[martind]

Hi All,

I purchased a BMW one series last November for approx £5K. Seller agreed not to come down on price as he wanted to change the timing chain (common problem as you may know). We believed they had done this, however, 2 weeks ago the timing chain snapped. Bill is approx £2700 as engine damaged etc. Warranty wont cover the initial £700 either as they say it is lifetime damage.

Trading standards say that the garage is liable, and they are delaying in finding the invoice etc. However, it sounds like we are on good ground to recover some/all of the costs.

However, they did say that the dealer has the option of taking the car back. As I need the car for work I have already authorised the repair.

Do you think the garage are now in a strong position to turn around and say "Well I'll have the car back", meaning I will have no choice but to keep it (as I have paid for the repair), or give them the car back minus £2700 for the repair bill. (If that makes sense).

Any thoughts appreciated.


Cheers,


Marty.

[Loony]

The garage needed to be given the chance to fix the car.

If you have taken it elsewhere and paid that’s your choice.
You may find it hard to get all if any money back in my view.

[wagolynn]

If they do take the car back, they will refund your purchase price.

You can then purchase a replacement.

[Loony]

Originally Posted by wagolynn

If they do take the car back, they will refund your purchase price.

You can then purchase a replacement.

Does not help with the £2700 already spent though.

Also the dealer due to the time owned could be entitled to offer less than the purchase price back as owned and used for 3 or 4 months.

[martind]

Thanks for the feedback all.

Just to note the warranty company specified the garage to use. Only thing we did wrong (apart from the other more obvious stuff) was to authorise the work.

But thanks again.

[Loony]

Originally Posted by martind

Thanks for the feedback all.

Just to note the warranty company specified the garage to use. Only thing we did wrong (apart from the other more obvious stuff) was to authorise the work.

But thanks again.

If the warranty company are covering £2000 out of the £2700 bill and that puts you in a situation where the car is back up and running,I would probably just accept it

Has the dealer been approached or commented on covering the shortfall?

[Henry90]

Timing chain issue is a common headache. I hope trading standards can help recover the shortfall from the dealer.
In case dealer refuses then keep in mind, you can source replacement engines in reasonable prices. Sites like Engine Finders are good to check the prices on used or reconditioned engines.