing to lose.

It would cost you more in legal fees than what you spent.

Dave Apker and the collies