How do your cars survive bombay rains?!! Due to the intense rain a few weeks ago, my town in connecticut hadbeen mini flash floods and on the way to work, a family member forded about 2 1/2 feet of water accidently (It didnt look that deep. And other cars were going through it) in the 3 month old BMW 530Xi. The engine stalled out right there and refused to start. Family Member decided to use the SOS button to get some help and it turned out to be a nightmare. After 45mins of checks - the CS rep says its a natural disaster and 'GoodBye' and hangs up. At this point FM is pissed and call them back and demand a tow truck to get them to higher ground. They say that they will not provide a tow truck as it is a 'natural disaster' but if we give them credit card info they will send a truck - This ticked FM off and not because they mind paying for it but because it could have been billed at a later point (After all it is a $56K car). Anyway, paid for the tow truck and they hauled the car into the BMW Dealer's service center where the service manager says that it looks like there is water damage to 1 cylinder and the ECU that is not covered by BMW's warranty and looks like they might have to replace the engine which either we or insurance has to pay for. They refused a loaner as well. Overall the customer service was terrible. SM states the Estimated Cost is $25,000. So Insurance steps in - totals the Bimmer and pays for the car. The whole ordeal has left a very unpleasent experience with BMW NA. Probably not going to buy a BMW for a long time. In the meanwhile a 2007 E350 4 MATIC with Sport Package has been order. I will put up a review once we get the car at the end of the month.
P.S. Also the 5 Series wasnt the only car stuck in the mess - It was accompanied by a 7 series and a S class - makes me wonder how these supposedly 'indestructible' automobiles get bogged down so eaily while every Toyota and Honda zoomed right by. |