545i Died on Interstate
09-07-2007, 06:08 AM
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My 2005 545i died on me yesterday while on I-75. I was going easily 90-90mph when I suddenly felt that the throttle was not being very responsive as if the car was sluggish. Immediately after, the active steering light came on I-drive. By now the car was just about dead-- it was a struggle to steer out of the highway. Luckily there was not much traffic and I had enough momentum to get out of the way. When parked I tried to start the car but without luck. I would come on and rev to about 500 rpm, some cluttering noise, and then died. To make things worse, I got the car towed back to BMW dealership and they would not give me a loaner because "I didn't buy the car there"-- is this common practice?? I own a Porsche 911 and get a loaner no matter what or where. Very disappointed with BMW and this will definetely be my last one (after 3 in a row) at least for now.
09-07-2007, 06:17 AM
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And no word from the dealer yet?
In Europe, while the car's still under original 2 year-BMW warranty, you get a free loaner, no matter the dealer you bought your car from. The dealer you bought your car from, will make things even better. Also ADAC provide loaners for other cases.
In Europe, while the car's still under original 2 year-BMW warranty, you get a free loaner, no matter the dealer you bought your car from. The dealer you bought your car from, will make things even better. Also ADAC provide loaners for other cases.
09-07-2007, 07:00 AM
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My Ride: '04 Jet Black
Once upon a time it had chrome wheels... 'til i joined this forum :)
Sorry to hear about that. At least you didn't get into an accident! The exact same thing happened to my VW, but it was the timing belt (at 120k miles mind you). I'm not sure, but I think the stealers here in the U.S. are independently owned, therefore, each one varies with loaners. East Bay BMW here in the Bay Area gave me a loaner with no hassles while Peter Pan BMW only provides shuttle service, unless they know the car will be in for more than a day. I didn't buy the car from either one, I bought it in Southern Cali about four years ago and I haven't brought it back to the same dealer since. Please keep us posted!
09-10-2007, 07:56 AM
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My Ride: 2007 E63 M6: Silverstone Metallic... Fully loaded2005 DINAN5 (545i): Jet Black... Fully loaded1955 Chevy: Custom
East Bay BMW customer service has been excellent to me as well (I didn't buy my E60 there), been going there for almost 3 years now 
Originally Posted by lokoloko' post='466981' date='Sep 7 2007, 08:00 AM
Sorry to hear about that. At least you didn't get into an accident! The exact same thing happened to my VW, but it was the timing belt (at 120k miles mind you). I'm not sure, but I think the stealers here in the U.S. are independently owned, therefore, each one varies with loaners. East Bay BMW here in the Bay Area gave me a loaner with no hassles while Peter Pan BMW only provides shuttle service, unless they know the car will be in for more than a day. I didn't buy the car from either one, I bought it in Southern Cali about four years ago and I haven't brought it back to the same dealer since. Please keep us posted!
09-10-2007, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by big_ipaq' post='466958' date='Sep 7 2007, 04:17 PM
...
Also ADAC provide loaners for other cases.
Also ADAC provide loaners for other cases.
09-10-2007, 01:23 PM
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My Ride: E53 E60 E92
Originally Posted by perubmw545i' post='466955' date='Sep 7 2007, 09:08 AM
My 2005 545i died on me yesterday while on I-75. I was going easily 90-90mph when I suddenly felt that the throttle was not being very responsive as if the car was sluggish. Immediately after, the active steering light came on I-drive. By now the car was just about dead-- it was a struggle to steer out of the highway. Luckily there was not much traffic and I had enough momentum to get out of the way. When parked I tried to start the car but without luck. I would come on and rev to about 500 rpm, some cluttering noise, and then died. To make things worse, I got the car towed back to BMW dealership and they would not give me a loaner because "I didn't buy the car there"-- is this common practice?? I own a Porsche 911 and get a loaner no matter what or where. Very disappointed with BMW and this will definetely be my last one (after 3 in a row) at least for now.
My understanding is that if your car has to sit overnight and under waranty you should get a loaner, raise the issue to BMW NA. Mind you the dealer may not put you in BMW car if they are all out but rental car nonetheless, and if the car is in for longer period of time you betcha. Again, let BMW knows the situation. Good luck.
09-10-2007, 07:02 PM
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Thanks for the input guys. After never receiving a phone call from BMW dealer, I finally decided to call this afternoon. Apparently the gas sensor (?) was messed up in the car and ran out of gas... Seems very hard to swallow. I was showing at least a quarter of a tank and we all know that our e60's let us know way the heck before out of gas. We will see, not too happy with service at BMW Chattanooga.
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