In late November 2013, I purchased a BMW 320d Touring from a small dealer. The car was registered in ‘08 and had been a lease car which had completed 96000 miles. It had a full service record – with every service carried out by BMW main dealers – and appeared in excellent condition.

In early January, the car developed a serious fault and, after it was examined by the local BMW specialists, I was informed that the timing chain had jumped, causing irreparable damage, and that the car needed a new engine – at a staggering cost of £8,500.

I was informed that this was a ‘common fault’ and had, in fact, been aired on the BBC Watchdog programme. I was also told that BMW had, in similar circumstances in the past, offered a good-will payment or even paid for the replacement engine. In this instance, BMW have refused to pay anything.

I have spoken to Trading Standards (who mentioned you as a useful source of advice!) and I am in contact with the dealer, having informed him that I intend to claim recompense from him.

This is a five year old car which admittedly has done a lot of miles, but which should have been expected to last considerably longer. Surely, if this is a ‘common fault’, then BMW ought to take some responsibility? As things stand, I am in a situation where to put the car right would cost more than I actually paid for it.

Please could you give us some advice on how we should proceed?