2024 BMW M2 Coupe: Milwaukee Car Owner Details Ongoing Issues and Looks to Wisconsin Lemon Law for Relief

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 251 – Linda P. from Milwaukee, WI

Dear Suzanne,

When I bought my 2024 BMW M2 Coupe last year, I expected nothing less than an exciting driving experience. After all, BMW is known for crafting incredible cars, and I assumed my new vehicle would live up to that reputation. Unfortunately, what I got was a front-row seat to one of the most frustrating car ownership experiences of my life.

I’ve spent months dealing with service centers, swapping out parts, and waiting on corporate approvals for repairs. Yet, despite all this, it still feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of problems. So, I’m reaching out to voice my concerns and to hopefully get some guidance on my next steps.

The Mysterious Audio Blackouts

It all started with the audio system. At first, it seemed like a minor issue, but it quickly turned into something much more annoying. If I played music for too long or turned up the bass, the entire system would shut down. Apple Music, Spotify, Bluetooth, YouTube—nothing would play. Music is such an integral part of my driving experience, but it felt like my stereo system had taken an extended vacation.

I brought the car to the BMW dealership, where they reset the electronics, but that took an entire week. When I picked it up, they told me they couldn’t replicate the issue, even though I demonstrated it right there in front of the foreman. He eventually admitted there was a problem, but still, I was sent home while they waited for corporate approval on repairs.

Weeks passed with little to no progress. After a long back-and-forth via email, the service manager finally told me that there was nothing more they could do. At this point, I escalated the matter to BMW Corporate and shared my service records, email exchanges, and the foreman’s notes. But even then, their response time was agonizingly slow. Eventually, they told me to take the car to another dealership, where they finally acknowledged the issue. This time, they not only approved the replacement of the amplifier but also decided to replace the entire head unit. They even found problems with the individual speakers. While I appreciated their effort, they couldn’t give me an estimated time of arrival for the parts. I was given a rental car in the meantime and was told to use it as long as necessary.

Warning Lights and Unexplained Failures

As if the audio problems weren’t enough, my car developed more serious issues while still at the dealership. One morning, I received a call from them just as I was leaving home. They said they tried shifting the car out of park earlier but were met with a host of warning lights: ABS, power steering, traction control, and brake lights all lit up, and the car refused to move.

The dealership ran diagnostics and found that several parts needed repair or replacement, including the Engine Control Unit (ECU), alternator, neutral safety switch, and even the removal of an aftermarket alarm. They had already replaced the brake switch earlier, which sometimes caused similar issues. Despite this, I was told I would need to pay $2,000 to replace the ECU, which was shocking since I was still under warranty. However, with no other options, I reluctantly paid for the repair, and they were right—the ECU replacement fixed the problem.

The Car Won’t Start

But even after replacing the ECU, my problems didn’t end. One day, the car refused to start after the dealership changed the spark plugs to address a misfire in Cylinder #1. The lights, horns, and radio all worked fine, but the engine wouldn’t turn over. The dealership checked all the fuses, swapped out relays, and even tried jumping the battery, but nothing worked. The starter was getting power, yet the car wouldn’t crank.

I suspected the issue might be the interlock switch system, which is installed by the dealer to shut off the car if payments aren’t made. I mentioned this to them, but they assured me the system was fine. Still, I insisted they replace the interlock switch, and once they did, the car started right up.

Ongoing Electrical Issues: Failed Alternator and Battery Problems

The issues didn’t stop there. Last November, my car died at a red light. The culprit turned out to be a failed alternator, which the dealer replaced after towing the car to their shop. Two days later, the battery died—likely due to the alternator failure—and they replaced that too. For a while, it seemed like everything was fine.

However, the same electrical issues have now returned. Unless I keep my foot on the gas pedal, the electronics begin to shut down. The stereo cuts off, the dashboard needles drop, and eventually, the battery dies. Sometimes, the car starts up again, but other times, it requires a jump. BMW now suggests that the battery cables might be too old and need replacing. It’s a strange claim, considering my car is less than a year old, but I’m willing to give it a shot, even though I suspect there may be a larger issue at play.

At this point, I’m seriously considering pursuing a Lemon Law claim. But before I make any decisions, I have a couple of questions: What does the process entail, and what kind of compensation can I expect at the end? Will I need a lawyer, and how much will that cost? If I can get some honest answers to these questions, it will help me decide what to do next.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Linda P.
Milwaukee, WI

Your 2024 BMW M2 Coupe’s Issues Sound Like a Lemon—Here’s How Wisconsin Law Can Help

Dear Linda,

It sounds like you’ve had a rough ride since purchasing your 2024 BMW M2 Coupe, and I’m sorry to hear that the excitement of owning such a great car has turned into a series of ongoing issues. It’s tough when you’re facing repeated breakdowns and poor service, and I can imagine the feeling of being stuck in a loop with no resolution in sight. You’re not alone in this, and there are ways to get this situation resolved.

What Does the Lemon Law Process Entail?

First off, I want to say that your situation sounds like it could qualify for a Lemon Law claim. Under Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, you have the right to a refund or a replacement vehicle if your car has a significant defect that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Since you’ve had multiple issues with the audio system, electrical failures, and even the ECU, you might be in a good position to pursue a claim.

The process typically begins by giving the manufacturer a final chance to repair the vehicle. If they can’t fix the issue after a reasonable number of attempts (usually three or more for the same issue), you can then move forward with filing a claim. The Wisconsin Lemon Law gives you the right to take action if these defects significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?

If your car qualifies for a Lemon Law claim, compensation could either be a replacement vehicle or a full refund. A refund would include the original price you paid for the car, minus a deduction for the amount of usage you’ve gotten from it (usually based on mileage). A replacement would mean getting a similar car that’s free from defects.

It’s worth noting that the compensation isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all situation, but typically the manufacturer is required to act in a way that rectifies the significant issues you’ve been facing.

Do I Need a Lawyer, and How Much Will They Cost?

You don’t have to have a lawyer to file a Lemon Law claim, but it can be helpful to have legal representation, especially when dealing with a large company like BMW. A lawyer can guide you through the process, ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly, and make sure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve. The good news is that under Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer may be required to pay your attorney fees if you win the case. So, in most situations, you won’t need to pay anything out-of-pocket for the lawyer’s services.

Now, if you’re just starting to consider legal action, it may be worth speaking to a lawyer who specializes in Lemon Law cases for a consultation to see if your situation warrants it. Many lawyers offer free consultations, so you can get a sense of what your options are before moving forward.

Take Action Now to Resolve Your Lemon Car Problem

I know it’s been a frustrating experience, but I believe you have a good case here, and pursuing a Lemon Law claim could finally get you the resolution you deserve. I encourage you to gather all your repair records, including emails, receipts, and notes from the dealership, and consult with a Lemon Law attorney to discuss the best way forward. I think it’s now time for you to take action and get back the driving experience you expected when you first purchased your BMW.

I’m rooting for you, Linda! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance. You deserve a car that works right.

Suzanne

Editor’s Note: The letter above has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.

Talk to a 2024 BMW M2 Coupe Lemon Law Attorney Today!

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 Wisconsin Lemon Law 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 Wisconsin Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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Featured Images:

• 2024 BMW M2 Coupe ©Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (CC BY-SA 4.0)