BMW: Launching Legal Action - Car Is Still Not Done

My lawyer, Robert Levy, has sent and excellent letter to the BMW USA Legal Department, so my journey with Customer Service is over.  Legal can only be contacted via posted mail, so we will be waiting for their response.  His letter demands that I be released from my lease and for them to take the car back.

I've been spending $575/month on the car lease, $150/month in insurance, plus what will total more than $2000 in car rental during this time.  I also just renewed my registration for $825.  He will be demanding that BMW reimburse me for these expenses as well as his own legal fees.  I hope this rattles the trees well enough that they take the time to listen to my case.

As some of you may remember, the mysterious brake sensor part (which I found out over the weekend is a $3 part (THREE DOLLAR PART), and they had already refused my mechanic taking that part out of another BMW that isn't for sale while they wait for the new one - this seems to be the most logical course of action) which was supposedly shipped on September 27 and was due no later than Oct 22.  As of today, this part is still MIA - and there is currently no estimate for arrival.

I think I should have learned by now that these estimates are worthless, but my hope continues to be raised.

Lara from Best Car has been continuously going all the way down to Van Nuys and Center BMW because she's been unable to get anyone on the phone - but even that has not shed any new light on the situation.

I wish someone could explain to me what in the world is going on....

Thanks for reading.

BMW: Legality

Under advice from a good friend, last week I contacted lawyer Robert Levy, Esq and described my case with BMW to him - and he immediately signed on to help!  He feels that there is definitely gross professional negligence involved in this case, and he is going to begin his inquiries immediately!

It feels so very good to know that corporations can't just do this to people as they feel like it, there will be ramifications for their inaction.

Thank you, Robert Levy, you are awesome.

BMW: Yet Another Week to Wait

I got a call from Center BMW over the weekend to tell me that they've finally spoken to someone about the status of the brake sensor; and they've been told that the soonest they can expect the part is this Friday, October 22.  Amid all of this they keep telling me that this is an obscure part, and even the parts place in Germany doesn't carry this part.

Yet still, it makes me wonder just how many Z4's roll off the assembly line each day, each one with that part installed.  While on hold with Center BMW I was forced to listen to their sales loop, all claiming that they put "YOU" at the "center" of their business.  That BMW is a multiple award winning automobile, and it is their customers that make it great.  Somehow, when they make these statements, they must feel that a car sitting on their lot for seven weeks is how they are putting me at the "center".

I'm going to call a lawyer today.

BMW: Center BMW Still Has No ETA

The final part to complete the work on my car was supposed to have shipped on September 27 with the refrain "eitgh-to-ten days from Germany" attached - and the dealer still does not have any word from the manufacturer even though the part is now five days overdue.

I put in a terse call to the Service Rep at Center BMW this morning, and he said that the part has still not arrived, still has no ETA, but he said he'd call the parts rep and find out what the latest is.  When I hadn't heard back from him in two hours I called and left a message for the Service Manager, Chris.  I got a voicemail back from him within the hour in which, while very friendly and professional, he stated that both he and my Service Rep have been trying to get some kind of word on where this part is - but even his own phone calls and emails to the manufacturer have turned up so answer whatsoever.  His hands are tied, and he has no idea what's going on.

Yet another step in this absolutey incompetent process, which is now, as far as I'm concerned, criminally negligent.  I've spent more than $800 in car rental in the time my car has been at Center BMW, and still no one can tell me what's going on.

Personal Musing: Smoke Free... ?

I've noticed recently from Airports to Amusement Parks that there seem to be, at many locations, entities that pronounce themselves to be "Smoke Free"... except in designated areas.

Intercom announcements, posted signs and posters, and Magic Mountain even has all the employees wearing buttons that make this announcement:

"Magic Mountain is a SMOKE FREE park!  Smoke only in designated areas."

LAX even has a sign that says that LAX is a Smoke Free airport only feet from another sign directing you to the smoking area.

Anyone but me see a problem with this language?

BMW: Center BMW Still Doesn't Have The Part

Spoke with Mary at Best Car this morning, and as of today, after promising 8-10 days for shipping from Germany we are now on day 13 and there is no word on the part, yet.  Mary tried to find out what was going on, but Center BMW gave her the story that it takes time for parts to clear customs, et cetera.  Not their fault.  Not their problem.

Day 136 and counting.

BMW: 135 Days And Counting

That's right folks, 135 days and no new ETA for my car.  Ten business days from when the (hopefully) final part was shipped from Germany was last Friday Oct 8, and returning from my trip today there is still no word from Center BMW.

On the semi-bright side I did receive a message from Stefan at BMW USA on Monday to let me know that the higher-ups have received my information and they are still in consideration for some kind of compensation, though Stefan did mention that it is very rare that anything comes of a situation like this.  I really do appreciate his perseverance, though, and the unprompted phone call on Monday to update me on my status was definitely a step in the right direction on the customer service front.

This Blog now has 305 unique hits, and 19 followers - so thank you to everyone that has joined and viewed my Blog.  I very much appreciate your intention and let's keep it going!  A Laurel and Hardy hand-shake to you all!

Thanks for reading.