2008 BMW 335XI – Fuel Delivery Lemon Story
By: Brenton Blawat
Part 1 – Lemon Law Over / Issue Logs
Part 2 – Contacting the Dealer / Manufacturer – UPDATED!!
Friday, January 23rd, 2009 – Yes, this is my car. Yes that is a construction cone in front of it (a perverted joke my associate was playing on me). Probably not as surprising as the dunce code my associate found on his vehicle after I left the Hotel (shown below; yes that is me hiding behind the car!).
Perhaps my associate’s joke provided certitude to the troubles that I was going to have with my new 2008 BMW 335XI?
Let me be frank about my car. I LOVE IT! It’s fast, sporty, handles like a dream, and is everything I would want in a vehicle. It came fully loaded from the dealership and has every little gadget that makes this geek completely satisfied for the lease term. I have no regrets on purchasing this vehicle and up to this point, I’ve been extremely impressed by BMW’s responsiveness to my issues.
I am writing this to allow the community to follow me through my journey to claiming my vehicle through the Wisconsin Lemon Laws. I will be updating this article throughout this process. It will be interesting to see the progression of my frustration (hopefully lack there of) and have my experience serve as a guide for others.
Lemon Law Statutes
According to the Wisconsin Lemon Laws the following must be satisfied:
| X | You bought or leased a new vehicle. | New Lease on May 3, 2008 |
| X | The vehicle is a car, truck, motorcycle or motor home. | Vehicle is a Car |
| X | The vehicle developed a defect or defects during its first year and before the warranty expired. | See Service Details Below. All in First Year. |
| One of the following happened during the vehicle’s first year and before the warranty expired: | One of the following did happen: | |
| X | The dealer failed four times to fix the same defect; | Car has been at the dealer 5 times since the purchase date for Fuel Delivery Issues. |
| OR | ||
| 18 | The vehicle was out of service for 30 days or more due to defects. | Only has been in the shop for 18 Days. |
It’s a Lemon What’s Next?
According to the department of transportation for Wisconsin they strongly suggest completing the Formal Wisconsin Paperwork for the issues.
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/consumer/forms/llfrm700.pdf
Completed Paperwork: Friday, January 23rd, 2008
Filed Paperwork: (To Be Determined)
They also suggest reporting the Lemon through pre-established programs in the state of Wisconsin (AKA WisDot Certified Program).
(Certified for: Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen)
(Non-certified for: Acura, AM General, General Motors (including Saturn and Saab), Geo, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Subaru)
National Center for Dispute Settlement
(Certified for: Porsche)
(Non-certified for: Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Suzuki)
Do you see my problem yet? There are no WisDOT Certified (or non Certified) Programs for BMW owners to dispute their vehicles. This might be an interesting bottleneck.
Verbiage in the Owner Manual – Lemon Law
Book: Service and Warranty Information
Information:
©2007 BMW of North America, LLC
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey 07677
Printed: Printed in U.S.A. 07/07
Quote:
“Customer Assistance – Notification
During a specific period (for example, the earlier of 12 months or 12,000 miles, though this period varies by state), some states require us or our authorized BMW center, to repair in a reasonable number of attempts, any defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a new vehicle sold, leased or registered in that state.
A reasonable number of attempts is generally defined as (i) four or more attempts to repair the same defect (the number of attempts vary by state) or (ii) the vehicle is out of service by reason of one or more repair(s) for more than a cumulative total of 30 days (this period varies by state), except for delays created by conditions beyond our control.
If we are unable to correct a defect or condition covered by these statutes in a reasonable number of attempts, we may be obligated either to replace the vehicle or reimburse the owner/lessee in an amount equal to the purchase price or lease payments paid by the owner/lessee, less the amount direct attributable to use of the vehicle by the owner/lessee.
You should send written notification directly to BMW of North America, LLC of the existence of an alleged defect. Send written communication to the Customer Relations and Services Department address listed below.
BMW of North America, LLC
Customer Relations and Services Department
P.O. Box 1227
Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1117
Telephone: 1 800 831-1117 “
– OK so first problem. The State of Wisconsin mentions it is a good idea to send the Lemon form via certified mail. In the United States you cannot send certified mail to a P.O. Box. Tricky BMW. After a little research:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/CompanyInformation/
BMW of North America, LLC
300 Chestnut Ridge Road
Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07675
The Birth Of A New Baby BMW – AKA The Problem Child
January 2, 2008 – My BMW was created.
May 3rd, 2008 –
I became a proud owner of a 2008 BMW 335XI. I purchased this vehicle from International Autos located at 2400 South 108th St., Milwaukee, WI 53227. If you are looking for a new BMW, Audi, Mini, or Mercedes, I strongly suggest talking with Jay Sheik. While I had a bad experience with this car, Jay has made this experience worth while. You can read my review of my experience with Mr. Sheik at his linked in profile. Its definitely not his fault that my car was a Lemon.
1. June 9th, 2008 – 1,175 Miles
Symptoms: Car was having problems starting in my garage. The car would not drive nicely from the line in ‘D’ and was running rough. I also received the Engine Malfunction, Reduced Power Message. The crank time on the car was anywhere from 5 – 10 seconds. Problem started just after the vehicle turned 1,000.
Loaners: Car was delivered to International Auto’s BMW Service Center and received an 2008 BMW 328XI loaner vehicle.
Results (verbatim): FUEL PUMP FAILURE 6199000 3 0000555 2 133159 4 1351517 17 TROUBLESHOOTING USING GT-1, VERIFY FAULT STORED IN DME (2FBF-FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE LOW), PERFORM DIAGNOSIS USING GT-1 TEST B1214_DI6KHDR AND B1214_DI6KNDR (CHECKIGN LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE TESTS RESPECTFULLY) FOUND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAULTY. REMOVE INTAKE MANIFOED AND ASSOC PARTS, REPALCE FUEL PUMP, RE-INSTALL AND RECHECK FOR FAULTS (0) RECHECK OK. CLEAR FAULTS AND RESET IDLE ADAPTATIONS. PRIOR TO DIAG, PER SIB#12-55-06, HOOK UP TO SSS AND VERIFY SOFTWARE STATUS BY STARTING PROGMAN(VERSION OF DATA UPDATED OK) CHARGE BATTERY.
Final Verdict: Fuel Delivery System
Return Date: June 13th, 2008
Days: 4 Days
2. June 18th, 2008 – 2,588 Miles
Symptoms: Car was having problems starting in my garage. The car would not drive nicely from the line in ‘D’ and was running rough. I also received the Engine Malfunction, Reduced Power Message. Vehicle would die while idle or slow which posed a safety hazard in intersections.
Loaners: Car was delivered to International Auto’s BMW Service Center and did not receive a loaner vehicle.
Results (verbatim): 2588 FAULTY PRESSURE PUMP 0000005 4 1351518 17 CHECKED FAULTS FOUND FCS FOR TOO LOW FUEL PRESURE RAN TESTPANS PER SI_125506. TEST PLAN PROMPTED FOR REPLACEMENT OF HIGH PRESSURE PUMP REPLACED PUMP.
Final Verdict: Fuel Delivery System
Return Date: June 20th, 2008
Days: 2 Days
3. January 10, 2009 – 18,025 Miles
Symptoms: My car felt like I was dragging thousands of pounds of weight behind the vehicle. The car would not idle nicely, and eventually died when at idle. It also felt as if the transmission was going to blow up when driving.
Loaners: Car was delivered to International Auto’s BMW Service Center and received an 2009 BMW X3 loaner vehicle.
Results (verbatim): 18025 FUEL RAIL PRESURE READING WRONG 0000005 .40 1331529 .40 1353596 .40 CHECK FOR FAULT CODES FOUND 4 FAULTS FOR FUEL PRESURE PERFORMED PRESURE TEST ON SYSTEM PER TEST PLAN FOR FAULTS FOUND FUEL RAIL SENSOR READING LOW REPLACED SENSOR CLEARED CODES
Final Verdict: Fuel Delivery System
Return Date: January 14, 2009
Days: 4 Days
4. January 20, 2009 – 18,696 Miles
(When I was bored waiting for the Tow I decided to take a picture of my dash before the car died)
Symptoms: (again) My car felt like I was dragging thousands of pounds of weight behind the vehicle. The car would not idle nicely, and eventually died when at idle. It also felt as if the transmission was going to blow up when driving. Vehicle would die while idle or slow which posed a safety hazard in intersections.
I also received the Engine Malfunction, Reduced power message. Also saw the above picture full of colorful lights on my dash. (But not merely as colorful as the words going through my head at the time.)
Loaners: Car was delivered to Patrick BMW Service Center and received an 2009 Jeep Wrangler loaner vehicle.
Results (verbatim): 18705 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ENGINE BARELY RUNNING AND RUNNING ROUGH PERFORM SHORT TEST. FOUND MULTPLOE FAULTS SOTRED FOR FUEL PUMP SYSTEMS, CYLINDER INJECTION CUTOUT, AND MISFIRE DETECTION. DW TIME PUCNHED FOR CONTINUED DIAGNOSIS. PROCEED WITH TEST MODULE AND CHECK LOW PUMP PRESSURE AND SENSOR AT 6 BAR OK. NO FAULT FOUND IN LOW PSI SYSTEM DIAGCODE: D1330_B0000000_05_901. PROCEED AND CHECK HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM CHECK PRESSURE OF RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR OK CHEKC PRESSUR AT IDLES PEED AT RAIL PRESSURE SENSEOR ACTUAL PRESSURE 147.2 BAR TARGET PRESSURE 50BAR. CHECKED PRESSURE AGAIN AND PRESSURE WAS OK. INTERNAL PUMP FAILURE. REPLACE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
DIAGCODE: d1350_0000000_02_001. CLEAR FAULT MEMORY AND ADAPTATIONS THEN TEST DRIVE. CAR STARING AND DRIVING AS DESIGNED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF. CUSTOMER TO MONITOR. PRINTOUTS INCLUDED ON FILE.
Final Verdict: Fuel Delivery System
Return Date: January 21st, 2009
Days: 1 Days
5. January 22, 2009 – 18738 Miles
Symptoms: (again.. yes again) My car felt like I was dragging thousands of pounds of weight behind the vehicle. The car would not idle nicely, and eventually died when at idle. It also felt as if the transmission was going to blow up when driving. Vehicle would die while idle or slow which posed a safety hazard in intersections.
Loaners: Car was delivered to Patrick BMW Service Center and received an 2009 Jeep Wrangler loaner vehicle. They switched me to a 2009 Toyota Corolla for the week as I put on major miles on the weekends driving between Wisconsin and Chicago.
Results (verbatim): A OWNER REPORTS WHILE DRIVING LAST NIGHT THE ENGINE HAD REDUCED POWER AND SEEMED TO MISFIRE
CAUSE: .
5199000 OPEN TIME Job time without allowance for / body equipment
235 WAR
1 13-53-7-545-725 INLET PIPE:135040
Final Verdict: Fuel Delivery System (fuel rail sensor)
Return Date: January 28, 2009
Days: 7 Days
GRAND TOTAL SERVICES: 5
GRAND TOTAL DAYS: 17 Days
UPDATED 6. June 1, 2009 – 30766 Miles
(BMW 335XI Engine malfunction! Reduced power.)
Symptoms: (again.. yes again) My car felt like I was dragging thousands of pounds of weight behind the vehicle. The car would not idle nicely, and eventually died when at idle. It also felt as if the transmission was going to blow up when driving. Vehicle would die while idle or slow which posed a safety hazard in intersections.
Results (verbatim): Issue was Reported to BMW… Please view Part 2 – Contracting the Dealer / BMW of North America
Final Verdict: Proceed to Part 2 – Contacting the Dealer / BMW of North America
I know the feeling; my 2008 BMW 335i has had
the same issues; even with a new new new HPFP,
I still lose power. The software is the worst,
been waiting on Grayson BMW to fix that for six months.
There is no ownership by BMW NA or the service
depts to fix their cars. Going the lemow law route too.
BMW Norht Amereica also did nothing.
Kurt
May 11, 2009
Kurt,
Stay Tuned! In the next few days I am posting my outcome with BMW. Very Exciting!!
Thanks!
-Brent
brentblawat
September 10, 2009
Last Friday my coolant light came on. Mobile tech filled it on Thursday. Friday my engine light came on and the power in my car was greatly reduced. It had problems getting up a hill ! Thanks for the heads up.
Scott
June 7, 2009
I’m experiencing the same problems with my 2008 335 coupe! I started googling ‘faulty 2008 bmw 335′ and ran across your blog. Tonight is the fourth time I received the ‘engine malfunction-reduced power’ message. I’ve taken it in for the three previous times, first they fixed my fuel injectors, then my fuel pump sensor, then finally the fuel pump itself just recently. I thought my problems were finally solved, I guess not. I plan on taking it in again tomorrow morning. Thank you for your blog, I have bookmarked you and will keep checking in for status – I might have to look into the lemon law for California pretty soon, I’ll shoot you another comment if anything of substance develops from tomorrow’s service drop off.
Vimean
July 14, 2009
Vimean,
I received a letter in the mail from the DOT in California saying the Warranty has been extened 10 years and up to 150,000 (or something) on the vehicle due to the fuel pump issues. I am going to be posting a blog article soon on how I got great outcome!
Thank you!
-Brent
brentblawat
September 10, 2009
Hey Brent…I received the same letter, but it was from BMW..so they are extending the warranty on “…the high-pressure fuel pump of certain MY 2007/2008 BMW automobiles equipped with a 3.0 liter engine…BMW will extend the emissions warranty for the high-pressure fuel pump to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.”
Since I last wrote you and they replaced my fuel pump and fuel injectors 1, 2 and 3…I experienced the same problem one more time…this time they replaced fuel injectors 3,4 and 5 and some spark plugs…I’m happy to report, it’s been a couple of months of no drama with the car! I am keeping my fingers crossed that the problem is solved…if you don’t hear anything else from me…no news will be good news!
Vimean
September 13, 2009
I have the same problem with a 2008 535i. Only problem is I had 29,000 miles on my car when it started having the same problems. I am trying to use the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. I hope enough people complain and a class action suit is filled.
David
August 10, 2009
Hi David,
Sorry I’ve been slacking on updating my blog. I was able to get a NEW CAR!! 2009 335i X-drive with the M Sport package. Be patient with the dealership as they don’t have to replace your car. It’s between you and BMW of North America. After showing my repeated issues they performed a Substitution of Collateral where I got to continue my lease with a vehicle with 10 miles on it. It’s a great deal but you have to be nice and patient to get it. Email me if you need more info on how I did it. Brent@brentblawat.com
Good Luck!
-Brent
brentblawat
September 10, 2009
Hi Brent, I am having the same problem with my 2008 335i (engine malfunction). Before purchasing I did some researched and found out that there was a problem with the 07’s but I had no clue it would spread to the 08’s as well.
My car has been in the shop 3 times for the same problem just recently and the next day I started my car the same issue occurred. Now the Service Manager wants me to come into the dealership this weekend.
Ryan
October 30, 2009
This info is good, thanks for doing it. I have a 2009 335xi coupe I purchased end of may. At 178 miles, engine service lite came on, replaced all six injectors, one coil & spark plug. 203 miles lite back on, said gas had too much ethanol (18%) ?? So was not cars fault, get rid of gas, should be ok. 1839 miles lite on replaced high pres fuel pump. 2806 lite on, limp mode also, now waiting for new design injectors from Germany. So my question is at what point do I start bugging the manufacurer?? Do I let them fix it again and see what happens. They are not counting the gas problem as an infraction, which to me is BS. The dealer (Westmont, IL) has been very nice. Thanks, Ray
Ray
November 3, 2009
I lease on a 3 year term half way done and Have had my 335xi coupe white on white, Sport package BMW in the service department on my third fuel pump and turbo issue, also experienced major issues with the run flats and my alignment out of the factory. Looking for a new lease through BMW should be an interesting saga. Good thing the service department has been wonderful so far. I will keep posted. 24k on the odometer. Sticker 52,690
Issue is Engine Malfunction and Complete shut down. Great when you live on the foothills of the sierras. Anybody gotten out of their lease or trade up etc?
Mike
November 18, 2009
Left on the side of the road; many service engine lights; 2 fuel pumps in 16 months. I traded my 335xi in January 2010. I now have the 335d. Wish me luck!
Scott
February 2, 2010