Rear indicator light failure

[flybobbie]

Having had only partial success using silicon sealant, finally seemed to cure my leaking tailights using EvoStick glue.
Having stripped of the silicon, dried out unit then glued the rubber seal in place then glued the clip on unit in place. Finally sprayed glue around outside. This finally seemed to have sealed the unit.

 

[ronk]

Having had only partial success using silicon sealant, finally seemed to cure my leaking tailights using EvoStick glue.
Having stripped of the silicon, dried out unit then glued the rubber seal in place then glued the clip on unit in place. Finally sprayed glue around outside. This finally seemed to have sealed the unit.

But what are you going to do if you have to replace it ie if it gets broken?

 

[flybobbie]

The back of the lamp unit is glued, not it to the car.
In fact Bm would have been better permanantly gluing up the back of the unit. Probably would have had no problems.



Part 5 holds the seal which is not shown seperately. I've glued the seal to part 5, then 5 is glued to part 1. Then the joint was sealed with further glue.
The unit is refitted normal fashion.

This last week has been good test given all the rain!

 

[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

Received a reply from BMW UK, BMW thank me for contacting them and understand I'm disappointed, however, still no goodwill.
The letter mentions product recall and voluntary quality enhancement; this hasn't been established with regards to the tail light.
Interestingly, the letter explains that in addition to age, mileage and service history etc., a current BMW warranty on the vehicle is also a deciding factor when considering goodwill.

Anyway, I'll keep the letter, should the car be recalled for the light, I'll ask for my money back.

Cheers :|

 

[flybobbie]

I think we just have to accept that BMW have made bosh of the design and won't admit it.
If it was safety critical it would have been called back.

Think if you have a warranty and possibly a previous BMW customer might get some redress..otherwise we are on our own.

 

[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

Received a reply from BMW UK, BMW thank me for contacting them and understand I'm disappointed, however, still no goodwill.
The letter mentions product recall and voluntary quality enhancement; this hasn't been established with regards to the tail light.
Interestingly, the letter explains that in addition to age, mileage and service history etc., a current BMW warranty on the vehicle is also a deciding factor when considering goodwill.

Anyway, I'll keep the letter, should the car be recalled for the light, I'll ask for my money back.

Cheers :|

Okay one year on and the rear n/s has failed again - had this replaced under two year parts warranty. However, in addition the o/n/s has failed too - Replaced at a cost of £329 inc. VAT.

Wrote to BMW with words of dissatisfaction, again, as before, no goodwill.

If the problem is likely to continue I'm thinking I should look elsewhere for four wheeled excitement.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Writing to tell them you're dissatisfied and relying on goodwill, after you've coughed up, is never going to get you anywhere - they already have your money!

If the foam is open cell type then you can argue that is the cause. The fact you can list many other instances of similar failure are also good grounds on which to argue. I think the real winner is that a replacement has failed so soon. Take BMW UK to small claims court for all the costs but be prepared to follow through. I couldn't advise on the point of law to argue against them - you might have better luck taking the dealer you purchased from (if you didn't go private) to court and arguing under the sale of goods act.

I wouldn't be surprised if they then settle before a hearing with a goodwill settlement rather than have the case tested and open to a flood of claims.