Explained: The Ins and Outs of the BMW Lemon Law Buyback Process

 
BMW is a German automaker that has been creating engines since 1916, and is well-known for their cars’ luxurious comfort and top-notch performance. However, despite their sterling reputation as the maker of the “ultimate driving machine”, there are times when they fall short of customers’ expectations and produce vehicles with obvious flaws. Although some of these defects may be easy to fix, they can sometimes be frustratingly persistent.

If the dealership is unable to fix your BMW vehicle even after multiple attempts, it is highly likely that you have a lemon on your hands. You can file for compensation under the California Lemon Law, which provides a legal recourse for consumers who are dealing with consistently faulty vehicles. This process can resolve the issue, allow you to part ways with the problematic vehicle, and even receive compensation from BMW.

In this article, we will delve into the details of the BMW Lemon Law Buyback settlement option. We’ll cover everything from what it involves and how it works to the most commonly reported BMW defects, affected models, steps to determine your eligibility for compensation, and the crucial first step in filing a successful Lemon Law claim. Let’s dive right in!

What is the BMW Lemon Law Buyback Option?

Under the California Lemon Law (formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), a remedy called buyback or repurchase is available to compensate consumers for the expenses they incurred when purchasing or leasing a defective BMW. This includes:

• The total purchase cost of your BMW car
• All sales and financing charges incurred at purchase
• Vehicle registration fees
• Previous monthly payments made
• Future monthly payments
• All out-of-pocket repair expenses
• Additional costs like towing and car rental fees
• Civil penalties, if applicable

The BMW Lemon Law buyback settlement option can be obtained through:

• Direct negotiations with BMW
• A court decision
• A Lemon Law arbitration ruling

In the following sections, we will guide you through the BMW buyback process and explain the qualifications for receiving compensation under this option. Before we proceed, we recommend watching the informative video below to gain a better understanding of this Lemon Law settlement option:

How Does The BMW Buyback Program Work?

The BMW buyback program offers compensation for defective vehicles by allowing you to return them to the manufacturer. This option is available for both brand new and used BMW cars, as long as the defects were first reported during the original warranty period.

How do you get BMW to buy back your vehicle?

To compel BMW to repurchase your vehicle, you will need to file a Lemon Law claim and your vehicle must meet specific criteria to qualify.

To meet the requirements for the California Lemon Law’s compensation, your car’s defects must significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, functionality, and resale value. Additionally, BMW must have been provided an opportunity to fix the issue and failed to do so.

In the forthcoming sections, we’ll discuss the specific details of lemon law requirements and how you can qualify for compensation.

Is Your Car a Potential Candidate for a BMW Lemon Law Buyback?

Not all defective BMW vehicles are eligible for compensation under California Lemon Law. To be considered a lemon, your BMW car must meet specific criteria:

• It must have been taken to the BMW dealership for repairs at least twice for a major safety defect. This specific vehicle defect is significant enough and has the potential to create a risk of injury for you, your passengers, and other individuals on the road.
• The car must have been taken to the dealership for repairs at least four times for a non-safety defect or issue.
• It must have been kept at the BMW dealership for repairs for a combined total of over 30 days due to any combination of defects.

If any of the following conditions are met within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the truck will automatically be considered a lemon based on the Legal Presumption of Lemon Law according to the law.

But what if your car encounters issues after the first 18 months or 18,000 miles have passed?

Even beyond this initial period, your car may still be eligible for a buyback (or for any of the alternative settlement options) if the ongoing defects or issues originated during the vehicle’s warranty period, which typically lasts for around 3 years for the bumper-to-bumper warranty or approximately 5 years for the powertrain warranty. See table below for an overview of BMW’s Limited Warranties.

Common BMW Car Problems That Might Trigger a Claim

Even though different BMW vehicle models may display distinct defects, there are common issues that occur across several models. Consequently, BMW has recently initiated recalls for particular vehicles due to shared issues. Please find some examples of these issues below:

• Air Conditioning Issues
• Steering Wheel Vibration
• Power Steering Leaks
• Defective backup camera
• Defective parking sensors
• Defective lane assist
• Defective screen/head unit
• Defective key fob
• Battery issues
• Defective iDrive
• Defective Apple play
• Defective Bluetooth
• Engine Issues
• Electrical Issues/Failures
• Coolant Leaks
• Excessive Oil Consumption
• Oil Leaks

It’s important to note that these defects aren’t the only ones that may qualify your vehicle as a lemon. Your BMW may be experiencing an entirely different set of issues as those described above. Just remember that any recurring or permanent issue that significantly impacts the use, safety, or value of the vehicle can be used to file a complaint.

BMW Vehicle Models with Known Defects

If your BMW vehicle is experiencing issues and you’re based in California, it’s important to know which car models qualify for Lemon Law coverage. Here are the applicable models:

 
If you are an owner of a defective BMW vehicle (including any of the mentioned models) residing in California and it is still within the manufacturer’s original warranty, you may be eligible for compensation.

Our Lemon Law claim assistance covers the listed BMW models from the period of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

BMW Lemon Law Case Examples

Below you will find a collection of BMW Lemon Law case examples that highlight different models and specific issues that California consumers have encountered:

Defective 2022 BMW 340i Made Him Miss His Son’s Birthday

After getting stranded on the freeway on his way to his son’s birthday, the owner of this defective 2022 BMW 340i with check engine light, leaking coolant, excessive exhaust smoke, and power loss issues wants to know how to get rid of these problems.

Faulty 2020 BMW X1 Failed During Emergency

When his son fractured his hand and had to be taken to the hospital, the 2020 BMW X1 of this hapless father failed to start and a neighbor had to drive them during the emergency. Now, they’re looking for a way to get rid of this car with check engine light, steering, excessive fuel consumption, and transmission jerking issues.

Getting Familiar with the BMW Buyback Process

The BMW buyback process under the California Lemon Law is generally straightforward. Here are the typical steps involved in this process:

Getting Your BMW Repaired

This step is of utmost importance not just for practical reasons but also because BMW needs to be fully informed about the defects in your car and have had a sufficient number of repair attempts made. This is a legal requirement, and if the number of repair visits is not enough, your attorney may suggest returning your vehicle to the shop a few more times to meet this requirement. By doing so, you can ensure that you fulfill the necessary criteria to move forward with the BMW buyback process.

Hiring a Lawyer

As a consumer in California, you have the right to pursue a Lemon Law claim and seek compensation for your faulty BMW car. Whether you choose to negotiate with the manufacturer, go through the legal process, or opt for arbitration, having a competent California Lemon Law lawyer by your side significantly increases your chances of success.

Compiling Essential Repair Documents

An experienced lemon lawyer will guide you in gathering the necessary documents to support your claim against BMW, such as warranty papers, purchase or lease receipts, repair orders, invoices, and financing documents.

Filing the Claim

Once all the relevant repair documents are collected, your attorney will initiate the legal proceedings by filing a case in court. This will prompt BMW to respond within specific timelines.

Negotiating a Settlement

In the majority of Lemon Law cases we’ve handled in California, we have found that manufacturers often choose to settle out of court when faced with an attorney-backed claim, as it is supported by robust evidence.

Preparing for Trial

In the unlikely event that the settlement offer (which may include a buyback, cash compensation, or vehicle replacement) from BMW is unsatisfactory, your attorney is fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for a more favorable resolution for your defective BMW car.

Obtaining a Settlement

No matter the resolution method – negotiations or a court verdict – your attorney will strive to obtain the highest possible recovery for your BMW Lemon Law claim. Your attorney will tirelessly advocate for your rights and work diligently to ensure that you win the case and receive the full compensation you are entitled to.

Alternate BMW Settlement Avenues Under Lemon Law

Beyond the BMW Buyback outcome, there exist other options for the auto manufacturer to compensate you for your defective vehicle. The two primary alternatives are Vehicle Replacement and Cash and Keep Settlement.

Vehicle Replacement

Instead of a buyback, BMW may offer to replace the defective vehicle with a similar make and model that is free from any defects or issues covered under the Lemon Law. This option allows you to have a fully functional vehicle without the ongoing problems.

Cash Settlement

Alternatively, BMW may provide a cash settlement that allows you to keep the defective vehicle. This negotiated amount is intended to compensate for the diminished value of the vehicle due to the ongoing issues. With this option, you have the flexibility to keep the vehicle while also receiving financial compensation for its defects.

These settlement options can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the negotiations with the manufacturer. It is advisable to consult with a BMW Lemon Lawyer who can guide you through the options and help you pursue the most suitable resolution for your situation.

BMW Lemon Law Buyback: The Optimal Solution for Your Vehicle Problems

Under the Lemon Law buyback arrangement, BMW, the automaker, agrees to repurchase the defective vehicle from you and provide full compensation for the original purchase price. This includes sales and financing charges, fees, previous monthly payments, repair expenses, as well as towing and car rental fees.

Are there any deductions from the settlement amount?

Yes. To ensure fairness, the law allows for minor deductions called the Mileage Offset. This adjustment takes into account the mileage and usage of the vehicle prior to the occurrence of repair issues.

However, by reaching this settlement, you not only receive a complete refund for the vehicle’s purchase price, but you will also be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the repair process, including repair costs, towing expenses, and temporary rental vehicles.

Taking all factors into consideration, the BMW Buyback settlement option undoubtedly offers the most advantageous resolution in a Lemon Law claim for a defective BMW vehicle in California.

 
Watch VIDEO: Hire a BMW Lemon Law Lawyer Free of Charge

Talk To a BMW Lemon Law Attorney Today

Feeling unsure about your next steps? If you own a defective BMW in California and are experiencing persistent issues or defects that surfaced during the vehicle’s warranty period, which the manufacturer hasn’t resolved despite multiple repair attempts, you could be eligible for compensation!

The way forward is simple! Take prompt action today and kickstart the Lemon Law process with the aid of a proficient BMW Lemon Law attorney. Your lawyer will promptly evaluate your claim, offer tailored legal guidance, and steer you through the claims process.

Here’s the best part: Your lawyer will provide all these services free of charge. Yes, you read that right! You can have an outstanding attorney assisting you without incurring any fees. In California, most reputable Lemon Law lawyers operate on a “no win-no fee” basis. This implies that their fees are covered by the settlement from BMW, and they will only receive payment if they secure a win in your case!

There’s no need to overthink this decision. It’s time to take action and obtain the rightful compensation you deserve. Remember, the law is on your side, and you shouldn’t have to deal with a faulty vehicle on your own. Don’t get stuck with a lemon.

ABOUT BMW

BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a multinational manufacturer based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The company specializes in producing luxury vehicles and motorcycles. It was established in 1916 initially as an aircraft engine manufacturer and produced engines from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.

In 2017, BMW ranked as the fourteenth-largest motor vehicle producer globally, manufacturing 2,279,503 vehicles. By revenue, it was the seventh-largest manufacturer in 2022. BMW cars have been officially sold in the United States since 1956, with manufacturing operations in the country starting in 1994. The first BMW dealership opened in the United States in 1975. In 2016, BMW was the twelfth highest-selling brand in the United States.

Known for its slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” BMW has been recognized for its durable and dependable German craftsmanship. However, in recent years, BMW has also faced Lemon Law complaints relating to defects discovered in vehicles during the warranty period. For instance, in November 2016, BMW issued a recall for 136,000 U.S. cars from the 2007–2012 model years due to fuel pump wiring problems that could lead to fuel leaks, engine stalling, or restarting issues.

 
Featured images:

• 2022 BMW 3340I ©Damian B Oh (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)
• 2020 BMW X1 ©Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)