lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 So I was up in auckland over the weekend meeting up with a friend and showing him around the touring as he is also thinking of upgrading his Primera wagon. Lifts up the glass lid on the wagon and hey bingo... RUST. Got a quote this morning and its gonna set me back about $600 to sort it out. I'm quite annoyed that the pre-purchase inspection missed this as the rust is quite apparent. I never saw it as I have had no need to open the tail gate through the glass lid. I guess a letter to Jeff Gray Christchurch will be my priority and a follow-up to BMW NZ if I don't get a refund on the pre-purchase cost at the minimum. Pictures below. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AN E30 Fan 1 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 A friend of mine did a Pre-purchase inspection with the AA when he bought his Subaru, (it was down in Hastings and hes in Auckland), when he went down to pick it up as AA said everything was fine with it, they stated on the report that it wasn't a smokers car (it was), their was bits of trim missing etc etc. 2 weeks later his engine blew up! Called the AA, and told them they went back through thier records and agreed that a refund was in order, of $1500!! That was just for the interior as they don't cover or refund for mechanical mishaps. Just call Jeff Grey and persuade them that you need a refund or they pay for it to be fixed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martyyn 2 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 Thats shocking. Rust under the glass on the tailgate of e39's is a very common issue. Does the BMW pre-purchase inspection cover bodywork ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wom 0 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring...-approved-lemon might be worth reading before you contact Jeff Gray Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 (edited) Thats shocking. Rust under the glass on the tailgate of e39's is a very common issue. Does the BMW pre-purchase inspection cover bodywork ? Yep. Nothing written there so assumed it was good. Edit: I didn't call Jeff Gray as I find complaints need to be in writing to be effective. I will follow-up with a letter to BMW Group NZ if nothing happens. Edited November 22, 2009 by lidistick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Braeden320 0 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 Thats poor service but im sure JG will sort it out. I would ring them to make them aware of it then follow up in writing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 What a piss poor response. "Any problems picked up after delivery should be referred back to the dealer you purchased the vehicle from, this rust could easily of been hidden under the surface and only of appeared now. Regards. Elliott Drayton After Sales Manager 30 Manchester St Christchurch 8011 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laadeelaa 0 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 So sorry to hear that Marcus, I hope you can get it sorted. How long have you had the car/how long since the pre-purchase inspection? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 Just over 60 days Emily. Just gone up the ladder to BMW Group. Spoke to a Mark Metcalfe. We will see what happens. If money grew on trees I'd take it on the chin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmw.maniac 1 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 , this rust could easily of been hidden under the surface and only of appeared now. What an ass. Anyone who has life experience would know that rust is probably a few years old. Tell them they were negligent in carrying out the inspection, they'll love that word. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
laadeelaa 0 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 (edited) It does state that for a pre-purchase inspection that: Our inspection covers:.... Exterior inspect the vehicle chassis & panels for rust, dents, scratches & accident damage But, I have a bad feeling you'll have to fork out an pay for it to be fixed up yourself. Big companies always are able to riggle out of these type of situations, it's only natural to point the finger at someone else. Scumbags. Good luck with it. I really feel sorry for you. Edited November 22, 2009 by MS BM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DRTDVL 0 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 I had CIS do an inspection on my old 306 before i bought it. They missed, broken top engine mount, vac pods that control the variable intake system not working, seized rear caliper, and a couple other things... Costed me little over 1.5g in 2 months of ownership Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AN E30 Fan 1 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 Threaten to contact fair go or breakfast. They always squirm and buckle under the pressure, hopefully you will get this sorted Marcus. Keep us updated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 22, 2009 I'm not used to feeling sorry for myself..... so I'm not gonna start I'll give it a day or two and then keep the pressure on. Its not worth $600 for BMW to lose its reputation, they know it and so do I. Just a matter of applying the right amounts of pressure to the right spots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 BMW NZ reply: I have spoken to JG Christchurch regarding the rust on the tailgate window frame. As the inspection was carried out approximately 2 months ago, it is difficult to say if the rust was evident at the time of the inspection or not as it has only just come to your attention. Unfortunately the inspection does not guarantee that the vehicle will be free from faults and that it is a guide only, and therefore JG Christchurch are unable to assist with the rust repair. I do suggest that you contact the dealer that the car was purchased from and advise them of the situation and request their assistance in the rectification via your panel beater / painter in Hamilton . I hope that this is of help. And mine soon to go. I'm obviously disappointed with your reply but am not surprised. I expected BMW to acknowledge that they have omitted to check for rust. 4 panel beaters that I have been to for quotes unanimously agree that the rust is not 2 months old. They laughed at the suggestion that the rust spot was recent. I am no expert in vehicular rust so trust that their opinions must be true. As far as I'm concerned, Jeff Gray BMW was negligent in their pre-purchase inspection. Significant faults were not recognised and I probably would not have proceeded with the purchase. I quote from :http://www.consumer.org.nz/reports/car-buying-guide/5-steps-to-buying-a-car "But if you pay a specialist inspection service or your own garage or mechanic, they are required under the Consumer Guarantees Act to do the job to a reasonable standard according to your instructions. If they get it wrong, you can hold them liable for any losses you incur. A full pre-purchase inspection will cost up to $120: not much in the total cost of the car." I paid for an expert service at more than the usual AA $120 as BMW's can be idiosyncratic, but got only half the story. Spare me the inconvenience of a dispute tribunal and put it right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DRTDVL 0 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 The only thing i would suggest is get some written "expert" opinions as to how long the rust has been there and how evident it would have been 2 months ago, and provide that with and future correspondents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nobimmer 694 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 That is terrible service. Would have thought that BMW would have been a big enough company to not want to get a bad rep for a $600 repair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grant 4 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 Also, this is a very minor thing, never start a sentence with a number in its 'number' form (sentence two). Use the word Four instead. Good luck, I think that you deserve better than this. Cheers Grant Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Braeden320 0 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 Interested to hear Glenn's thoughts, Since your company does pre purchase inspections Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30plz 1 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 That's pretty unfair, you'd think they'd see their wrong doing and have it fixed. Odd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 (edited) Also, this is a very minor thing, never start a sentence with a number in its 'number' form (sentence two). Use the word Four instead. Good luck, I think that you deserve better than this. Cheers Grant Thanks Grant. Done. Edit: I've gone both ways and the car dealer is willing to chip in 50%. The poor attitude from BMW is driving my angst. I do like the way they have so politely extended their middle finger at me. I need to learn to do that too at work. Edited November 23, 2009 by lidistick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tcbaurpower 5 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 Their inspection was not up to standard and they should at least refund the fee. How much is a BMW check compared to the AA? I dont want to jinx the car but did they find any faults? Makes you second guess doesnt it. Good to see the dealer will cough up half. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lidistick 70 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 BMW charged $189incl GST. They said it was a good car and it probably still is. Had a radiator issue (replaced by dealer), rocker cover gasket oil leak (apparently fixed) and the infamous E39 cupholders (fixed). So the dealer has been fairly good. Those bits above arent' really a deal breaker for me but the rust definitely was. We'll see how this pans out. If they refunded me the inspection fee, and if the dealer came through with the 50%, then I'd be close to even and happy to call it quits. I'm just annoyed with their belligerent attitude so will go for broke as I've really got nothing to lose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 If JG BMW doesn't come to the party and continues to deny any responsibility I think as a community we (not as members of Bimmersport, but just as BMW enthusiasts) should correspond with JG BMW and express our concerns over the service you have received. And politely inform them that collectively we spend a large amount of money with them and have influence in the BMW enthusiast community that may adversely affect their business unless they see you right. A politely worded email would suffice I'm sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeddy 0 Report post Posted November 23, 2009 I like your thinking Mark. I spend a reasonable amount at JG BMW in Chch a year(approx $1500) and am in there fairly regularly and have always had very good service, often they would drop me off/pick me up from home/uni when I was getting a WOF. However I agree that in your situation they have treated you badly and have done an injustice to themselves in the way they have handled the situation. Let us know of any more news/updates you have with this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
