[lfdal54]

Instead of continuing my thread hijack I thought I'd open up a new thread.

A couple of weeks ago I was getting ready to install the carbon fiber matte trim panel for the buttons. The first step on newtis was to "Ensure you don't damage the ambient light strip". At that point, it dawned on me I didn't remember that strip being lit up. I haven't been doing much night driving lately and have the ambient set to 50%. I also tend to look at the road more than the glove compartment when I drive. Not typical for a MA driver. but hey.

When I looked at the strip I saw the first two pictures below. So that's not right. Paused my install efforts before they got started since I didn't want to be accused of breaking anything. If I break it, I'll pay for it, but I'm not paying for something I didn't touch.

I took the car in for its 1-year oil change, inspection sticker, and light strip.

Got a call from the service writer - "It's broken, it's not under warranty. Someone broke this and glued it back together." I expressed my lack of satisfaction, and by then they'd already had my car for 3 days. I told them to go ahead and repair it. Almost $700 as it turns out. The selling dealership is 100+ miles away and I could see at least 400 miles of driving (2 round trips) to take it back to them. All I could imagine at that point was a "he-said-they-said" with me in the middle.

Anyway, this is how the strip looked at the repairing dealership - note the non-OEM glue.

I did open a case with BMW. They must get some unhappy people, the person thanked me for not yelling at him.... I told him he didn't do it, if he had there would have been plenty of yelling. So it looks like the selling dealership is going to step up and cover the repair. It was almost $700 including labor. They discounted it 15% but it still cost me $599 when all was said and done.

I honestly still don't know what happened. The selling dealership said it was well within the purview of the repairing dealership to replace that part under warranty. I tend to agree and have my own theory of why they didn't.

A cautionary tale - if you let two different dealerships work on your car, you might be put in a bind.

[Bimmerforlife]

Wow, $700 to fix the ambient lighting? I believe it with labor. These vehicles are so expensive when out of warranty or not covered under warranty.

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by Bimmerforlife

Wow, $700 to fix the ambient lighting? I believe it with labor. These vehicles are so expensive when out of warranty or not covered under warranty.

It broke down to $133 for parts and $561 for labor. Really silly and expensive. I should have asked if they cleaned off all of the mystery glue.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

. I should have asked if they cleaned off all of the mystery glue.

Is that black stuff normal or a dealer's attempt to reduce a rattle?

[Bimmerforlife]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

It broke down to $133 for parts and $561 for labor. Really silly and expensive. I should have asked if they cleaned off all of the mystery glue.

I feel your pain. I had my window regular replaced recently on my 335i (it’s way out of warranty) the labor alone was around $800 part was $350. Labor rate is so inflated but everything is going up everywhere.

The plus is they fixed it the same day the window dropped and in FL it’s rainy season so I guess it was worth it, still I know I got hosed with the price of labor.

[bocabimmer]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

It broke down to $133 for parts and $561 for labor. Really silly and expensive. I should have asked if they cleaned off all of the mystery glue.

I can’t imagine the actual labor is really that intensive (assuming that’s about 2.5 hours book).

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by avi66

Is that black stuff normal or a dealer's attempt to reduce a rattle?

Good question. I'm not going to pry off the new one to see if they removed the glue.

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by bocabimmer

I can’t imagine the actual labor is really that intensive (assuming that’s about 2.5 hours book).

Id like to know if those rates are in ISTA or something similar.

[TacosRule!]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

Id like to know if those rates are in ISTA or something similar.

Once they calculate the action plan, AIR will tell the how many FRUs are needed. In my experience they always pad the time. They charged me 550 for 3.5 hrs of labor to replace the light tube and connector on the rear pass door (it included removal and reinstallation of the panel, but not parts).

[lfdal54]

Just to close this out, after 3 months and many calls, emails, etc., I finally got the full amount refunded. What a giant PITA.

[lfdal54]

Well, I thought I closed it out. About a month or so ago when we were traveling upcountry my spouse said that the passenger-side outboard vent wasn't working right. I didn't bother to look at it until this past Friday and darn it, the top louver in the vent is broken.

It can be set into position so that it looks okay, but if you try to adjust the airflow up or down it basically falls out of the holder on one side. Looks like the louver's "pin" is missing. I've got an appointment for tomorrow, I'm guessing the tech who put it in ham-handed it since it's press fit. All I know for sure is that I didn't do it, and my wife doesn't ride with her feet on the dash. Be curious to see what kind of reception I get at the dealership.

[deviation01]

This is why I dont trust dealerships to do minor work. If they try to fix one thing they destroy 5 other things.

[lfdal54]

Originally Posted by deviation01

This is why I dont trust dealerships to do minor work. If they try to fix one thing they destroy 5 other things.

Always a risk. but for warranty work especially on cars these pricey, it's worth rolling the dice, most of the time. Anyway, I got the car back late yesterday afternoon and they repaired it. I did check that the ambient light strip still worked when I had it in the garage last night.

[21X3M40]

Originally Posted by lfdal54

Just to close this out, after 3 months and many calls, emails, etc., I finally got the full amount refunded. What a giant PITA.

Good Job in fighting for it and getting them to refund you, I take it they were able to do it under warranty after all. What a pain!