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Nathaniel of Atlanta (9/3/03):
I purchased a 2000 328i in September of 2002. I purchased this car from a certified BMW delership in the Atlanta area. I was told the car was completely certified and was "like new." However, that hasn't been the case. I have owned the car one year now and have been to the dealership almost ten times for various problems.

Here are some off the top of my head: replaced heat shield (took it in three times before they found the problem), driver side power seat failure-repaired, rear passenger door window malfunction-repaired, trip computer faulty-replaced part, faulty temperature control sensor causing fan not to blow-repaired, hazards button and auto door lock button malfunction-repaired, driver side door brake broken-not repaired, nearly every bulb on the car had to be replaced and finally, the last time I took it in (two days ago) I was told my belts are cracking, brake pads are worn, rotors need turning, and tires are too worn to rotate all in all costing over $2,000 to repair.

I have been furious throughout this ordeal and after talking to the dealership I was given BMW's customer service number. What I need is a contact at BMW headquarters to send a letter to. At this point I don't know what to do. I can't sell the car in the condition it's in or I will lose all of the $9,000 down payment. My last car was a hunk of junk and was 10 years old and never had this many problems. I would expect all this if I had bought a used automobile for $2,000 not from an automobile I paid $30,000 for.

The consequences have been having to take time off work once a month to take my car in, wait thirty minutes for a representative, and finally leave there an hour later only to return and repeat all that to pick my car up. Scheduling an appointment is a hassle and half the time the part you need isn't in stock and you have to return again a week later. My damage so far based on loss of work and the condition of my car (taking depreciation into consideration) has been over $4,000 in less than 11 months. Any advice to what I should do would be greatly appreciated.

High-performance cars are expensive to maintain. If that prospect is daunting to him, Nathaniel should get rid of the BMW and buy a Honda, Toyota or something similar.

Wendy of Marietta GA (7/22/03):
I purchased a "certified" 2000 BMW 323i on 8/24/02. Six days after purchasing the car the window regulator malfunctioned and the car was returned to the dealership for service. Twelve days later I discovered water leaking into the car from the front passenger side door. Over the course of several months the dealership made three attempts at repairing the leak with no success. In addition to the water leak, a second window regulator malfunctioned a few months later.

I sent several letters to BMW of North America and finally agreed to trade the car in for another 2000 323i. The next day after buying the second 2000 323i another window regulator malfunctioned. Unfortunately, the dealership where I purchased both of the cars is approximately 30 miles from my home and place of business. So, I will have to make arrangements to take off from work to return the car for service. I am completely disgusted with the level of service provided by the dealership as well as the operation and performance of the BMW 2000 323i.

Based on my experience I believe there is a defect in the operation of the 2000 323i power windows. My hope is that I can get out of the second 2000 323i without too much of a financial strain and find another make and model that is more reliable.

Michael of Tampa (5/13/03):
Bought a certified pre-owned BMW from Fields BMW in Winter Park, Fl and it has broken down 5 times in one year. Three times now the #3 cylinder coil has gone out and been replaced. The service advisor stated BMW has had problems with the coils and are having supply problems with the new and improved coils so they're only replacing each one as they go out. However, with the same coil going out three times now, I feel there is another problem causing it to fail.

Tekisha of Waldorf MD (5/12/03):
I purchased a 2002 BMW 325 two weeks ago. Over this past weekend while traveling on the Beltway my car began to malfunction. I was traveling about 70mph. Suddenly, my car began to lose power. No matter how hard I pushed the gas the car would not accelerate. Blessedly, I made to the emergency lane. BMW roadside assistance was contacted. They informed me that they are not authorized to assist persons on interstate 495 and advised me to call 911. They further stated that I should have the vehicle towed to my home because I did not have authorization to take it to the dealership which was 5 miles away.

I had it towed to the dealership anyway! The next business day I expressed my frustrations to everyone and my desire to no longer own "The Ultimate Driving Machine". I was informed that this was not possible and it would be repaired. I was not given a loaner vehicle as promised when I purchased the vehicle. The manager stated he had no dealer tags! I was offered a Dodge NEON from a local rental car co. but that was not acceptable. I do not want this car and I am willing to do whatever it takes to end this contract.

Jeannine of Garden City NY (2/14/03):
I purchased a certified pre-owned BMW 323ci from Endurance Motor Cars on 6/26/02 with 49,000 miles on it. I have owned the car for seven months and I was informed by Hassel BMW in Freeport, New York on 2/12/02 that I needed a new front suspension which will cost $900 and the repair is not covered under the warranty. I contacted the salesman that sold me the car and he passed me off to the service manager who ignored me. I also spoke with customer relations of BMW North America and they told me they couldn't do anything and to call the dealer I bought the car from. I keep getting passed from one person to the next and no one is willing to help me.

Kelli of Garden Grove CA (1/12/03):
We purchased a 1999 323I in Feb. of 2002. They told me this one was "mint" and all Certified BMW's are like new! This last November I took my daughter to buy a Dodge through some friends that I have worked with. I asked the used car manager to "appraise" my car as well. He proceeded to ask me if I had been in an accident? He showed me where the car had been totally repainted about 3/4 of the way. He showed me where there were"bondo" bubbles in one of the fenders. The car is silver and it is hard to match. He showed me where there was "over-spray" and told me my car was virtually worth about $13,000, then take $2,000 away for smog and saftey and then however much to paint the whole" car, about $3500.00, making my car worth about $8-10,000. I paid almost $30,000, and still owe $26,000.

I have lost not only $9500.00 in down payment but $5,000 in car payments for a car that is not what they stated it to be.

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