Used Car Issue (BMW 118i)

KatieDee

zooks wrote: »

Do you have access to a obd2 code reader?
They can be bought quite cheaply now (<£20ish on amazon) and whilst its not going to be as wonderful as a bmw dealer service it will at least tell you if the car is carrying any fault codes before you commit to stealer services.

Thanks for your response.

I don't really have access to anything like this I'm afraid. I could purchase one (I'm sure they'll come in handy!) but it'll be 30 days since I purchased the car on the 22nd, so I don't think it would come in time and I really don't want to risk my rights by delaying things. I hope that makes sense.

zooks

KatieDee wrote: »

Thanks for your response.

I don't really have access to anything like this I'm afraid. I could purchase one (I'm sure they'll come in handy!) but it'll be 30 days since I purchased the car on the 22nd, so I don't think it would come in time and I really don't want to risk my rights by delaying things. I hope that makes sense.

Ah ok. TBH it could easily be a MAF or Lamba sensor which should throw a code. Any competent garage can scan a car a lot cheaper than BMW.

missile

KatieDee wrote: »

Regardless, the seller is stating that the mpg Is normal and it isn't an issue with the car.

That is BS. You got 30+ with the mini, you ought to get similar with the 118i. PS: At £8,000 it was way over priced. See a solicitor asap :beer:

DUTR

KatieDee wrote: »

Engine does seem to run smoothly, I have no complaints there really. I do feel that maybe this issue has caused me to be really sensitive to noises on the car, but I can't say it's running rough.

As for the wheel issue, I dont know if this would be relevant but one of the previous MOT's had an advisory of one of the rear tyres binding. This wasn't picked up in any more recent MOT's though, so I am assuming it was fixed. The car has also had two brand new rear tyres. I personally have not really noticed any excessive heat after a long drive, but it's not something I have actively searched for. Perhaps I'll check next time I do a long run.

New brake pads as well, they seem really responsive. I don't think they are dragging but I'm not sure I would be able to notice this anyway.

Regardless, the seller is stating that the mpg Is normal and it isn't an issue with the car.

The brakes causing extra drag is certainly a 1st port of investigation.

KatieDee

missile wrote: »

That is BS. You got 30+ with the mini, you ought to get similar with the 118i. PS: At £8,000 it was way over priced. See a solicitor asap :beer:

I'm slightly biased obviously, but those were my thoughts exactly. The reason for the price is because it is the top trim and had less than 37000 miles on the clock. But yeah, I could have got it miles cheaper I'm sure.

Don't even get me started on the random yellow stain which has appeared on the back - obviously an attempt by them at covering up a bash, which is now washing off in the rain. He tried to blame me. I'm going to assume this isn't relevant though, as it's his word against mine.

I will give the dealer a call tomorrow and see what his response is. If he refuses to work with me, I will reject the car.

Can anybody advise - do I just drop the car off at the garage with a letter explaining that I am returning it, or do I send a letter recorded delivery and then drop the car off at a suitable time? And if he refuses and I choose to take the issue to court, am I better to just stop using the car altogether?

arcon5

If they are rejecting your claims its faulty then you'll need to get some evidence otherwise if it went to court you'll be gambling on whether a judge agreed or not

AdrianC

8yo, 37k? That could well be contributory. Cars do not like such little use. The sooner people stop buying on "low mileage" the better for everybody.

Do these BMW engines have variable intake tract flaps? Could well be something like that clagged up.

Mercdriver

AdrianC wrote: »

8yo, 37k? That could well be contributory. Cars do not like such little use. The sooner people stop buying on "low mileage" the better for everybody.

Do these BMW engines have variable intake tract flaps? Could well be something like that clagged up.

Indeed. When looking for cars a few months ago, I noticed a Cardiff dealer making much noise about a 2014 Diesel X-Trail only having 1,700 miles on it . I wouldn't have gone anywhere near it. Someone has though as it has sold.

thescouselander

KatieDee wrote: »

I spoke to BMW who said it sounds very low, but were reluctant to commit to saying it was abnormal as "driving style can greatly influence fuel consumption". I would be happy to take it into BMW for them to have a look, but a diagnostics test costs £140 and I literally just paid almost £8000 for the car itself. I could have got a similar car cheaper from a private seller, but wanted that security if something went wrong. Ideally I wanted to try and sort it with the dealer first, but he seems to think it isn't an issue.

Since the dealer you went to isn't playing ball I think you're going to have to spend a bit more to prove there is a fault. If you don't want to stretch to main dealer prices you could always look for an independant specialist but I would have thought a main dealer diagnosis would carry more weight especially since they'll have the best diagnostic kit and tech support to call on.

Herzlos

I'd definitely get an independent specialist to have a look at it; it's probably something simple because of the mileage.

If it isn't, then you take the report back to the dealer and have them fix it or reject the car.
Might cost you £200, but you just paid £8000 for the car.