Rear indicator light failure

[theLOLkid]

I spent most of Friday speaking to the dealer and BMW customer service and they've both refused any kind of 'good will' contribution citing the fact that I got the car serviced outside of a BMW dealer (a BMW indie garage)

I'm tempted to send BMW a letter quoting every single post from the internet where people are complaining about the same fault. There are 50+ people who have had to have this fixed AT LEAST once and it seems ridiculous that BMW aren't acknowledging this as an issue.

To add to my misery, I picked up a puncture in one of my run flats when I went over a pot hole today I feel this is going to be an expensive month...

 

[flybobbie]

Unfortunately this is like the alloy wheels. Only way to go, don't buy another BMW. I bought this car thinking i was buying a quality product.
All the old cars i have had, never had leaking lights or clunky rear axles.

 

[andysat]

I spent most of Friday speaking to the dealer and BMW customer service and they've both refused any kind of 'good will' contribution citing the fact that I got the car serviced outside of a BMW dealer (a BMW indie garage)

I'm tempted to send BMW a letter quoting every single post from the internet where people are complaining about the same fault. There are 50+ people who have had to have this fixed AT LEAST once and it seems ridiculous that BMW aren't acknowledging this as an issue.

To add to my misery, I picked up a puncture in one of my run flats when I went over a pot hole today I feel this is going to be an expensive month...

FFS!!!-what are BMW doing!!!- :headbang:

 

[theLOLkid]

Ok, so a bit of an update.

I wrote a letter to BMW UK HQ in Bracknell explaining that I knew this was a common problem and suggested that it was a manufacturing defect - given that BMW changed the design of the part in 2011 models onwards.

BMW wrote back essentially denying any manufacturing defect, downplaying the factualness of 'othe people on internet forums', and explaining that they have no obligation to assist me outside of warranty.

They have, however, offered to pay for 50% of the costs, which means I would have to pay £190.50 for parts and labour instead of £381.

The indicator still has moisture in it, but it has not actually been causing me any problems recently, so I'm torn between paying the £190 now and getting it fixed or just trying to dry it out myself and then wait until it's completely not working.

 

[Maniac]

Go back to bmw uk, tell them how you've always been a huge fan and how appreciative you are of their offer.. But that you cannot afford this unexpected cost and it's an issue not born of your doing and that you really hope they can offer a little more help etc etc, in other words lay it on thick and see if they'll move a bit more.

Failing that, then consider complaining to other bodies that might help further. No sense in paying out if it's not causing an issue right now, press them for more contribution like 100% parts cost and you'll pay fitting and then simply fit them yourself!

 

[kmorgan]

Hello,

I too have the same problem on my Z4 E89 (2009).
The rear n/s indicator light flashes dimmer with a warning on the dash when indicating.
The light cluster is misted up with condensation.

I've booked it in at my local BMW dealership, hoping to claim from third party warranty or ask for goodwill from BMW UK.

Wish me luck, I'll provide an update once fixed.

Cheers

 

[flybobbie]

Not a big problem if it mists up and clears, but one day it might fail and some other driver or biker might not see you are turning and it causes an accident.
Then, when the lawsuits start flying around, BM will be wishing they had called back the lights!

This problem probably stems from the same situation in the traffic light industry. Once all equipment had to be BSI approved before it could be used on the street. Now its all self certification. Car industry probably gone the same way. This might be the result.

Its a shame to have to groval to get something put right which is plainly faulty design if so many are failing.

 

[ronk]

Its odd that BMW or the manufactures of the lamp cluster didn't pick this up during environmental testing of the car :

 

[matsmith749]

I had the same issue & ended up changing out the indicator myself (parts etc from the BMW dealer).

The dealer also sold me the 'updated kit' which apparently fixes the issues, and the newer 2011+ indicator which has been revised.

So - what are the differences in the new part?

Nothing I could see, except that one of the mounting points (the steel bolts) has been deleted & covered with a little bung. You also get replacement grommets for where it inserts in the rear quarter of the car (look identical to me) plus 4 little sponge pieces that fit under the light against the bumper.

Nothing that would make me think it is any better - but we shall see.

Cost of the indicator unit was £220 (trade), plus £4 for the updated fitting kit.

Easy to change yourself - takes 20 mins or so (plenty of online instructions).

 

[flybobbie]

At this moment i have drying out my right tail light. Again it has moisture in it. So applying even more sealant for the fifth time.
I don't know what it is about these units but seems impossible to keep water out.
I would be intrigued to see a 'modified' version.

Next i'm going to try and find out a way of stopping the boot water draining over the tail unit. I have seen other makes vehicles with a water tube fitted, was so on my old RX7.

I think BMW are working along the line the unit is flexing and that breaks the seal. So leaving out off one nut allows it to flex.
I tried removing the two rubber mounts in the wing to see if it had a similiar effect.

 

[matsmith749]

flybobbie - the modified newer version looks exactly the same in every way - with the exception of one of the mounting points being removed & a blank fitted.

I examined the 2 side by side for a few minutes on the bench before I fitted the new lens - there may be some subtle difference, but even with a detailed side by side inspection I could not see it.

Matt

 

[flybobbie]

If you still have the old unit, carefully remove the plastic clip on piece that looks like a pair of goggles. Underneath is a foam seal.
I found that seal was made of open cell foam, i.e. like a bath sponge and would soak up water, in other words this is how the water transferred into the housing. This should be closed cell foam.
If this has been changed then you won't see it.

 

[matsmith749]

I didn't remove the 'goggles' to look for the foam Robbie - so maybe that has changed (cannot say for sure).

I did try drying out my failed unit a couple of times - was amazed that the tiny bit of condensation (when viewed from being installed on the car) turned out to be half a cup of water when I shook it all out.

An hour in front of the heater saw it look perfect & work fine again - but after a few weeks I was back to 'bong - lights busted' messages.

Replacement has been in the car for about 2 months now - fingers crossed all sorted.

Matt

 

[kmorgan]

Hello,

I too have the same problem on my Z4 E89 (2009).
The rear n/s indicator light flashes dimmer with a warning on the dash when indicating.
The light cluster is misted up with condensation.

I've booked it in at my local BMW dealership, hoping to claim from third party warranty or ask for goodwill from BMW UK.

Wish me luck, I'll provide an update once fixed.

Cheers

Okay, so the light cluster has been replaced at a total cost of £564 inc. VAT.
Not covered under warranty and no goodwill.
Seemingly expensive repair, however, the light is now under warranty (1yr) with BMW, so if mists up again it's not my financial problem.

Today, I'll write a polite letter to BMW UK, another update to follow....

Cheers

 

[andysat]

Hello,

I too have the same problem on my Z4 E89 (2009).
The rear n/s indicator light flashes dimmer with a warning on the dash when indicating.
The light cluster is misted up with condensation.

I've booked it in at my local BMW dealership, hoping to claim from third party warranty or ask for goodwill from BMW UK.

Wish me luck, I'll provide an update once fixed.

Cheers

Okay, so the light cluster has been replaced at a total cost of £564 inc. VAT.
Not covered under warranty and no goodwill.
Seemingly expensive repair, however, the light is now under warranty (1yr) with BMW, so if mists up again it's not my financial problem.

Today, I'll write a polite letter to BMW UK, another update to follow....

Cheers

Bloody ell! :thumbsdown:

 

[ronk]

If they have changed the gasket to a non intercellular material, that would indicate (no pun intended) that they have recognised a problem!

 

[flybobbie]

kmorgan did you get to keep the old units?
If not, did they discount the new units.

 

[kmorgan]

kmorgan did you get to keep the old units?
If not, did they discount the new units.

No, I didn't get to keep the old unit. I didn't ask for it or expect it, additionally, I wasn't offered it.
I'm not aware of a discount. The unit is listed £212 exc. VAT on the invoice.
I'm guessing if a discount was applied it would be itemised on the invoice.

I'm beginning to think I've missed out on something now :?

 

[Angie4m]

kmorgan did you get to keep the old units?
If not, did they discount the new units.

No, I didn't get to keep the old unit. I didn't ask for it or expect it, additionally, I wasn't offered it.
I'm not aware of a discount. The unit is listed £212 exc. VAT on the invoice.
I'm guessing if a discount was applied it would be itemised on the invoice.

I'm beginning to think I've missed out on something now :?

When I had my hydro unit fail in my E88 I got no goodwill from BMW, car was 3 years old just out of warranty by 1 month and had only done 12k!!! So I asked for the unit back........just incase at anytime BMW do decide to admit there was an issue I will be returning the faulty unit and the invoice for a full refund.......clearly bmw know there are issues otherwise they wouldn't have new versions or upgraded parts to solve these problems and should just be coughing up!

 

[flybobbie]

kmorgan, i'm not suggesting there might be a discount, but the old units do belong to you if you paid full price for the replacements.

Someone i know had his Aston Martin lights changed from coloured to clear for about £1000 and the krafty dealer tried to keep the old but servicable units!