BMW are normally not associated with press regarding bad manufacture or customer service, but this week saw a BBC report on its TV programme watchdog that criticised some low profile wheels fitted on many models of BMW. Many BMW drivers have found themselves having to fork out for replacement wheels as cracks have appeared on these expensive allow low profile rims. To compound the issue when customers complained to BMW, they got little luck in terms of free replacements; they were informed that they must have driven over pot holes hard. The BMW drivers all denied this saying, that any driving was no more than the norm and they had never had any issues with this before with any other car. It was expressed that BMW do not have this issue in any other country and so believe it is the state of UK roads and heavy driving rather than the quality of the wheels. However BMW owners disagree stating that other cars do not have this issue and it must be a manufacturer’s defect.
No clear answer was delivered during the show as BMW have not yet backed down on the issue, the only course seems to be for all buyers to come together and go to BMW using a third party. There was one example where a BMW owner had taken BMW to court and had won.
This is unusual for BMW a company that prides itself in the joy of driving and building quality cars that last a long time, this programme may get people think twice about buying or leasing a new BMW in future.
BMW is a major player in the leasing market and many will want to know what the solution is when choosing a business car, it may be that Audi or Mercedes get the deal, unless it is sorted soon, there is currently nothing on the BMW website as a reply.
