Extreme Buyer's Remorse

Kraln · 05-18-2006, 08:18 AM

I very recently (the 13th) picked up a used '95 318ti, in black. The car seemed in good shape, apart from an unsightly CEL and a high-pitched whine everything was mechanically sound during the test drive.

As soon as the dealer had the money (I paid way to much, but what can I say, I was in love), things started going downhill. When I started the car to leave, it immediately stalled. I turned off the AC and the Radio, and it started, but idled very rough and bounced. I proceeded to drive it nearly 100 miles from the dealer to my house, and it was fine the entire way.

Driving the car around town, in the next few days, I noticed a few things about the car. First and Second gear seemed awfully rough and prone to shuddering. Then on the 16th, the car threw a hissy fit and absolutely refused to idle. Engage the clutch? Stall. Stick it in neutral? Stall. I managed to get the car home alright, but I noticed 1st and 2nd were getting worse, and it was beginning to creep up on the low end of 3rd.

I checked the Motronic code, and it was 1222 (Lambda Control #1), indicating a bad oxygen sensor. I have an appointment with the dealer on Tues, the 23rd. and I am not expecting the car to pass MD State inspection. I have no regrets for choosing the 318ti - my remorse is for ever trusting the sleazy used car guy.

Anyone want to take bets as to what precisely is wrong and how much it's going to take to fix it?

stormos · 05-18-2006, 09:15 AM

FLYWHEEL CLUTCH OR GEARBOX ?

drkblu318ti · 05-18-2006, 11:55 AM

Call the dealer back. Surley there has to be atleast a couple day warranty on it. He cant sell you a car like that. I wouldnt have driven it off the lot if it stalled like that.

**1996 328ti** · 05-18-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraln

As soon as the dealer had the money (I paid way to much, but what can I say, I was in love), things started going downhill.

What dealer did you buy it from?

davep-uk · 05-18-2006, 11:57 AM

yeah, you must have some kind of legal comeback? over here the Trading standards guys will get involved up to 90 days after the sale date. if they didnt offer some kind of warranty, its all a bit shady.

Kraln · 05-18-2006, 04:15 PM

It's got a 30 day 1000 mile warranty on the engine only. And you have to bring the car to them.

Bought it from Gasoline Alley Auto & Truck Sales, Winchester VA. I pretty much signed away any legal recourse I have.

Anyway, I'm having the car looked at by the dealer on Tues. They're going to do a certified pre-owned inspection, and the Maryland state inspection.

JPerfect · 05-18-2006, 04:19 PM

When I got my ti, I noticed in the Agreement the dealer had prepared, it said that he was giving me a car that was fit to pass inspection. I drove the car, ran great... what I didn't know, is what I'd later find out. On the way home, my dad was driving the car for approval, and I was driving his jeep behind. I noticed that the brake lights were on the entire way home. It wasn't far, but we checked the brake light switch, etc. and couldnt' figure it out. Then, i asked him if he used the blinkers at all, and he said yeah... So the blinkers flickered the foglights, the headlights WERE the highbeams and there were a mess of other electrical problems.

So we took the car back to the dealer the next day and had this big argument with him, because he thought we were trying to "bamboozle" him by taking parts or something. When we threatened to bring a lawyer into the situation, he got the car fixed. When all was said and done, I bought the car for $5,600, and the dealer put $1,300 of work into it.

Yeah, he deserved it.

EDIT:

The problem the car had, which i forgot to mention, was something serious with the wiring. The entire car had to be re-wired.

SlickmisterN · 05-18-2006, 04:24 PM

Gotta love the steiler ships that wright their malfiescences into the contract so technically its "legit." 1 minute after leaving the used car lot the CEL came on for my O2 sensor as well. I also paid somewhat of a premium for my 318, live and learn.

SlickmisterN · 05-18-2006, 04:27 PM

WTF! do the quick posts have auto spelling correct?!?! I can't get it to spell a word I want. When I post it changes is it to a different word. And no, it's not a profanity.

mischief · 05-18-2006, 05:33 PM

most be the Syncro's in the transmission
you might have to fight with the dealer about geting that fixed
my car only 2 is bad
but 1 and 3
is it hard to get in gear

Kraln · 05-19-2006, 03:01 AM

I certainly hope not. I did some reading on the syncros and there's not really that much grinding or trouble shifting, the engine is just shudder-y.

**1996 328ti** · 05-19-2006, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraln

Anyway, I'm having the car looked at by the dealer on Tues. They're going to do a certified pre-owned inspection, and the Maryland state inspection.

I hope you're not bringing it to VOB.

Kraln · 05-19-2006, 03:13 AM

Uh oh.

Yes, I'm bringing it to VOB. They've done a decent job with my father's 325ci... what should I be afraid of?

**1996 328ti** · 05-19-2006, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kraln

Uh oh.

Yes, I'm bringing it to VOB. They've done a decent job with my father's 325ci... what should I be afraid of?

VOB. They have a very bad reputation in the area. I use Martin's BMW in Gaithersburg.
http://www.danmartinsautoservice.com
If you must go to a dealer, I'd go to Towson or Tischer.

Kraln · 05-19-2006, 07:23 AM

Thanks, I'm going to call Dan tomorrow. he's like 10 minutes from my house, and seems a lot better than a dealer.

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