I purchased a 2001 530i with 65,008 miles on it, clean title, 1 owner, good history.
Since then I have put over $4,000 of maintenance into the vehicle and some issues have been fixed multiple times. Those same issues are arising again and I am wondering if there is anything I can do as a consumer?
The mechanic that has done all the work is now out of business and I can't even seem to get the warranty's to have another mechanic do the repairs (that is if warranties are even transferable to other shops?)
9/3/10 - 65,008 miles - Vehicle Purchase (1,000 mile 30 day warranty)
9/20/10 - 66,145 miles (past the 1,000 mile warranty): Check Engine light comes on - Scan reveals the following codes: Fuel Trim codes-228, 203, 227, 202. Miss fire codes-242, 243, 241, 240. O2 Sensor code-189.
Smoke tested and major leaks are found.
10/15/2010 - 67,382 miles - Car idles around 200rpm, shakes while accelerating, major lack of power:
Smoke test is performed. Intake Manifold Runner Valve replaced
10/18/2010 - 67,432 miles - Same problem. car idles around 200rpm, shakes while accelerating, major lack of power:
Crankcase vent valve replaced, vacuum hoses replaced, car now starts leaking oil from back passenger side of valve cover. Valve gasket replaced. Smoke test passes.
10/21/2010 - 67,460 miles - Same problem. Car idles around 200rpm, shakes while accelerating, major lack of power, oil leaking from valve cover:
Valve gasket replaced again. Fuel injector #3 replaced. Power and idle issues stop.
12/9/2010 - 69,461 miles - Temperature sky rockets. Code 168 for Thermostat, 189 for insufficient heat output and 222 for o2 sensor not active, oil still leaking from back passenger side of valve cover:
Thermostat replaced, Engine cleaned.
12/15/2010 - 69,557 miles - Major Oil leak from back passenger side of valve cover:
Gasket replaced along with Cylinder Head Cover.
1/7/2011 - 70,450 miles - No more oil leak. Now Vanos oil line is leaking as is power steering fluid.
2/15/2011 - 72,106 miles - No oil leaks, belts start to squeal showing signs of coolant leak from thermostat or water pump. Codes for lean fuel and o2 sensor:
All belts replaced, thermostat replaced again, oil cap replaced, air filters, o2 sensor, synthetic oil change, oil filter all replaced.
3/4/2011 - 72,806 miles - Coolant leak again.
Water pump replaced.
8/4/2011 - 80,282 miles - Coolant leak again.
Water pump and thermostat replaced again.
8/20/2011 - 80,921 miles - Coolant leak again.
Coming from same place. Call mechanic. Mechanic is out of business.
It is now November and I still have a coolant leak coming from water pump, which requires about 2-3 cups of coolant each morning. This is the 3rd time I am having the same issue. Not to mention the belts squeal non stop now, due to having so much coolant leaked on to them.
Can someone please help me with what my options are at this point? This is the 1st used car I have purchased and the first BMW I have owned.
This is close the the worst issue I have ever dealt with in my life.
Total cost to date: $4,084.98 in maintenance.
What can I do? Contact a lawyer? Contact BMW to have another mechanic replace the parts under warranty? Sue the owner of the shop that went out of business? Contact BMW directly and tell them about this?
I am so lost right now, I just wish the car would go away.
Any help at all, is much much appreciated no matter how small the consideration.
Thank you so much.
TL;DR - I have spent over $4,000 in maintenance on my vehicle and the same problem keeps happening. What can I do?