[Bbix]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and have tried to search for similar post but I got lost so I am posting a new one. Sorry if this was asked before.

I own a 2024 IX, and after 360 days (5 days before 1 year anniversary) and 15600 miles driven, the IX had a drivetrain malfunction issue and cannot be driven. I had to get it towed to the service department at local dealership. (I’ve had drive train warning once before at around 5000 miles and it went away on its own, took it to check and they found nothing then)

Since then, it has been 2.5 months, and the service center has been working with BMW HV engineer and still in diagnostics. They still don’t know what’s wrong.

Is this normal? How long do people have to wait for issue like this? I tried calling bmw USA for help and they have been no help. They said someone would call me back in 5 business days, someone called, I explain the issue and ask them to look into it to see why it is taking so long and seeking explanation or compensation for lost time and opportunity. And they said they would call back every 5 business days but have not called back since and it has passed that.

I know my state has lemon law and this clearly falls within that (spending more than 1 months in repair within the first 18k miles or 2 years) but I like the IX and don’t want to go there. But no one has been able to explain what is wrong or give any eta of any sort. Has anyone heard of similar issue and know how I can get help?

[mnx5er]

That error can be a bunch of things. Has the service center given you a description of the initial issue?

2.5 months is crazy. At that point BMW should do a buyback with you.

[Bbix]

Originally Posted by mnx5er

That error can be a bunch of things. Has the service center given you a description of the initial issue?

2.5 months is crazy. At that point BMW should do a buyback with you.

No, they say they are still diagnose the systems and electronics as per bmw instruction. They don't know yet what is wrong. Bmw has told them to take out the entire battery pack and run diagnostics. This has been the same since week two.

How do they offer buyback? I asked them about it and they say that If I want to do that I would have to get an attorney and write them a letter according to lemon law. Which would stop any negotiation or requests about the issue since it will considered litigation path. (Lemon law does give them 30 days from the date of receiving notice to fix the car, so they will likely try to get that done in 30 days)

I did bring up on the first support call they call me back a week ago that I would take the option of trading this car in for a new one if the deal is reasonable, I do like IX and like bmw brand. (Every car I own is BMW or BMW owned (mini cooper)) They said they would have to go consider it and escalate for approval and would call back at least once every 5 business days, but they didn't call so I am still waiting.

Should I try to push for some more contact and resolution? We only have one SUV for family activity (other cars are small car for around the town stuff) and so we haven't been able to take kids out on any trip all summer, which is a waste. Dealership does give us an ix loaner (bottom spec though, my IX is top spec for the beautiful sounding b&w speaker system) but they only allow 100 miles a day max and only drivable in state so it's very limiting.

[mnx5er]

For buybacks, I recommend opening a case with BMW customer care if you haven't already. Explain the issues and even ask them for financial compensation for any loan or lease payments (if you have them). Next step is to get your service manager on your side. They have a lot of power to help the buyback process with BMW. This all happens without an attorney or lemon laws.

You can search the various BMW forums for buybacks, BMW tries to keep them confidential, but they do happen. I've been though it.

What is odd, it usually the BMW shop reads the error codes off the car for the drivetrain malfunction. That is the starting point. If it is battery related, there are a number of parts that could be bad.

[Bbix]

Originally Posted by mnx5er

For buybacks, I recommend opening a case with BMW customer care if you haven't already. Explain the issues and even ask them for financial compensation for any loan or lease payments (if you have them). Next step is to get your service manager on your side. They have a lot of power to help the buyback process with BMW. This all happens without an attorney or lemon laws.

You can search the various BMW forums for buybacks, BMW tries to keep them confidential, but they do happen. I've been though it.

What is odd, it usually the BMW shop reads the error codes off the car for the drivetrain malfunction. That is the starting point. If it is battery related, there are a number of parts that could be bad.

I did exactly that, I called them, open a case. Ask for compensation for the loan payment I have been making while the car is in repair, and told them if they have other offer such as buyback or trade in for another car I am happy to discuss. Or fix this one quickly is fine too. Hopefully they call back again soon. Maybe buy back is an option. If they make it easy and reasonable I would probably turn around and buy another bmw right away since I like the brand. But if this goes awry and complicated, I would probably go consider eqs suv or the new macan ev or something... I would prefer not to but so far not impress with how bmw treat this issue. 2.5 months is a stretch.

[Windshieldfarmer]

Originally Posted by Bbix

I did exactly that, I called them, open a case. Ask for compensation for the loan payment I have been making while the car is in repair, and told them if they have other offer such as buyback or trade in for another car I am happy to discuss. Or fix this one quickly is fine too. Hopefully they call back again soon. Maybe buy back is an option. If they make it easy and reasonable I would probably turn around and buy another bmw right away since I like the brand. But if this goes awry and complicated, I would probably go consider eqs suv or the new macan ev or something... I would prefer not to but so far not impress with how bmw treat this issue. 2.5 months is a stretch.

Have they given you another IX to drive as a loaner? A comparable loaner plus reimbursement for any loan/lease payments made would be a starting point.

That said you are nearing the point where I would request a buyback…especially since the problem has not yet been diagnosed. If not being done currently, start requesting updates every day or two…..don’t let them forget you. Be noisy.

[thebishman]

You experienced this issue 5 days prior to owning the car for 1 year, which is generally the time frame that the Lemon Law can be exercised.

I would immediately find a qualified Lemon Law attorney since you’ve now been without the iX for 2.5 months, and have them sort this out; your choices being total money back versus a replacement iX.

Do not think that BMW or any manufacturer has your best interests at heart in this type of situation, as all will do pretty much everything but expedite a LL case.

[NomoTesla]

100% hire an attorney. BMW looks after BMW, not you.

[Windshieldfarmer]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

100% hire an attorney. BMW looks after BMW, not you.

Yep…it’s time. In most states it is my understanding that manufacturers are required to pay reasonable plaintiff attorney fees…is that correct?

[thebishman]

Originally Posted by Windshieldfarmer

Yep…it’s time. In most states it is my understanding that manufacturers are required to pay reasonable plaintiff attorney fees…is that correct?

Generally the total cost associated with a LL transaction is covered by the manufacturer, including attorney fees.

Also if you have for instance covered the vehicle in PPF, those costs should be covered also.