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      09-02-2011, 02:37 AM   #3
Lotus7
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Drives: xxxx
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: xxxx

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"Been there - Done that"

Obviously, the vehicle has a problem with some electronics module, a communications bus or "who knows what".

If you haven't already done so, document everything that has happened - write down each failure or malfunction, and be sure that your dealer documents what they claim to be doing to correct the problem. They should be willing to give you a copy of the service report for each time you bring it in for repair. Insist that your dealer does not give the car back to you until they have thoroughly tested it. They should be willing to give you a free loaner while they keep your car.

If they return it again and you again have problems, it's time to phone BMW NA and talk to a customer service rep. Request that they investigate your recurring problems.

Again it's essential to have the service sheets and your notes on what failed, when it happened, and what was done as an attempted repair.

It sounds like your dealer's service dept has only tried simple fixes or system resets. Some of the failures should have set "codes" in the computer. Try to get a copy of the error codes. On the X3, major error codes are also stored in the "Key Remote" (the key Fob) and can be read out immediately by the Service Dept computer. However, because some of your problems are related to the remote locking system that may not be working correctly.

Hopefully, it will not come to that, but you should be aware of the details of the Arizona Lemon Law (Arizona Lemon Law 44-1261).
see: http://www.carlemon.com/lemon/AZ_law.html
The Arizona statutes allow for vehicle replacement or refund of purchase costs if the vehicle is in for service for THE SAME PROBLEM a total of (4) times, OR if the vehicle is in for service for (30) days or more. The Arizona statute is valid for the first 24 months of ownership. That's why it's essential to keep full records from "day-1".

There is a good chance that you service dept. will find the real problem and correct it once they start taking you seriously. There seems to be a widespread tendency among BMW service departments to try to take the fastest, easiest fix, and not to completely check that their "fix" really has corrected the problem. It often takes several trips back and/or some pressure (and possibly help) from BMW NA to get them to seriously concentrate on the problem and find the real solution.

Good luck and remember, "Document everything!"

Last edited by Lotus7; 09-02-2011 at 02:43 AM..
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