False Advertising?

A

adam04

Member
 Manchester
Hi all,

I bought a Z4 a month ago from a private garage, it was advertised as 'full Main Agent Service History except for 1 stamp' . i wasnt too fussed that it was full as long as it had been serviced. I liked the car and bought it.

The service book has disappeared and the garage cant find it. Thye have advised me to track down BMW. i had already done this and they have said it was last serviced in april 2008 so its missing 2 or 3 stamps at least.

The guy is saying that it doesnt need to be serviced every year, ive said it was advertised as full which should be every year. He has said this isnt true. What is correct here?

Also, the windscreen wiper linkage broke 2 weeks after i bought the car. When i looked it must have previously broke and been cable tied together!! He is saying he wouldnt have seen this so it isnt his problem and the warranty only covers the engine. Surely this isnt safe and he cant sell a car in this state?

Wondering where to go from hear. Trading standards have given me a few points but he has dismissed them all. Do i get him to buy the car back for the price i paid and look for a new zed?!
 
It's every 15,000 miles (variable on usage) or every two years if I remember correctly. BMW can give you the full main dealer history by reading your key, my argument would be with no proof of servicing from Indy garages after this, there is no evidence it was ever serviced after 2008.

If it's only supposed to be missing one stamp, there should have been a dealer service - based on time alone, ignoring mileage - in 2010.
 
Sorry to hear about your problems, I feel that your only route is via trading standards, you need to write to the dealer and list the various points as advised to you by trading standards, they should have advised you on how to write the letter listing several important items to include. If you are not sure call them back for further advice. They will also let you go through the letter with them before you send it (by recorded delivery).
 
Go with whatever BMW says. If its legitimately missing more than one service then the dealer has misrepresented the car and is fully liable.

Ditto the warranty. As I'm sure TS told you, the LAW makes him responsible for all faults (except wear and tear) for a period of six months from date of purchase - its makes me mad when these wankers come out with such bullshit.

My advice, however, as painful as it sounds would be as follows.

Realistically, I don't think you have enough to reject the car. The seller sounds like a complete arsewipe and do you really want him effecting repairs (probably sub-standard) on your new Zed?

So if you are reasonable happy with the service issue....and yes its at mileage intervals that the ECU throws up dependant on usage, typically every 15-18k miles...then I'd accept his rejection, make a formal complaint to the TS office (which does get recorded and can be searched) then get it repaired at a BMW dealer and send him the bill, citing his refusal to do it. If he doesn't pay, stick him in Small Claims Court - costs £25 and no hassle with solicitors etc...

Don't let it spoil your enjoyment of the car though. :thumbsup:

Personally I'd
 
Must be a little different in the US as once every year (366 days to be exact) or sooner if indicated.
 
My owners manual indicates that maintenance is reflected by how an individual drives the Z4. (ECU) However, regardless of that, oil needs to be changed once a year and brake fluid every two years. Z4 Pilot
 
Oil is part of service and BMW would say needs changing every 15,000 miles/when ECU says service due or 2 years.
 
Let me clarify for a non ///M services and UK only.

It's as idicated by the ECU, which varies depending upon driving style.
In the event of the countdown not being reached on low mileage cars the oil and brake fluid must be changed every 2 years.

Many owners and dealers make the mistake of just relying on the countdown
 
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