[4u2nv]

Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a clicking/tapping noise coming from the steering column of the new X3 (only apparent when turning the wheel). I bought one recently (for the wife) and noticed it after a few days driving. Booked it in with the dealership and they just mugged me off they said that if there was no real fault they would sting me for £395+ VAT. I'm just wondering if it’s me being paranoid but now I listen out for it all the time and it's driving me loopy. I don't want to get mugged off again and I know I can insist on them looking at it however the sting is a major one and the cars not even a year old yet.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

[cooldude00]

why would they be charging you if it's under warranty?

i did have a steering column issue but it was more grinding than clicking/tapping - the dealer basically just greased it which made the noise go away... all under warranty of cos

[4u2nv]

I'm assuming that the reason for the charge is becuase they think I'm wasting time. Pitty they didn't think that when it came to handing over my cash. Growing very tired of my local dealership especially there service department. Will call them and tell them to look into this.

[ozX3bimmer]

Sorry a side or dumb question here, can you/we go to a service department at a different dealer than the one we purchased the car from, and still have them to look at or fix the problem for free (given the car is still under warranty)?

[B3412]

Originally Posted by ozX3bimmer

Sorry a side or dumb question here, can you/we go to a service department at a different dealer than the one we purchased the car from, and still have them to look at or fix the problem for free (given the car is still under warranty)?

You can take your vehicle to another dealer. I complained to BMWNA about a wind noise problem that I had coming from the driver side of my vehicle that the dealer couldn't fix. BMWNA recommended for me to try another dealer that I didn't purchase my vehicle from to fix the problem.

[ozX3bimmer]

Originally Posted by B3412

You can take your vehicle to another dealer. I complained to BMWNA about a wind noise problem that I had coming from the driver side of my vehicle that the dealer couldn't fix. BMWNA recommended for me to try another dealer that I didn't purchase my vehicle from to fix the problem.

That's great, glad to know this is ok. At the end, Did you have the wind noise fixed at the another dealer? Did the other dealer's service department appreciate you came to them (knowing you didn't buy from them)?

[B3412]

Originally Posted by ozX3bimmer

That's great, glad to know this is ok. At the end, Did you have the wind noise fixed at the another dealer? Did the other dealer's service department appreciate you came to them (knowing you didn't buy from them)?

I got the wind noise fixed and the service depart didn't care at all but the salesman that I was dealing with was mad. I didn't care if he was mad because I saved 4 thousand for driving an hour to the other dealership.

[ozX3bimmer]

Originally Posted by B3412

I got the wind noise fixed and the service depart didn't care at all but the salesman that I was dealing with was mad. I didn't care if he was mad because I saved 4 thousand for driving an hour to the other dealership.

Cool, glad to hear that and totally worth it!!

[UKMS]

Originally Posted by 4u2nv

I'm assuming that the reason for the charge is becuase they think I'm wasting time. Pitty they didn't think that when it came to handing over my cash. Growing very tired of my local dealership especially there service department. Will call them and tell them to look into this.

Certainly in the UK you are free to take it to any BMW dealership, anything that they say cant be fixed is always worth a second opinion at another dealership. All dealers have a Master Technician and I have always found them to be very helpful and will spend time with you if you have an issue that cant be resolved first time round. I have frequently found the service advisors (aka reception) to be the ones that on occasions BS or try to fob you off. This is not unique to BMW !

MS

[ozbmwx3]

Originally Posted by ukstevens

Certainly in the UK you are free to take it to any BMW dealership, anything that they say cant be fixed is always worth a second opinion at another dealership. All dealers have a Master Technician and I have always found them to be very helpful and will spend time with you if you have an issue that cant be resolved first time round. I have frequently found the service advisors (aka reception) to be the ones that on occasions BS or try to fob you off. This is not unique to BMW !

MS

So true about the dudes at reception. It's often the techs at the coal face that really care (and want to dig deeper to resolve a problem). They are the same guys who go and start up their own service business. Good on them.

[4u2nv]

I think a trip back to the dealership is on the cards. Hate for the missus to be driving it with the kids and something happends. I'm going to insist they look at it. If I get any BS from the front desk then I'll take it to where my sales man went and insist he sorts it.

[nyalpine90]

you should report them to BMW corp. i know i did for sunroof noise and im taking it to a different service shop in 2 weeks

[ozbmwx3]

Originally Posted by 4u2nv

Hi, all. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a clicking/tapping noise coming from the steering column of the new X3 (only apparent when turning the wheel). I bought one recently (for the wife) and noticed it after a few days driving. Booked it in with the dealership and they just mugged me off they said that if there was no real fault they would sting me for £395+ VAT. I'm just wondering if it’s me being paranoid but now I listen out for it all the time and it's driving me loopy. I don't want to get mugged off again and I know I can insist on them looking at it however the sting is a major one and the cars not even a year old yet.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Nope, you're not paranoid. I have the same problem. Sounds worse some days than others. I will have it checked at the dealer.

[cohwang]

If the clicking/tapping noise you are referring to happens when you make a sharp left turn over bump, your car has the faulty steering rack. This can be fixed under warranty.