agent008

I will try to keep it concise:
My car: 2008 BMW 550i, with 47.000 miles, still under factory warranty until 2/23/2012.After that another 2 years of CPO warranty.The car has the comfort access system.
The issue: Unable to start. After pushing the start button all the systems light up but the engine does not start. It happened 5-6 times within the last 3 months. The car had to be towed to the dealer 4 times for the same reason. Here is what happens every time: After unable to start I call BMW roadside assistace. After the tow truck comes he tries to start the car, then tries to jump-start it with no avail and the car is towed. Next, the dealer runs the diagnostics and no fault codes are found. The car eventually starts and is returned to me. After driving for a few days the whole cycle gets repeated. Since last November the car has been serviced 5 times - 4 times for no start and once for transmission malfunction and CEL issue. Since last November the car spent 50 days and counting at the shop (Bluegrass BMW in Paducah, KY) - still unable to diagnose the defect and repair it. At this point I am very frustrated. The car is useless to me, still under warranty and BMW is unable to repair the defect because no fault codes are dislayed. I would greatly appreciate any advice - what can be done next ?

sdg1871

Sounds like you need to speak to a lemon lawyer

Lambda28

50+ days?! Lemon. Surprised they didn't replace your battery, that's the minimum they should provide.

agent008

They replaced the battery during the second dealer visit but the defect persists.

SilberGrauE60

You don't really say if the engine cranks or not when you attempt to start, but my guess is the "authority" to start is not being recognized between the fob and the car. Does it make a difference if you insert the fob into the steering column? Do both fobs fail to start? What is the state of the battery in your fobs? That's where I'd start to look. I'm surprised the dealer cannot figure it out. Next place I'd look is the electronics in the spare tire well for evidence of water damage.

phlfly

And BMW NA can send technical rep to look at your car.

stel_i79

Try the other key too!
Good luck

agent008

I replaced both keyfob batteries and the car battery was replaced as well. Both keyfobs work. When the car cannot be started all systems come on after pushing the start button but the starter will not turn. I tried to start it with the fob inserted into the steering column, out of it and any other combination I could think of. No signs of any water damage including the spare tire well. After reading many related posts I believe that the defect is within the Comfort Access Sysytem - either the module or one of the antennas. Again, everything else works perfectly, including CAS, the only problem is that the car cannot be started....

tonyb635

Yes, ask your dealer for information on the Lemon Law, they have to provide this to you. They might not mention unless you ask though... Cars have been changed out for far less issues such as three times fuel system failures with the 535 HPFP and did not spend the time in the shop as yours has. If they can't properly diagnose and fix the issue I would go after this because as soon as warranty is out they will start charging you just to discuss the issue!

flyingpuck

Call BMW North America, make noise, LOTS of it, and DON'T back down, they should DEFINITELY replace this!! They lemoned my 2008 X5 last year over issues that they didn't originally see as a safety issue, and it was OUT of the warranty period too! Once explained to them accurately, they bought it back, reimbursed me for my mods, and even the Mercury aftermarket warranty I had purchased for the car too! Mainly, just be firm with them, and they will step up! Good Luck with it!