My BMW Sucks
I really hate to write this, especially after I’ve accomplished one of my goals, to own a BMW, but I am so disappointed in it, it is time to bitch about it.
I really am not a vain person. Not into status symbols just for the sake of looking like something I’m not. I don’t know fashion and I don’t go to all the hip clubs. But I do appreciate quality and when I am blessed to be able to buy nice things for myself, then I feel I should have them. My Beemer has been one of those things.
I was frugral and bought it used just about two years ago. It’s a 2005 325I. Although I’ve discovered how ridiculously different people react or treat you when you drive up in even the most basic BMW, I wanted it simply because I thought the Germans made a superior vehicle; more value for the buck.
Plus, I’ve had a fascination with all things German for quite some time; German was my college major for a couple years, back when I thought of being a UN interepreter. I have or had family living in Germany and I have backpacked through the cities there. I thought I would live there one day. I heard angels sing when I stood in the Olympic Village and gazed upon the 4 cylindrical pillars of BMW Headquarters in Munich.
However, in the short time we’ve been together I’ve had numerous complications with my little car and am now terribly disenchanted with what I always thought was stellar “German engineering.”
Here are just the major items I can remember, in no particular order.
A/C goes out. In Georgia. In Summer! Thank God it happened while still under the initial warranty. This was just the beginning.
Sunroof breaks for no obvious reason – with no warning, I open it one day and hear a horriblly loud pop. Dealer says because it’s all one piece built inside the roof, it cannot be fixed without a MINIMUM $1800 repair.
Bad fuel pump – Drive to work one day at 9am. Attempt to leave for lunch. Car almost cranks then dies. A few helpful friends and a AAA tow truck later, I am about $800 poorer because it had a bad fuel pump.
Passenger window has issues – one day out of the blue, front passenger window gets stuck in the down position (of course). Goes back up slowly, sometimes not at all. Have to pull it up by hand.
Battery dies – costs about $180 to replace because it’s in a funny place and requires some special kind of charging or prep work. Why does a 3-4 year old factory battery die?
Oil leak after oil change. OK, this one may not be the car’s fault, seems to have been a slack oil changer that didn’t replace the oil ring but since I’m not so sure…
Driver side window has issues – about 6 months after passenger window; driver’s side joins in the fun. You can hear/feel a click of some kind, hoping it’s just off-track but been afraid to have it checked.
Yesterday, “central locking system” button doesn’t work. Neither does the hazard button next to it. I checked all 3 fuses and they’re fine. WTF?!
These things can be expected in an older vehicle, but come on, this car is barely 5 years old!! And only 3 when I got it!! And it’s German!!! I now have new appreciation for every Ford product I ever owned or leased. I miss you Escort, Probe, Mercury Cougar, Mountaineer and yes, I even miss you Taurus.
Yes, I know the warning that cars like Mercedes and BMW can cost a lot to maintain, but we’re not talking regular maintenance here. I was rearended on 285 a few weeks ago and the guy at the shop asked me how I liked the car. I subsconsciously hesitated in my response and he called me on it. He then told me his boss had the same car and had multiple complaints; including the sunroof and electronic glitches that required him to enter from the passenger side. I’ve heard a few other tales as well.
So, I am somewhat comforted to know that I am not alone with my BMW troubles and disappointment. And let me say before anything else happens that I am ever so thankful the engine has been good and the ride smooth (this is me knocking on wood).
I am hoping this lock issue is NOT a wiring problem. My butt is already puckering at the thought. Buy America, Japanese, Sedish, hell buy Chinese but DO NOT buy BMW!!!
Coming Soon: MyBMWSucks will have its own page! In the mean time, please share your BMW problems so we can see we’re not alone.
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