[Ryan T.]

Roughly 2 weeks ago I got a low coolant warning on my 2014 328i xDrive M Sport. I immediately took it to my BMW service center and they said "these things often need coolant and oil between services, we just topped it off for you."

Sounded fishy to me, but hey, they're the tech - I went on my merry way.

A week later my transmission starts shifting funny - juddering to a stop / start, occasionally missing shifts, etc. I take it in, hoping it's just a software update.

Turns out, my coolant had been leaking into my transmission fluid. My transmission fluid now looks like this:



A whole new 8 speed is required, along with new coolant hoses, and supporting hardware, etc. They're looking at the radiator now, but hopefully that can just be flushed.

The repair should take a minimum of 3 weeks (to receive and install the ZF), assuming it isn't back-ordered.

So beyond a sob story, my question is this - the car is 6 mos. and 7500 miles old. It's basically new. Should I press my dealer / BMW to give me a sweetheart deal on a new 3 series (either another 328 or a 335), or will this car be as good as new once the ZF and all the accompanying hardware is replaced?

[munch520]

I hope they're giving you a loaner for a month? I'd press them for some kind of deal on a swap/upgrade, especially since you were in there once and were told a top-off fixed it.

[Falafel Combo]

I think the transmission swap should be relatively straight forward, but it depends on how long it takes as you said.

Having said that, personally, I would write a letter to BMW NA, making it explicitly clear that I am uhappy about having a new transmission on my brand new car, and I would at least explore the buyback option with them. It's pretty unsettling.

[tturedraider]

Definitely sucks, but the odds are 99% the car will be as good as new once they are finished. There's always that small chance they'll screw something up, but I've seen numerous reports over the years of instances like yours and I can't recall reading of anyone having lingering issues after the repair was complete.

Good luck.

[Halsifer]

I had to get the transmission replaced when I had an Audi pretty early, but it ran just as good as when I bought it. No problems and felt no difference whatsoever. However, if it does take 30 days or more, I would vote Lemon Law and fight for a new vehicle equivalent or greater than your current.

[MickAv8r]

I'd let them fix it. That is the purpose of the warranty after all. If there are lingering issues then I'd start pressing for some sort of compensation. Definitely make sure your are given a loaner and it wouldn't hurt if you are leasing or financed through them to see if they will pick up a payment.

[Ryan T.]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll probably just end up letting them fix it unless the ZF is on crazy backorder or something. In that case maybe I'll see if my sales guy can do anything for me.

[Ryan T.]

One more item - any idea if BMW uses new OEM transmissions or re-manufactured?

[SouthernBoy]

I would just let them fix it. It will probably run fine. Depending on if the car is out of service for X amount of days within the first year or two (based on state), you could go the lemon law route, but I would handle it differently. I know that mechanics see every common problem that goes wrong with these cars, but I doubt this is common.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Ryan T.

One more item - any idea if BMW uses new OEM transmissions or re-manufactured?

It will be brand new.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by MickAv8r

I'd let them fix it. That is the purpose of the warranty after all. If there are lingering issues then I'd start pressing for some sort of compensation. Definitely make sure your are given a loaner and it wouldn't hurt if you are leasing or financed through them to see if they will pick up a payment.

Agreed. There was an earlier post about them being backordered...hope not. Car will be fine and under warranty so youre laughing....sort of.

[Ryan T.]

Well, talked to my dealer today and they've already started the buyback process, so I guess they feel like I should be in a new car. I'm not gonna fight it! Going tonight to drive a couple cars, including a 335 to see if it's worth the upgrade for me.

[cinetic]

Oooh, let us know what you decide! Maybe a manual?

[christof30]

Originally Posted by Ryan T.

Well, talked to my dealer today and they've already started the buyback process, so I guess they feel like I should be in a new car. I'm not gonna fight it! Going tonight to drive a couple cars, including a 335 to see if it's worth the upgrade for me.

Nice to hear this m8te! drop some infos when you already know!

[Ryan T.]

Originally Posted by christof30

Nice to hear this m8te! drop some infos when you already know!

Heard today that BMW has approved the buyback, so now I'm just waiting for the offer, which will hopefully come Monday. I have to say, my dealer has made this experience pretty painless considering.

[MickAv8r]

Originally Posted by Ryan T.

Heard today that BMW has approved the buyback, so now I'm just waiting for the offer, which will hopefully come Monday. I have to say, my dealer has made this experience pretty painless considering.

Very nice to hear (pending offer of course).

[Ryan T.]

Picking up my new car today

2014 335i xDrive EBII M Sport on Black Leather, Premium, Cold Weather, Sport Auto, Driver Assist, Nav, Decklid Spoiler, Black Kidneys...

I'm also having the MPPK put on later this week. Can't wait!

BMW took very very very good care of me.

[nicknaz]

nice. and it looks like you went from a 328 to 335. congrats

[fecurtis]

Wow that was fast. Glad to hear it all worked out for you.

[carzaddict]

my transmission was shot within the first hour of ownership (30 miles on the clock)....they wouldnt offer me a buy back without trying to fix it first.......so they DEFINITELY wont offer you a buy back unless they dont fix it....so thats off the table.

the car will be good as new when you get it back. i havent had any issues

make sure you get a loaner!!! its unacceptable that they dont give you one. even if they have to rent you one.

you can make some noise about your lease payment, they might throw money your way (they gave me $1000)

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by carzaddict

my transmission was shot within the first hour of ownership (30 miles on the clock)....they wouldnt offer me a buy back without trying to fix it first.......so they DEFINITELY wont offer you a buy back unless they dont fix it....so thats off the table.

the car will be good as new when you get it back. i havent had any issues

make sure you get a loaner!!! its unacceptable that they dont give you one. even if they have to rent you one.

you can make some noise about your lease payment, they might throw money your way (they gave me $1000)

....they bought it back and he upgraded to a 335i.

[Ryan T.]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

Wow that was fast. Glad to hear it all worked out for you.

Thanks, yeah I was amazed at the speed. I've heard some horror stories.

All worked out though. Stoked for the MPPK on Thursday.