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Just joined the failed turbo club!

  • 08-09-2009 12:56pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16


    Hi, the turbo has gone on my October 2004 (bought new May 2005) 320d se.

    I am peeved for a couple of reasons. I do high motorway mileage and as such do not drive hard to try to get as long out of the car as possible and for fuel eceonomy. The car has 97k on it and I was hoping to get about 200k out of it.

    A bit of research has revealed that BMW know full well about the turbo reliability problems but say nothing about it. A bit of simple advice to customers, a few additions to the service schedule etc could avoid seriously expensive repair bills!

    Secondly, I had my car serviced at a large regional garage last time. It is not a BMW dealership but sells BMW's, Mercs, VW etc. It also has a diagnostic computer.

    The car was serviced at 77k and they didn't replace the oil breather filter which I understand is now part of the BMW service schedule. The garage which diagnosed the turbo failure says the failure to replace the filter could have played a large part in the turbo failure.

    Bloody livid!


«1

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,801 ✭✭✭✭Gary ITR


    I've just moved this to a thread of it's own


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,809 ✭✭✭✭smash


    That's 20k since your last service.... I wouldn't really care if BMW say you only need a service every 30k - I'd still be getting it done more frequently to be honest!

    What date was the last service?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭cadaliac


    That sucks man.
    I wouldn't know if the diagnostics would throw up a fault for the turbo 20k miles ago at your last service though?
    They tend to go alright, but sometimes people are lucky and they never give trouble.
    I know that doesn't help you now.
    Not sure but I think some guys on here had the turbo reconditioned.....
    That might be the way to go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,795 ✭✭✭Neilw


    If I were a betting man I would say it's mentioned in the manual about caring for the turbo i.e, warming the car up full before booting it and letting it idle for a while before knocking off the engine.

    30k service intervals are way to long imo, especially in a turbocharged car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    Interesting....

    Do you have a fsh?

    it sounds at this stage like there are enough people out there to bring a class action (for want of a better word) against BMW. It is too late for people with 2003 cars, but yours is still new enough to have some leverage.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 34,809 ✭✭✭✭smash


    maidhc wrote: »
    it sounds at this stage like there are enough people out there to bring a class action (for want of a better word) against BMW.
    The car doesn't have a fsh with a bmw dealer!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,261 ✭✭✭robbie99


    starsky02 wrote: »
    The car was serviced at 77k and they didn't replace the oil breather filter which I understand is now part of the BMW service schedule.

    How did you find out that oil breather filter is now part of the service schedule?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    I found out about the filter from my nearest BMW dealership.

    The car was serviced last November.

    It doesn't have a full BMW service history. I used to have it serviced by BMW but got really poor service from the dealership when one of the keys stopped working.

    Also, the guy returning the car after one of the services made such a crunching noise with my gears that one of the secretaries actually interrupted a meeting to alert me to the hash he was making trying to parallel park the car outside my office.

    I got it serviced at a major regional car dealership thereafter.

    I have also wondered about a class action - and I'm a solicitor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭cadaliac


    RE: Class action:
    steve06 wrote: »
    The car doesn't have a fsh with a bmw dealer!

    Case closed. Sorry.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    I'm not so sure it's case closed. I think the consumer council would have something to say about forcing bmw owners to only use bmw dealers. It effectively creates a monoloply on bmw servicing.

    I think if the car has been serviced by a reputable dealership with a diagnostic computer, BMW can't claim to have been prejudiced.

    I can see a big issue with the failure to replace the oil breather filter though.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    cadaliac wrote: »
    RE: Class action:


    Case closed. Sorry.

    No, once it has been serviced and there is a good bunch of receipts then that is a good thing.

    You won't get any goodwill from BMW, but to be fair I think only Toyota are noted for goodwill.

    Well you could join the last garage you used as a co-defendant and send what is called a "O'Byrne letter", i.e. a letter saying to BMW andthe garage that one of them is wrong, you can't tell which, but will sue both and if they don't come clean now they will be liable for costs.

    It seems that you should be able at this stage to get an assessor to say the car had a latent defect from new vis a vis the turbo failing as every 320d seems to suffer the problem.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,209 ✭✭✭✭JohnCleary


    Wow, I thought they changed the turbo's in Nov 2003. From what I had read, any cars after this doesn't suffer turbo failure. OP, check under your bonnet on the passenger side front strut and check the build date.

    Anyhow, it's a sickener. Your engines' crank breather filter should be changed with the vortex type as a replacement with the 'loo type' one.

    Anyhow, your turbo is gone. I sent mine off to Turbo Technics in the UK when I saw my oil seals were poor, they did a total overhaul and i'd highly recommend them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭cadaliac


    starsky02 wrote: »
    I'm not so sure it's case closed. I think the consumer council would have something to say about forcing bmw owners to only use bmw dealers. It effectively creates a monoloply on bmw servicing.

    I think if the car has been serviced by a reputable dealership with a diagnostic computer, BMW can't claim to have been prejudiced.

    I can see a big issue with the failure to replace the oil breather filter though.
    I can't see why the consumer council would all of a sudden say that all car dealerships that force their car owners to use the main deales, would be a monopoly. The Dealers recomend that the cars be serviced at the main dealers and hence would stand over their own work.
    I just think that the BMW (or any dealership) could use this as an excuse to get out of it.
    But, on the other hand, if the receipts are up to date with the correct recomended servicing schedule, and as you say serviced by a reputable dealership with a diagnostic computer, BMW can't claim to have been prejudiced.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,800 ✭✭✭Senna


    Wasn't there some EU legislation stating that an independent garage can service a car and the manufacturer have to take account of that the same as if it were a serviced at the manufacturers dealership. Assuming the service intervals are adhered to.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 12,456 ✭✭✭✭Mr Benevolent


    I think only servicing it every 20k has something to do with the turbo failure tbh.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    Still waiting on the call from the bmw dealership.

    The third possibility is that I could reject the goods to the HP company. By the looks of it there is a latent defect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    Senna wrote: »
    Wasn't there some EU legislation stating that an independent garage can service a car and the manufacturer have to take account of that the same as if it were a serviced at the manufacturers dealership. Assuming the service intervals are adhered to.

    Block Exemption 1400/2002


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 671 ✭✭✭madmac187


    Man don't be offended by this. But there is alot to be said when getting your car serviced at a main dealer. I have a 00 vectra serviced at a main dealer and its in much better condition than mates cars that would be 4 and 5 years newer that get some guy to do it or any makeshift garage.

    Alot is said about a main dealer service. And getting it serviced every 30k thats mental especially on a car that does hi speed with constant revving puting presure on fixtures, pipes, leads and turbo. The only thing I could see you doing is saying it to the garage that you get it done in and see how much money will they take off it for not replacing the filter. And then get it serviced in BMW garage. And at the end of the day, you shouldn't have a car like that if you can't afford to service it right.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭Ferris


    I remember reading up on this issue as I was going to buy a 320d. The 'word' on a lot of forums was that turbo failures were down to soot building up in the EGR valve and that was somehow causing the turbo to blow. The advice was to clean the EGR every 60k. Its not a normal service item however.

    These cars have other issues like the swirl flaps n the inlet manifold breaking off and entering the engine, writing it off. A lot of problems were addressed with a late 2005 update on the 3 series.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 240 ✭✭Turlock


    madmac187 wrote: »
    Man don't be offended by this. But there is alot to be said when getting your car serviced at a main dealer. I have a 00 vectra serviced at a main dealer and its in much better condition than mates cars that would be 4 and 5 years newer that get some guy to do it or any makeshift garage.

    Alot is said about a main dealer service. And getting it serviced every 30k thats mental especially on a car that does hi speed with constant revving puting presure on fixtures, pipes, leads and turbo. The only thing I could see you doing is saying it to the garage that you get it done in and see how much money will they take off it for not replacing the filter. And then get it serviced in BMW garage. And at the end of the day, you shouldn't have a car like that if you can't afford to service it right.

    No offence but what you're saying about only getting it serviced at the main dealer sounds like rubbish that some salesman would spew. Not everyone has money to overpay main dealers for basic work.


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  • Posts: 24,714 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Confab wrote: »
    I think only servicing it every 20k has something to do with the turbo failure tbh.

    In all fairness if the manufacturer says service intervals should be 20k then they should be 20k or what the service indicator tells you if someone is harder on the car etc. I go by my service indicator as this is what is recommended and this is supposed to monitor when a service is required. I would imagine this is what almost everybody on the road does, excluding cars that have been modified etc and require more regular services.

    Long service intervals are also a selling point of new cars so they should be whats required. It wouldnt influence me buying a car but for a lot of people cost is their main concern with a car so long intervals mean less service costs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 671 ✭✭✭madmac187


    Turlock wrote: »
    No offence but what you're saying about only getting it serviced at the main dealer sounds like rubbish that some salesman would spew. Not everyone has money to overpay main dealers for basic work.

    Whatever man, it's not salesman spew its the truth. Again yet another mean little person willing to buy a car but not to maintain it. Did you ever hear the saying you get what you pay for????

    Another thing if the car was serviced in a BMW dealership it wouldn't have happened and he would not have to cough up for a new turbo. So get a grip, you aren't thinking with foresight in mind.

    Yet another thing, with a main dealer they have to honour warranties on parts. A guy in a garage more than likely will not or will not cover the entire duration of it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,313 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    Neilw wrote: »
    If I were a betting man I would say it's mentioned in the manual about caring for the turbo i.e, warming the car up full before booting it and letting it idle for a while before knocking off the engine.

    I'd say over 90% of people dont observe that piece of advice. :rolleyes:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    Madmac, I think you've missed the point. I had the car serviced at a major resgional dealership. It cost pretty much the same as the BMW dealership. The reason I dodn't go to the BMW dealership was poor customerr service and for practicality reasons (lack of courtesy cars).

    I also don't follow the logic about not buying a BMW if you are unwilling to pay extrtionate servicing costs.

    The dealer came back. No goodwill gesture from BMW. The service manager seemed geuinely annoyed and offered to fit the part with no labour costs as a goodwill gesture from the delaership. Still way over a grand though.

    Looks like a reconditioned turbo fitted by an independent garage. Then I'm getting rid of it after another 2,000 miles and never buying a bmw again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,712 ✭✭✭✭R.O.R


    madmac187 wrote: »
    Man don't be offended by this. But there is alot to be said when getting your car serviced at a main dealer. I have a 00 vectra serviced at a main dealer and its in much better condition than mates cars that would be 4 and 5 years newer that get some guy to do it or any makeshift garage.

    Alot is said about a main dealer service. And getting it serviced every 30k thats mental especially on a car that does hi speed with constant revving puting presure on fixtures, pipes, leads and turbo. The only thing I could see you doing is saying it to the garage that you get it done in and see how much money will they take off it for not replacing the filter. And then get it serviced in BMW garage. And at the end of the day, you shouldn't have a car like that if you can't afford to service it right.
    madmac187 wrote: »
    Whatever man, it's not salesman spew its the truth. Again yet another mean little person willing to buy a car but not to maintain it. Did you ever hear the saying you get what you pay for????

    Another thing if the car was serviced in a BMW dealership it wouldn't have happened and he would not have to cough up for a new turbo. So get a grip, you aren't thinking with foresight in mind.

    Yet another thing, with a main dealer they have to honour warranties on parts. A guy in a garage more than likely will not or will not cover the entire duration of it.

    :rolleyes:

    There is soo much wrong with this cr@p that my keyboard isn't big enough


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    starsky02 wrote: »
    The dealer came back. No goodwill gesture from BMW. The service manager seemed geuinely annoyed and offered to fit the part with no labour costs as a goodwill gesture from the delaership. Still way over a grand though.
    well, I think a recon unit from an Indy will cost you that anyway. If the price is close, go with it. Then Madmac can buy it, safe in the knowledge that a 'main dealer' fixed it........:rolleyes:
    starsky02 wrote: »
    Then I'm getting rid of it after another 2,000 miles and never buying a bmw again.
    Ah yes, the Ultimate Fixing Machine.....:)

    Who knows, maybe that BeeEmm dealer has a useful non-BMW he'd trade your's in for ? :)

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    What are the alternatives though? Looking at Passats but on the Honest John site they appear to be riddled with problems too.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,686 ✭✭✭JHMEG


    If you're looking to stay diesel then the Accord gets good press.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,822 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    ...honestly? I'm losing heart myself.

    There's a lot to be said for simpler, engines. And if you like a bit of comfort/speed, etc, that means bigger ones. Normally aspirated, usually. E.g. sorry to mention the Bee word, but a 323 or 325 is a fundamentally more reliable car than a 318. And only 1 mpg or so in the difference.

    The extra tax is more than offset by a)cheaper, used, and b)fewer repairs !

    I'm sure this analogy can be applied to others. E.g., I saw a C280 the other day.

    A 2.0 Mazda 6 petrol, or similar. I know of a 2.0 SE Golf (00) that puts most people off (oooh, it's not a 1.4 )...but it's cheaper than a Gti, and as near dammit as quick.

    Mines not for you - an old 3.0 968. But it does have the advantage of: only 4 plugs, 4 plug leads, simple distributor, rudimentary fuel injection (it is a 93 after all...).

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭testarossa40


    starsky02 wrote: »
    Madmac, I think you've missed the point. I had the car serviced at a major resgional dealership. It cost pretty much the same as the BMW dealership. The reason I dodn't go to the BMW dealership was poor customerr service and for practicality reasons (lack of courtesy cars).

    I also don't follow the logic about not buying a BMW if you are unwilling to pay extrtionate servicing costs.

    The dealer came back. No goodwill gesture from BMW. The service manager seemed geuinely annoyed and offered to fit the part with no labour costs as a goodwill gesture from the delaership. Still way over a grand though.

    Looks like a reconditioned turbo fitted by an independent garage. Then I'm getting rid of it after another 2,000 miles and never buying a bmw again.
    I would not abandon all hope just yet, starsky... My story:
    I bought a Jan 03-built 320D with 70k in May 07 off an independent dealer but with 3yrs BMW FSH from new. It had been serviced by an independent in Yr4 though. I had it assessed prior to, then serviced by a certain well-known southside Dublin BMW dealership soon after I bought it.

    I returned to them shortly afterwards to replace the oil breather to cure some smoke coming from the under the front right wheel arch during engine idle, some further (non-turbo related) work done, but had a very poor & over-priced experience with them that last time :mad:, and when in Sept 08 & having now done ~85k I started noticing the smoking exhaust under acceleration - having read these forums - I decided to go to AC Cars instead to have this looked into. They gave me the none-too-welcome news that the turbo bearing was knackered, leaking oil, and needed replacing... :(.

    Well, I was totally gutted and felt let down particularly by the BMW dealership that has assessed the car and worked on it at least twice in the previous year including replacing the oil breather & inspecting the turbo and given it all a clean bill of health. I was told I was looking at the guts of 2-3 grand to replace/repair the damage :eek:.

    So, rather than accept this and even before I contacted a BMW dealer I called BMW customer services direct to complain about this and stated that I felt the failure had occurred well below what could be reasonably be expected to be the serviceable life of a drive-train component, that although the car was now well out of warranty and not always serviced by a BMW dealer, it had been viewed and serviced 3 times in the previous year+ without any indication of this impending issue, and that I was very upset at the prospect of needing to spend so much to rectify what I & most motoring forums felt was known product flaw & should really be covered by BMW.

    When I finally let the poor chap get a word in he enquired who had made the diagnosis and then asked me to take it to a BMW dealership for formal assessment. He told me to let them know I had spoken with him and to tell them to forward him the diagnostic report & assessment and he would contact me back with a decision. I agreed to this and booked the car in. I have to say the dealership seemed pretty taken aback when they heard I'd already been in touch with HQ and they'd be awaiting the report :D.

    So I got the assessment that as well as the turbo, the forward cat & oil breather (again) needed to be replaced due to oil contamination and all in this would come to over 4 grand with VAT :eek:.

    I then got the call the following day to advise that Beemer HQ had responded and authorised to offer the parts be replaced free of charge but that I'd need to pay the labour which would be ~700. I was actually very pleasantly surprised and accepted on the spot - after all paying 700 was a damn sight better offer than 4k and the car was approaching 3 yrs out of warranty...:cool:

    So starsky my advice to you would be to call BMW Customer Services directly, make the point that the turbo shouldn't have failed so soon, that your concerned the item is flawed, and try to gain sympathy by emphasising how disappointed you are and upset at the projected expense of the repair. If you do, maybe let us know how you get on?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 316 ✭✭reverandkenjami


    Senna wrote: »
    Wasn't there some EU legislation stating that an independent garage can service a car and the manufacturer have to take account of that the same as if it were a serviced at the manufacturers dealership. Assuming the service intervals are adhered to.
    R.O.R wrote: »
    Block Exemption 1400/2002

    Unfortunately thats not the case! They can service the car and have it recognised as same but they will need to be 'trained' on the engines like main dealer mechanics and this costs extortionate amounts!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    galwaytt wrote: »
    ...honestly? I'm losing heart myself.

    There's a lot to be said for simpler, engines. And if you like a bit of comfort/speed, etc, that means bigger ones. Normally aspirated, usually. E.g. sorry to mention the Bee word, but a 323 or 325 is a fundamentally more reliable car than a 318. And only 1 mpg or so in the difference.

    The extra tax is more than offset by a)cheaper, used, and b)fewer repairs !

    I'm sure this analogy can be applied to others. E.g., I saw a C280 the other day.

    A 2.0 Mazda 6 petrol, or similar. I know of a 2.0 SE Golf (00) that puts most people off (oooh, it's not a 1.4 )...but it's cheaper than a Gti, and as near dammit as quick.

    Mines not for you - an old 3.0 968. But it does have the advantage of: only 4 plugs, 4 plug leads, simple distributor, rudimentary fuel injection (it is a 93 after all...).

    I agree completely.

    I have a 2.6 Mercedes 190E sitting in the shed to be dusted off when my common rail turbo diesel focus becomes a liability! :D

    I have been driving a 1.4 Octavia a lot recently, and for all its faults a simple 1.4 Petrol has a lot going for it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭netwhizkid


    Turbo Diesels are really only an invention to squeeze BHP out of small block engines because of the regressive taxation regimes in backward countries like Ireland. A petrol engine will always be far superior in terms of power and reliability. Diesel cars are a rarity in the US by comparison.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    netwhizkid wrote: »
    Turbo Diesels are really only an invention to squeeze BHP out of small block engines because of the regressive taxation regimes in backward countries like Ireland. A petrol engine will always be far superior in terms of power and reliability. Diesel cars are a rarity in the US by comparison.

    No actually. Most of Europe is the same.

    Turbo diesels are infinately better for the planet than big 2.5L+ petrols, but that isn't the point.

    The older normally aspirated (and even simple turbo) diesels were superior to petrols in terms of reliability. Try and kill an old Toyota or MB diesel!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,263 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    netwhizkid wrote: »
    Turbo Diesels are really only an invention to squeeze BHP out of small block engines because of the regressive taxation regimes in backward countries like Ireland. A petrol engine will always be far superior in terms of power and reliability. Diesel cars are a rarity in the US by comparison.

    A 2.0 litre petrol engine cost the same as a 2.0 litre diesel engine to tax until last year, so that argument doesn't really stack up.

    I reckon that the cost of petrol in the US might also be a little bit of a factor as well, considering that anything over 20MPG is considered easy on the juice.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,686 ✭✭✭JHMEG


    netwhizkid wrote: »
    Turbo Diesels are really only an invention to squeeze BHP out of small block engines
    That would be true if it were petrol, but turbochargers were first used in diesel engines in an attempt to clean up emissions, not to increase power.
    maidhc wrote:
    Turbo diesels are infinately better for the planet than big 2.5L+ petrols
    But not better for its inhabitants
    netwhizkid wrote:
    Diesel cars are a rarity in the US by comparison.
    Because of air pollution. They care more about the health of their citizens than we do! :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    JHMEG wrote: »
    Because of air pollution. They care more about the health of their citizens than we do! :eek:

    I'm not going to get into a debate re petrol, diesel and particulates because it willl go nowhere, but I'm not sure about how much the US cares about the health (or general welfare) of its citizens.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,686 ✭✭✭JHMEG


    maidhc wrote: »
    I'm not sure about how much the US cares about the health (or general welfare) of its citizens.
    Their legislation regarding emissions and air pollution is better than ours. A lot better. Whether they care more overall is difficult to measure as there are so many variables, but in my opinion the indicators are there that suggest they do.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    JHMEG wrote: »
    Their legislation regarding emissions and air pollution is better than ours. A lot better. Whether they care more overall is difficult to measure as there are so many variables, but in my opinion the indicators are there that suggest they do.

    Maybe that is their alternative to providing healthcare :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,686 ✭✭✭JHMEG


    maidhc wrote: »
    Maybe that is their alternative to providing healthcare :pac:

    And what.. we do? At least they get what they pay for. We don't even get that.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭cadaliac


    starsky02 wrote: »
    What are the alternatives though? Looking at Passats but on the Honest John site they appear to be riddled with problems too.
    Difficult to say what is reliable these days. To be honest, I don't think that there is a car out there that will not have reliability issues of some description.
    I used to drive Peugeots, and then went to VW. I have a Passat now that I have replaced a 6 speed gearbox (@64k) and am in the middle of replacing the whole suspension. (Front shocks and bushings needed to be replaced but non-sport shocks were put in, so looking at a Koni lowering kit for the whole car).
    My previous Peugeot 406 Hdi let me down once, fuel feeder pump in the tank. I would regard that car as the best car I ever had, even though it let me stranded once.
    You see, you can be lucky and never have a major fault, or you can be unlucky, like I am with my present car, and like yourself at the moment.
    But, I wouldn't loose all faith just yet. The new Passats have issues alright, (steering colum, handbrake etc) so I would not recomend the VAG products at the moment.
    I would consider the Honda 2.2 Diesel or the 1.9TdI engine found in the Saab 93, Alfa's and Opel Insignia among other cars. I think it is a Fiat Diesel with 150bhp. Its supposed to be really good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    I think Fords are amongst the best at the moment.

    I have had a few issues with my focus (DMF in particular) but for the most part people seem very happy with their Foci and Mondeos.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭cadaliac


    maidhc wrote: »
    I think Fords are amongst the best at the moment.

    I have had a few issues with my focus (DMF in particular) but for the most part people seem very happy with their Foci and Mondeos.
    Indeed, completly forgot about the ford lump. Very reliable. DMF can be an issue with 130bhp 2.0 and injectors with the 2.2 though AFAIK.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    Update. I have contacted BMW customer services who are reviewing their decision not to offer a goodwill gesture. I have suggested I will pay the labour if they pay the parts.

    I am also about to ring the garage who carried out the last service and didn't replace the oil breather filter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 762 ✭✭✭testarossa40


    starsky02 wrote: »
    Update. I have contacted BMW customer services who are reviewing their decision not to offer a goodwill gesture. I have suggested I will pay the labour if they pay the parts.

    I am also about to ring the garage who carried out the last service and didn't replace the oil breather filter.
    :cool:
    Fingers crossed for you!


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,120 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    starsky02 wrote: »
    Update. I have contacted BMW customer services who are reviewing their decision not to offer a goodwill gesture. I have suggested I will pay the labour if they pay the parts.

    I am also about to ring the garage who carried out the last service and didn't replace the oil breather filter.

    Good man, don't give up. We take far too much bulls**t that passes as "Customer Service" in this country.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16 starsky02


    BMW say no. Asked them to explain the basis iof their decision and they sayd 97k was a fair mileage for a turbo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,722 ✭✭✭maidhc


    starsky02 wrote: »
    BMW say no. Asked them to explain the basis iof their decision and they sayd 97k was a fair mileage for a turbo.

    Some ultimate driving machine.

    Just get it fixed and put a claim into the small claims court!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 752 ✭✭✭JimmyCrackCorn!


    Confab wrote: »
    I think only servicing it every 20k has something to do with the turbo failure tbh.

    Turbo bearings are very sensitive to oil and 20k is just far too long.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 10,581 Mod ✭✭✭✭Robbo


    Turbo bearings are very sensitive to oil and 20k is just far too long.
    True that. 20k between oil changes on a modern turbo diesel is just asking for it.


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