DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 194 – From Enzo M. from Jacksonville, FL
Dear Suzanne,
When I first laid eyes on the 2024 BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe, I thought I had found “the one.” It had the power, the style, and the class that made me feel like I was getting a luxury vehicle built to last. Fast-forward several months, and it feels like the only thing I’ve been driving is myself crazy with repeated issues. Suzanne, if you’ve ever owned a car that seemed cursed, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.
Issues With the Cooling System
The trouble started not long after I bought this “premium” vehicle. One day, the coolant reservoir decided it had had enough and cracked, spilling the coolant all over the engine. Honestly, I didn’t want to blow things out of proportion because I figured it was only normal that little things sometimes break. I took the BMW to the BMW dealership, and they replaced the reservoir, so I moved on.
However, I noticed coolant pooling under the car only a few months later. This time, it turned out to be a hole in the radiator, requiring another replacement. At this point, I suspected I’d bought a high-maintenance relationship instead of a luxury car.
Not long after that, the coolant hoses cracked. Twice! It’s like these new gen hoses are made of paper because why else do they keep breaking?
Smoke, Overheating, and that Awful Smell
I was driving home one rainy afternoon when smoke started pouring out from under the hood. It smelled like burnt coolant, which was something I was unfortunately getting used to. I pulled over, checked under the hood, and realized the coolant level was dangerously low. I topped it up, but the warning lights wouldn’t go off. After about 20 minutes, the lights finally went off, but the car started to overheat again, which caused me to pull over. I had to wait for the engine to cool down before resuming my drive.
The next day, the car stalled and left me stranded on a busy road. After several tries, I managed to restart it and limp home. The next day I took it to the mechanic. They replaced the thermostat, but something was wrong with the radiator again, and it started leaking. We had to get that replaced as well, which calmed things down for a while, but it didn’t last.
Air Bubbles and Pressure Problems
When I topped up the coolant again after the replacement, I noticed a bubbling sound as if the system was gurgling. The upper radiator hose was hot, but the lower one remained cold and felt like it had no pressure. That’s when the mechanic started talking about the possibility of a head gasket issue.
The mechanic asked if I had seen classic signs like milky residue in the oil or white smoke from the exhaust. While I hadn’t noticed any of these, there was some residue near the head gasket area, and the implication that there’s another issue terrified me. The idea of a blown head gasket loomed in my mind. I had heard from multiple sources about BMW cars having cooling system issues, but I didn’t realize it was this bad.
Mysterious Engine Failure
While I was still worried about the cooling system, the engine began to make strange knocking sounds. I returned the car to the dealership, where they replaced the timing chain tensioner and cylinder head under warranty. I thought that the worst was behind me, but that was just wishful thinking.
Only a month later, the engine gave out while driving on the highway. Smoke billowed from the hood, and I had to have the car towed back to the dealership. They told me the balance shaft had seized, causing the piston to crack the engine block. As you can imagine, I suspected this new issue had to do with the previous repair attempt, but the dealer insisted otherwise. They maintained that this failure was unrelated to their prior work on the timing chain, but I couldn’t help wondering. Could something they did have caused this? Or was it another unlucky chapter in my BMW’s cursed story?
What’s the Way Forward?
At this point, Suzanne, I feel trapped. I’ve already poured so much money into this car, but I’m scared that if I keep driving it, something catastrophic might happen again. Should I even bother with the repairs? Should I take it to another shop for a second opinion? Or should I just cut my losses and see if the Florida Lemon Law has something for me? According to the Florida Lemon Law, how many repair attempts are considered reasonable? Also, which government agency should I contact for assistance?
I just want to enjoy driving again without the constant fear of something breaking.
Enzo M. from Jacksonville, FL
Facing Persistent 2024 BMW M440i Issues? Lemon Law Might Help
Dear Enzo,
I can’t tell you how many drivers have shared their unfortunate tales with me about their luxury cars turning into their worst nightmares. I feel your frustration and financial stress. This isn’t what you signed up for when you fell in love with the 2024 BMW M440i. I want you to know that you do have a way out.
It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot with your BMW, and your patience must be running thin. The Lemon Law in Florida may be your ticket to freedom from these relentless problems. Let’s break it down.
Should I even bother with the repairs?
According to the Florida Lemon Law, officially known as the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act under Chapter 681 of the Florida Statutes, if a new vehicle has ongoing problems that significantly affect its use, value, or safety, you are entitled to certain remedies. These problems need to be reported within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles. Considering your car’s persistent and significant issues, continuing to pour money into repairs may not be the best option.
Should I take it to another shop for a second opinion?
While getting a second opinion can be helpful, it’s important to understand that only authorized dealerships should carry out the repairs to avoid voiding your warranty. You can have an outside shop take a look and provide their assessment, but refrain from letting them perform any repairs. Make sure to follow the steps outlined in the Florida Lemon Law to ensure that you have a strong case. Keep detailed records of all repair attempts and communications with the dealership and manufacturer, as this documentation is crucial when filing a Lemon Law claim.
Or should I just cut my losses and see if the Florida Lemon Law has something for me?
Based on the issues you’ve described, it sounds like your BMW meets the criteria for a Lemon Law claim. The law considers a reasonable number of repair attempts if the vehicle has been back to the service agent for the same problem at least three times or if it has been out of service for a total of 30 days due to repairs. If your vehicle meets these criteria, you can file a claim to seek remedies such as a replacement, repurchase, or repair at no cost.
How many repair attempts are considered reasonable under the Florida Lemon Law?
A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed if the vehicle has undergone repairs three or more times for the same defect or has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs during the first 24 months of delivery. Consumers must provide the manufacturer with written notification of the defect, allowing a final opportunity for repair.
Which government agency should I contact for assistance?
You can file a complaint or seek assistance from the Florida Attorney General’s office. The Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, overseen by the Attorney General’s office, handles the arbitration process for Lemon Law claims. You can contact the Attorney General’s office at (850) 414-3990 for more information.
Why Consulting a Florida Lemon Law Attorney is Crucial
Considering the complexity and seriousness of your situation, consulting with a knowledgeable Florida Lemon Law attorney is a critical next step. An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process, ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly, and increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
I know you’re tired, Enzo, but there’s hope. The Lemon Law was made for situations like yours, and it’s time to put it to work for you. You deserve to enjoy driving again without fear of what might break next. It’s time to get into a safe, reliable ride and get back some peace of mind!
Suzanne
Quick Solutions for Your 2024 BMW M440i Lemon Problems!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Florida Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Florida Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 22024 BMW M440i ©Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
