I have a BMW 323 E46 which I took into the BMW dealer yesterday before the BMW extended warranty runs out. I bought the warranty when I purchased the car 3 years ago from the BM dealer.
The dealer called yesterday stating that the car required a coolant and brake fluid change, these however were done only last year by the dealer !!. They also stated that the water pump required changing which would be done on warranty. This morning they phoned back saying that the suspension bushes had deteriorated so badly that the car was not safe to drive,and would not be under warranty. How long do these last, as they were changed 2 years ago (approx 18K miles) ? Also I am suprised that they were not spotted by another BMW dealer during the MOT done less than a month ago (40 miles). When I purchased the extended warranty 3 yrs ago there was nothing about excluding the suspension. I would appreciate your advice on this matter ? I don't want to pay many 100's of pounds to the dealer.
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The brake fluid only needs changing when the car tells you via the service indicator on start up - otherwise a press of the left hand button in the cluster will show you the date. IIRC it's a two year interval. I was rushed for Coolant change on SWMBO's MINI. This didn't worry me unduely as the car is a high mileage 5 year old and was probably due.
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Brake fluid and coolant should be fine if done a year ago.
If the waterpump is being done on warranty they should drain and refill the system FOC anyway. In 'extremis' offer to pay the cost of the antifreeze (not more than £20) - but not the labour (that will be part of the W/P job).
Suspension bushes are a bit of a weak spot on these motors. Get it in writing that they are deteriorated and not safe to drive. Then make a complaint to VOSA office that the car was passed by MoT station when in this condition. Let both BMW garages know you are doing this (after the event) - that should winkle out the truth of the matter.
Then get bushes replaced (if necessary) by independent repair 'shop.
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Aprilia. Thank you for your advice.
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I agree with Aprilia,
I have this exact model BMW:
Coolant change is every 4 years
Brake fluid every 2 years
Suspension bushes are a known early(??) failure item (see HJ Car by Car) - requires complete new wishbones. although mine lasted until 105K and repacements still ok at 155K. Mine WERE covered by the BMW warranty, if you have the BMW Approved used car warranty it should (it always used to anyway) include MOT insurance and a failure of these bushes should be a MOT failure and hence under (MOT) warranty. It might be worth checking your policy and maybe taking the car away and putting it through another MOT at a different BMW dealer and claiming replacement under the MOT insurance clause in the warranty. If it passes the MOT (again) you have to question if they really need doing.
In my experience (shared by many) BMW dealers are well known for saying that parts are worn/dangerous when in fact they are perfectly servicable - as said find a good independent BMW specialist.
This site (look for the section "Good Garage Guide") lists many good BMW repair garages and is sorted by region - could be that there is a local indy near you.
www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html
Good luck!
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BMW E46 bushes are a known weak point and BMW have issued a TSB
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MIne were replaced foc under warrany with less than 12k on the clock.
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The actual rubber bush is available separately from the wishbone as well and are available from dealers
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