Approved used car issue f10 m5
Discussion
Hello All,
Apologies if this is not the correct forum. I purchased a BMW F10 M5 Competition as an approved used car in December. The car was delivered with numerous faults, comfort access didnt work correctly (faulty door handle), battery wasnt holding charge, there was a big paint imperfection on the rear bumper where the dealer had got a smart repair done and bodged it, resulting in a poor finish and overspray down the whole side of the car. They also refurbished all four alloy wheels on the car before i got it. The air con didnt seem to blow very cold but didnt think much to this as was winter anway.
I got the rear bumper stripped down and sprayed again and a full machine polish to remove the overspray. BMW would only cover £100 towards this, it obviously cost a lot more!
The door handle was covered under warranty and I managed to get them to pay for a new battery!
Fast forward 6 months, and must have done less than 500 miles in the car and the rear N/S alloy has cracked all over the face. The air con also doesnt get cold in the slightest. I therefore took the car into my local BMW dealer and they said they cant do anything with the wheel under warranty, which is understandable. The aircon issue was diagnosed as a faulty condenser, and again wasnt covered under warraty as a stone had gone through it. So I rang the supplying dealer, BMW Colchester, who are refusing to do anything with the wheel, as they say they dont warranty that work as they only refurbished the wheels to make it look presentable for the sale only. I explained that we had hardly used the car and the aircon wasnt blowing cold when we got it in the winter but hadnt used it until now as there had been no need. They also wont do anything with paying for or helping with the cost of either fault. The fact that the car was supplied with faults suggests that the car wasnt checked properly, the chap at Cooper Colchester obviously insisted it was but couldnt answer when I questioned if it had been through the bmw approved used checks then how was it faulty on day one.
Any ideas where I should go with this? Should I continue to raise this with BMW or am I just wasting my time and should just cough up the repairs myself? BMW have quoted £800 for a new condenser fitted and £180 to refurbish the wheel.
Apologies if this is not the correct forum. I purchased a BMW F10 M5 Competition as an approved used car in December. The car was delivered with numerous faults, comfort access didnt work correctly (faulty door handle), battery wasnt holding charge, there was a big paint imperfection on the rear bumper where the dealer had got a smart repair done and bodged it, resulting in a poor finish and overspray down the whole side of the car. They also refurbished all four alloy wheels on the car before i got it. The air con didnt seem to blow very cold but didnt think much to this as was winter anway.
I got the rear bumper stripped down and sprayed again and a full machine polish to remove the overspray. BMW would only cover £100 towards this, it obviously cost a lot more!
The door handle was covered under warranty and I managed to get them to pay for a new battery!
Fast forward 6 months, and must have done less than 500 miles in the car and the rear N/S alloy has cracked all over the face. The air con also doesnt get cold in the slightest. I therefore took the car into my local BMW dealer and they said they cant do anything with the wheel under warranty, which is understandable. The aircon issue was diagnosed as a faulty condenser, and again wasnt covered under warraty as a stone had gone through it. So I rang the supplying dealer, BMW Colchester, who are refusing to do anything with the wheel, as they say they dont warranty that work as they only refurbished the wheels to make it look presentable for the sale only. I explained that we had hardly used the car and the aircon wasnt blowing cold when we got it in the winter but hadnt used it until now as there had been no need. They also wont do anything with paying for or helping with the cost of either fault. The fact that the car was supplied with faults suggests that the car wasnt checked properly, the chap at Cooper Colchester obviously insisted it was but couldnt answer when I questioned if it had been through the bmw approved used checks then how was it faulty on day one.
Any ideas where I should go with this? Should I continue to raise this with BMW or am I just wasting my time and should just cough up the repairs myself? BMW have quoted £800 for a new condenser fitted and £180 to refurbish the wheel.
Firstly, congrats on the car. Try not to get too down because of a few little faults - once you get a chance to drive it properly you’ll forget all about them!
On the wheels, you’re almost certainly out of luck. BMW wheels in general (and the diamond M5 ones in particular) go milky and manky in no time. It’s not fair, but it’s common and BMW just shrug. Sounds like a below-par refurb but even an excellent one will have the same result after about 2 years of rough winters. But, maybe kick off and get a contribution?
On the condenser though, I think you should dig in. On my F10 M5 the condenser was replaced at the end-of-warranty inspection for exactly the same reason - stone through it. It’s a common issue and I know for certain others have been done under warranty too.
On the wheels, you’re almost certainly out of luck. BMW wheels in general (and the diamond M5 ones in particular) go milky and manky in no time. It’s not fair, but it’s common and BMW just shrug. Sounds like a below-par refurb but even an excellent one will have the same result after about 2 years of rough winters. But, maybe kick off and get a contribution?
On the condenser though, I think you should dig in. On my F10 M5 the condenser was replaced at the end-of-warranty inspection for exactly the same reason - stone through it. It’s a common issue and I know for certain others have been done under warranty too.
simon-g said:
So I rang the supplying dealer, BMW Colchester, who are refusing to do anything with the wheel, as they say they dont warranty that work as they only refurbished the wheels to make it look presentable for the sale only.
Wow, they freely admit to doing a cheap repair they accept wont last for long?Sorry I can't offer advice, but I wouldn't be happy with that.
Not very good customer service from Bmw.
I remember about 10 years ago I bought a 5 series and it wasn’t until about 6-8 months later I noticed it one odd wheel, it was similar to the other 3 and every now and again I’d look at it and think it’s normal and just slightly different being on the rear, I phoned the dealer I bought it off expecting to be fobbed off especially due to the time and they just said ok take it to your local dealer which was in the same group and we will speak to them to check your wheels. Confirmed it was different and ordered me a new one to match. When it came in, called in and they swapped it over for me and even said I can take the old wheel if wanted to do what I wanted with it. They were really good and helpful. Because of this I have since bought a couple more from them.
With regards to the paintwork, again I had a problem with a couple parking sensors, the dealer I took it to originally said it’s due to them being painted; when I said well it hasn’t had paintwork since I bought it so it’s been supplied by Bmw like this they backed down and replaced them.
I remember about 10 years ago I bought a 5 series and it wasn’t until about 6-8 months later I noticed it one odd wheel, it was similar to the other 3 and every now and again I’d look at it and think it’s normal and just slightly different being on the rear, I phoned the dealer I bought it off expecting to be fobbed off especially due to the time and they just said ok take it to your local dealer which was in the same group and we will speak to them to check your wheels. Confirmed it was different and ordered me a new one to match. When it came in, called in and they swapped it over for me and even said I can take the old wheel if wanted to do what I wanted with it. They were really good and helpful. Because of this I have since bought a couple more from them.
With regards to the paintwork, again I had a problem with a couple parking sensors, the dealer I took it to originally said it’s due to them being painted; when I said well it hasn’t had paintwork since I bought it so it’s been supplied by Bmw like this they backed down and replaced them.
Edited by Geffg on Friday 19th June 18:53
Rang BMW customer services this morning. Explained all of the above, both the car being supplied with issues and the current issues the car has. They want nothing to do with it, the approved used car scheme is down to the supplying dealership and BMW UK dont want to get involved. I explained that other cars have had the same issue and some have been covered under warranty, BMW's response, dont believe what you read on forums...
I have purchased BMW's for years, got a E39 M5 which i adore, but I must say, I really didnt expect this level of service from them. To deny all involvement as a manufacturer from the approved used car scheme, "we only set guidelines", is appalling. I purchased an approved used car to get a level of quality and support from a car like this which was above the norm, but it appears you dont.
I have purchased BMW's for years, got a E39 M5 which i adore, but I must say, I really didnt expect this level of service from them. To deny all involvement as a manufacturer from the approved used car scheme, "we only set guidelines", is appalling. I purchased an approved used car to get a level of quality and support from a car like this which was above the norm, but it appears you dont.
simon-g said:
Rang BMW customer services this morning. Explained all of the above, both the car being supplied with issues and the current issues the car has. They want nothing to do with it, the approved used car scheme is down to the supplying dealership and BMW UK dont want to get involved. I explained that other cars have had the same issue and some have been covered under warranty, BMW's response, dont believe what you read on forums...
I have purchased BMW's for years, got a E39 M5 which i adore, but I must say, I really didnt expect this level of service from them. To deny all involvement as a manufacturer from the approved used car scheme, "we only set guidelines", is appalling. I purchased an approved used car to get a level of quality and support from a car like this which was above the norm, but it appears you dont.
That's a real shame and doesn't match my experience of BMW at all - I've always found them incredibly helpful with things like this, on both my BMW and my MINI. If I get the chance, i'll have a peek through my history file and see if I can find the paperwork relating to the end of warranty check and the condenser replacement - paperwork trumps 'forum hearsay' every time. I have purchased BMW's for years, got a E39 M5 which i adore, but I must say, I really didnt expect this level of service from them. To deny all involvement as a manufacturer from the approved used car scheme, "we only set guidelines", is appalling. I purchased an approved used car to get a level of quality and support from a car like this which was above the norm, but it appears you dont.
That said, my cars have always gone through the same dealer so perhaps I've just got a very good local dealer who's more on my side?
The sad truth is that the AUC scheme is enormously dependent on the supplying dealer and you can find huge variations in condition. "Full vehicle preparation and stringent inspection by qualified BMW Technicians. Any mechanical faults are rectified using Genuine BMW Parts prior to delivery." Nothing cosmetic is guaranteed to be sorted under the AUC scheme. Overspray that you found later? Tough t*tties. A fault that likely existed when the car was bought but not found till later that isn't covered by the warranty? Again, tough t*tties. Sadly BMW AUC cars still require almost as much caveat emptor as buying from a bloke in the pub car park.
MDifficult said:
That's a real shame and doesn't match my experience of BMW at all - I've always found them incredibly helpful with things like this, on both my BMW and my MINI. If I get the chance, i'll have a peek through my history file and see if I can find the paperwork relating to the end of warranty check and the condenser replacement - paperwork trumps 'forum hearsay' every time.
That said, my cars have always gone through the same dealer so perhaps I've just got a very good local dealer who's more on my side?
Thanks that would be very useful if you could get that.That said, my cars have always gone through the same dealer so perhaps I've just got a very good local dealer who's more on my side?
I have raised this with Cooper, not the dealership, through twitter. Seems the best way to get a response, they are looking into it for me.
Well, thanks to extensive history hoarding, I managed to find the paperwork.
It’s good news/bad news I’m afraid. It shows the condensor being replaced, free of charge, during the end of warranty check, as a result of the investigation into warm air con.
However, it doesn’t specifically say what was wrong with the condensor. I know for a fact it was holed but a stone but... that’s not in the paperwork.
Happy to share what I have if you DM me, but probably won’t do you any good, sorry.
It’s good news/bad news I’m afraid. It shows the condensor being replaced, free of charge, during the end of warranty check, as a result of the investigation into warm air con.
However, it doesn’t specifically say what was wrong with the condensor. I know for a fact it was holed but a stone but... that’s not in the paperwork.
Happy to share what I have if you DM me, but probably won’t do you any good, sorry.
Edited by MDifficult on Tuesday 23 June 17:45
I only buy through the AUC scheme for the warranty now. I'm sure most dealers just take a quick look round the cars, tidy up any dings as cheaply as poss, check the tyres are legal, give them a valet and hope for the best.
We had an issue with a 2017 M4CP Conv the wife had 2 years ago. 2k miles on the clock and major issues that weren't 'spotted' when it was sold. 6mths later and after 2 different dealers couldn't rectify the problem, BMW got involved and we were given a full refund and a small amount of compensation by the supplying dealer. Last year she got an i8 and all 4 tyres were perished on the inside and were 2 years older than the car?!?!?! Got an apology and told 'maybe the previous owner swapped the wheels without us knowing'.
We had an issue with a 2017 M4CP Conv the wife had 2 years ago. 2k miles on the clock and major issues that weren't 'spotted' when it was sold. 6mths later and after 2 different dealers couldn't rectify the problem, BMW got involved and we were given a full refund and a small amount of compensation by the supplying dealer. Last year she got an i8 and all 4 tyres were perished on the inside and were 2 years older than the car?!?!?! Got an apology and told 'maybe the previous owner swapped the wheels without us knowing'.
Caveat emptor indeed applies to BMW AUC, especially Coopers down south. I had a horrendous experience 3 years ago with an F10 M5 that I bought with 3k mile and less than 1 yr old. It literally wasn't fit to drive. BMW UK not the slightest bit interested, Coopers were shocking. I got a full refund after a lot of pressure, but no compensation for the huge hassle it involved, even down to refusing to do a deal on a different car.
I haven't time to go into the full details but it was BMW UK who really were a disgrace. I can almost understand car dealers being rip off merchants, but a brand like BMW? Just embarassing.
I haven't time to go into the full details but it was BMW UK who really were a disgrace. I can almost understand car dealers being rip off merchants, but a brand like BMW? Just embarassing.
MDifficult said:
Well, thanks to extensive history hoarding, I managed to find the paperwork.
It’s good news/bad news I’m afraid. It shows the condensor being replaced, free of charge, during the end of warranty check, as a result of the investigation into warm air con.
However, it doesn’t specifically say what was wrong with the condensor. I know for a fact it was holed but a stone but... that’s not in the paperwork.
Happy to share what I have if you DM me, but probably won’t do you any good, sorry.
Thank you for looking! It’s good news/bad news I’m afraid. It shows the condensor being replaced, free of charge, during the end of warranty check, as a result of the investigation into warm air con.
However, it doesn’t specifically say what was wrong with the condensor. I know for a fact it was holed but a stone but... that’s not in the paperwork.
Happy to share what I have if you DM me, but probably won’t do you any good, sorry.
Edited by MDifficult on Tuesday 23 June 17:45
This is shocking!!
I had one from new for three and a half years and 40000 miles, it was faultless.
I did have issues with my previous E60 M5, with air leaking out of a couple of tyres due to poor alloys and condensation in the headlights.
The dealer was hopeless, saying it wasn’t covered under warranty.
I got in touch with BMW UK to express my disappointment (!!), pointing out the money I’d spent and my love for M5s!!!
I questioned their claim of being a premium brand, telling them I’d sell the car ASAP.
Within an hour, I got a call back, with a profound apology and “On this occasion, we will happily cover all replacement costs.”
So I got four new alloys and two headlight units, but had them fitted at a different dealer, making sure the original dealer knew.
You might also refer them to this forum and suggest how good it would be for customer relations if they intervened to rectify all matters for you.
Good luck, this is not right at all!
I had one from new for three and a half years and 40000 miles, it was faultless.
I did have issues with my previous E60 M5, with air leaking out of a couple of tyres due to poor alloys and condensation in the headlights.
The dealer was hopeless, saying it wasn’t covered under warranty.
I got in touch with BMW UK to express my disappointment (!!), pointing out the money I’d spent and my love for M5s!!!
I questioned their claim of being a premium brand, telling them I’d sell the car ASAP.
Within an hour, I got a call back, with a profound apology and “On this occasion, we will happily cover all replacement costs.”
So I got four new alloys and two headlight units, but had them fitted at a different dealer, making sure the original dealer knew.
You might also refer them to this forum and suggest how good it would be for customer relations if they intervened to rectify all matters for you.
Good luck, this is not right at all!
Got a phone call from Inchcape head office, and they agree with the dealership that they will not cover the air conditioning condenser as they carried out inspections on the air conditioning unit before purchase and found it to be fine.
They also dont warrant repairs on refurbished wheels. I asked why this has not happened to the other three and they said its down to 'external influences'. I had a professional bodyshop look at this and they said its because its not been cured correctly. So now I have to get proof of this and forward onto Inchcape. They are just making this as difficult as they possibly can.

They also dont warrant repairs on refurbished wheels. I asked why this has not happened to the other three and they said its down to 'external influences'. I had a professional bodyshop look at this and they said its because its not been cured correctly. So now I have to get proof of this and forward onto Inchcape. They are just making this as difficult as they possibly can.

Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff