Sister having problems with software on BMW

take everything

Hi.
My sister bought a second hand 3 series BMW from a BMW dealer last year but has had to bring it back for repair a few times- different problems each time AFAIK.
At the moment she's getting the software on it fixed.
But because she has been messed about by them a bit (being told everything is fine in the past, only to discover it's not quite) she's a bit wary about whether the software will be truly sorted out when she gets it back.

So i just have a couple of questions:
1. Does anyone know where she could go to independently verify that the software on the car is indeed OK.

2. Would it be dangerous to drive the car with faulty software (sorry for not being specific about what software is faulty but generally speaking could faulty software be dangerous?).

3. Lastly what comeback does she have because this car has had to be brought back a number of times.
Is a replacement out of the question?
Does she have to keep on dealing with the dealer or are BMW responsible?
She talked to the Consumer accociation of Ireland but they weren't much help tbh.

Any help with this much appreciated.
Thanks.

milltown

take everything wrote: »

Hi.
My sister bought a second hand 3 series BMW from a BMW dealer last year but has had to bring it back for repair a few times- different problems each time AFAIK.
At the moment she's getting the software on it fixed.
But because she has been messed about by them a bit (being told everything is fine in the past, only to discover it's not quite) she's a bit wary about whether the software will be truly sorted out when she gets it back.

So i just have a couple of questions:
1. Does anyone know where she could go to independently verify that the software on the car is indeed OK.

2. Would it be dangerous to drive the car with faulty software (sorry for not being specific about what software is faulty but generally speaking could faulty software be dangerous?).

3. Lastly what comeback does she have because this car has had to be brought back a number of times.
Is a replacement out of the question?
Does she have to keep on dealing with the dealer or are BMW responsible?
She talked to the Consumer accociation of Ireland but they weren't much help tbh.

Any help with this much appreciated.
Thanks.

1. If in Dublin, AC car sales off the SCR can check all the modules are running the latest "software"

2. No. At worst the car will fall back to failsafe mode (may be down on power, use more fuel etc.) but unless there is something mechanical wrong that is not monitored by the car's "computer" she should be fine. More details on what sort of problems she has had would help here.

3. Unless the car is still under BMW warranty, i.e. less than two (I think) years old, or was sold within the last year by a BMW main dealer as an approved used car, it's nothing to do with BMW. She's stuck with either the dealer, solicitors or the courts, or all three to get sorted.

All info here is intended as helpful information and should not be taken as gospel.

keithclancy

Sounds like their talking shíte and just clearing a fault each time she goes in.

CarMuppet

Is this a 2006/2007 320 petrol by any chance?

JHMEG

1. Dunno
2. This is not black and white. The answer is: it depends. Here's what a bug in Lexus software can do. Not particularly safe.
3. Over 2 years old BMW don't want to know, so it's what ever warranty the actual dealer gave her.

Anan1

Are they updating the software on the car? If so, i'd let them.

500sel

op where you based?

bmw535d

isn't BMW's warranty 3 years as standard?

JHMEG

The BMW warranty.

If you buy a BMW, you'll want driving pleasure to come as guaranteed. For this reason, as of 2004 (initial registration), your BMW Service partner now offers a warranty for the bodywork of 12 years and three years for the paintwork. For the entire car (excluding the replacement of worn parts), Original BMW Parts as well as Original BMW Accessories, BMW offers a warranty of two years regardless of the mileage. Service you can count on - we guarantee it.

Warranty is below par. Doesn't seem to stop people buying them tho.

bmw535d

JHMEG wrote: »

Warranty is below par. Doesn't seem to stop people buying them tho.

a crank shaft sensor went in my car 3 days before its 3rd birthday and it was covered under warranty? i still think its 3 years with the optional extended warranty bringing it up to 5 years

JHMEG

bmw535d wrote: »

a crank shaft sensor went in my car 3 days before its 3rd birthday and it was covered under warranty? i still think its 3 years with the optional extended warranty bringing it up to 5 years

That quote is straight from bmw.ie. They say it's 2 years, and it is the official website.

Your's problem was probably done under good will.

Anan1

bmw535d wrote: »

a crank shaft sensor went in my car 3 days before its 3rd birthday and it was covered under warranty? i still think its 3 years with the optional extended warranty bringing it up to 5 years

It's 2yrs, extendable annually thereafter. You might be confusing the warranty with the 5yrs 100k kms service inclusive.

philipm

I have used MKW Motors in Baldonnel in Dublin to look at issues with software on my 530d.

Keith and Mark are very knowledgeable guys.

http://www.mkwmotors.boschauto.co.uk/

bmstuff

Talk to AC Car Sales in Dublin 8, if your car needs a software update or whatever else, they will do it no problem and fix your car for good.
01 4531433