review BMW Motorplan is not all what it is cracked up to be.

[Spunky]

I have given up trying to get compensation from BMW SA including approaching the Motor Industries Ombudsman (MOISA), but as the saying goes “he who pays the piper”. I wanted BMW SA to pay the below repair bill and extend the warranty on engine oil related faults to 60 000km.

I now feel obligated to warn other BMW consumers of the pitfalls of the Motorplan. which is not “free” but built into the sticker price but limits your choice to do proper maintenance.

I bought the car at the end of 2019 with 32 000km on the clock and until December 2021 remaining on the warranty/Motorplan. The car was inspected by BMW so the Motorplan could be transferred to my name. During that inspection and undisclosed to me until now, the valvetronic cam was replaced at a cost of R39000 to the Motorplan. Had I had known this, I would not have bought the car, I would have asked for the full-service record and would have seen the below oil change history.

The car has been fully serviced since then either under Motorplan and by BMW agents, in fact it has had 3 oil changes between 32 000km and now at 37 000km.

Now out of warranty/Motorplan and at only 37 000km, the car developed an oil leak from the turbo. BMW wanted to charge an estimated R77000 to fix this as they replace the entire turbo and exhaust manifold and do not sell sub-parts such as the Centre Housing Rotation Assembly (CHRA- the part that was worn out)

I took the car to a performance workshop, and they removed the CHRA and sent it to a turbo specialist who produced a report with photos showing that the leak and play in the turbo was due to carbon clogging from a too long service interval. This was repaired for R16635 including a new CHRA

I reviewed the service record in detail and to my horror found out that the first service was only done at 28 300km and I only then saw that the valvetronic cam was replaced during the change of ownership. Both these failures are well documented on BMW N55 engines on websites and Youtube and are due to carbon clogging small oil galleries and slinger grooves due to too long service intervals.

Ask any turbo specialist and they will tell you that doing any oil change at 28300km, let alone the first service, is not only negligent but borders on criminal. BMW defend this by saying the Condition Based Service (CBS) allows changes up to 30000km, as if CBS is God and must be obeyed! Any other manufacturer would void your warranty if you exceeded 15000km on a normal engine, never mind a turbo. Even BMW Service Managers, off the record, say BMW is exceeding acceptable limits but will not permit them to deviate.

This is due to BMW skimping on doing oil changes, as with Motorplan, this comes off BMW SA own bottom line and will only come back to bite the consumer with heavy repair bills after warranty, adding a second bite of the cherry for BMW profits.

A great business practice, if you can get away with it, that appears to be condoned by MIOSA, who say that although the damage may have been done in the first 18 months, now that the car is out of warranty their hands are tied.

So, my advice to anyone who buys a BMW and intends keeping it beyond 5 years- DON’T!!! Now I know why BMW values plummet when the Motorplan expires. This will get worse as people realise a Motorplan is optimised to get to 5 years at the lowest cost to BMW, then all bets are off.

 

[TurboLlew]

I have never been stopped from doing an oil change on my F10 (past 170000km and 12 years old with new owner) or F90 M5 (“only” 52000 kms). Neither has anybody else on here. You just have to pay for it cash which is cheap vs whatever may break down the line. I feel like everyone who plans to keep any car beyond the warranty period knows this by now.

You have to check history on any vehicle for sale. You can’t really trust any dealer. This sounds like the issue began with sales covering up issues rather than servicing itself.

You did 5000km in 5 years in it? This exacerbates many issues. That said even with a 30000km oil change and subsequent changes you should not have a broken turbo.

Also MIOSA (if I am understanding your post) was never going to approve bmw paying your bill from another workshop and giving you a factory warranty on that… I am assuming you had already gone the report route before approaching onbudaman. The person who did the work should warrant it. Or else you’re in for another can of worms.

Either way also have your brake fluid, coolant and gearbox fluids changed out for age. This is reality for pickled cars/garage queens. I have one too. Rinse and repeat for various rubber things and hoses even if the car is “Low mileage”. It’s still old.

 

[Spunky]

I have never been stopped from doing an oil change on my F10 (past 170000km and 12 years old with new owner) or F90 M5 (“only” 52000 kms). Neither has anybody else on here. You just have to pay for it cash which is cheap vs whatever may break down the line. I feel like everyone who plans to keep any car beyond the warranty period knows this by now.

You have to check history on any vehicle for sale. You can’t really trust any dealer. This sounds like the issue began with sales covering up issues rather than servicing itself.

You did 5000km in 5 years in it? This exacerbates many issues. That said even with a 30000km oil change and subsequent changes you should not have a broken turbo.

Also MIOSA (if I am understanding your post) was never going to approve bmw paying your bill from another workshop and giving you a factory warranty on that… I am assuming you had already gone the report route before approaching onbudaman. The person who did the work should warrant it. Or else you’re in for another can of worms.

Either way also have your brake fluid, coolant and gearbox fluids changed out for age. This is reality for pickled cars/garage queens. I have one too. Rinse and repeat for various rubber things and hoses even if the car is “Low mileage”. It’s still old.

Yes, What use is a Motorplan if you then pay for your own services?? My point is that you would be better off getting a reduced sales price without a Motorplan and pay for services when they sanely should be done.

I naively thought that BMW would do proper servicing and accepted the car and FSH on face value. I am not expecting a warranty on the turbo, but on other oil related faults caused by carbon clogging- tappets, chain tensioners, vanos actuators, etc.

 

[TurboLlew]

Yes, What use is a Motorplan if you then pay for your own services?? My point is that you would be better off getting a reduced sales price without a Motorplan and pay for services when they sanely should be done.

I naively thought that BMW would do proper servicing and accepted the car and FSH on face value. I am not expecting a warranty on the turbo, but on other oil related faults caused by carbon clogging- tappets, chain tensioners, vanos actuators, etc.

No. The sales price variation is minimal. The cost that BMW plan is a no brainer for me to even extend when it comes to what is covered. An extra 8k over the initial period is nothing.

 

[Spunky]

No. The sales price variation is minimal. The cost that BMW plan is a no brainer for me to even extend when it comes to what is covered. An extra 8k over the initial period is nothing.

???? Motorplan quotes are RK25-30 per year

 

[VinceM]

So, my advice to anyone who buys a BMW and intends keeping it beyond 5 years- DON’T!!! Now I know why BMW values plummet when the Motorplan expires.

So sorry man, sounds like its your first bmw, which probably tainted your view of the brand. I doubt anyone here will take your advise to heart…lots of people on here have BMW ownership beyond 5 years, with Benji buying a 500k kms and not having wild issues.

Each case is unique, I think the learning from your case for us is to check oil changes records extra carefully when buying, irrespective of mileage, one should not take a low mileage car for granted as perfect.

I think, take it as school fees, as painful as it is.


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[TurboLlew]

???? Motorplan quotes are RK25-30 per year

M intervals are 20000km. You add a service in cash for R2-2500 at 10000km mid points… if required since it’s usually annuals for me. In the 5 years for me I am not really gonna get to 100000km… same as your usage. Either way that is the extra I am talking about. I extend plan by time for R24700 for a year at my last one. No brainer while you can have it given what some unplanned things could cost.

They are not going to drop the price of the car by R300k if you don’t take motorplan.

 

[TurboLlew]

So sorry man, sounds like its your first bmw, which probably tainted your view of the brand. I doubt anyone here will take your advise to heart…lots of people on here have BMW ownership beyond 5 years, with Benji buying a 500k kms and not having wild issues.

Each case is unique, I think the learning from your case for us is to check oil changes records extra carefully when buying, irrespective of mileage, one should not take a low mileage car for granted as perfect.

I think, take it as school fees, as painful as it is.


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Agree. The focus should be on checking the rest of it out and switching to annual (and time based) servicing that makes sense to keep a low mileage n55 going. There can’t be many low milers around.

 

[Spunky]

Yes, last Bavarian Motor Wreckers for me.
I cannot bring myself to trust the engineering or judgement of anyone who would leave oil for 30 000km

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

BMW service intervals are crazy yes. On my car its 20 000km.
I bought the car on 92 000km, its now on 109000km and is booked for its 3rd service next Tuesday. I serviced it at 94 000km, again at 101000km and again next week. As I know their crazy intervals I have had the car thoroughly checked for any sludge, done a gearbox service as well.
With my ex E90, I bought it with a lot of plan. Had BMW do their intervals and paid out of pocket for the interim services. Sold the car on 90 000km and its still running with over 250 000km on the clock.
In short what I am saying is we know this, so rather do the cheaper option and pay for interim services than expensive repairs after your plan expires.

 

[MR_Y]

Yes, last Bavarian Motor Wreckers for me.
I cannot bring myself to trust the engineering or judgement of anyone who would leave oil for 30 000km

The other European car makers are also none the better.

Seems that you are looking for hassle free 100% stress free motoring maintenance that requires no intervention on the part of the driver/owner, and full reliance on the manufacturer/dealership. In that case, Toyota has you covered They have 10,000km intervals on their diesels.

Not being facetious, the majority of people fall into your requirements category and it is evident why Toyota is number 1. German or European car ownership means taking extra steps to ensure "everything goes right"...

 

[YozTruly]

Sorry OP! These things are never nice.

You are conflating issues though. You are a victim of “don’t ask, don’t tell” by the salesman. This will happen wherever you go next. A second hand car salesman will not volunteer information that could jeopardise a sale. Take this as a R16k lesson to do your due diligence next time before you buy a second hand car (no matter the brand).

BMW motorplan is not at fault here. Your warranty had expired and so they had no obligation to fix your car under said motorplan - this is why they have a km and time limit else they could be stuck having to fix my great grandfathers car in his barn. They could have still done so though as a gesture of goodwill bit I guess they had none to give this time around.

I hope you find a brand that meets your expectations (and assumptions) going forward.

What car is this?

 

[General.Massacre]

Yes, last Bavarian Motor Wreckers for me.
I cannot bring myself to trust the engineering or judgement of anyone who would leave oil for 30 000km

I think you're being overly critical to be very honest.
As said above, the motorplan is designed for a certain time/mileage limit, and whichever comes first.

BMW doesnt take into account "common issues" found on forums, youtube, and work them into the motorplan, just because a Fanatic shows that "But its widely known that N54 motors suffer Wastegate rattle, please t=replace my turbos", if thats what you're eluding to, then my friend, you're sh!t outta luck.
in the USA, there are special warranty extensions, such as S63 motor Injectors as an example. but this is specifically for the USA market, and will not be honored here.

Im sorry but you'll find very few members here taking your side and boycotting the brand purely because your due diligence was not carried out.
My, and most of the members here will tell you that when looking to buy, regardless of the brand, do your research, check vehicle history, do initial research, then decide if what you're after is truly what you looking for.
Is what you want worth the risk? if not, walk away, if it is, then move forward, and keep on top of maintenance.
As above, Dealer service intervals are trash, 5 000 - 10 000km should be adhered to, depending how you drive.
if you have motorplan, then a cash oil service or two in between plan services will keep you peace of mind, and not break the bank.

All the best to you.

 

[kingr]

I am not expecting a warranty on the turbo, but on other oil related faults caused by carbon clogging- tappets, chain tensioners, vanos actuators, etc.

that expectation is a bit naive, carbon build-up is a characteristic/consequence of direct injection engines. nobody will warrant parts against carbon buildup. Btw, you will find carbon build-up close to exhaust gasses like the turbo, not oil-sealed parts like the ones you listed.

 

[TurboLlew]

Car has low enough miles that you can use port injection or a meth kit to avoid it.

Other euro brands as Mr Y says are all going to be the same or worse.

 

[Spunky]

The other European car makers are also none the better.

Seems that you are looking for hassle free 100% stress free motoring maintenance that requires no intervention on the part of the driver/owner, and full reliance on the manufacturer/dealership. In that case, Toyota has you covered They have 10,000km intervals on their diesels.

Not being facetious, the majority of people fall into your requirements category and it is evident why Toyota is number 1. German or European car ownership means taking extra steps to ensure "everything goes right"...

 

[Spunky]

Is that not the raison d'etre and whole proposition of the Motorplan?? even if apparently erroneous, the promises you 5 years of worry free motoring.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Is that not the raison d'etre and whole proposition of the Motorplan?? even if apparently erroneous, the promises you 5 years of worry free motoring.

I look at it this way. MP covers what it does. I wanted extra piece of mind so I did what was needed to ensure the longevity of my car. Car is now out of plan and tuned and I am still very happy.
For reference a friend with his A4 had the car go in for injector issues while under freeway plan. They cleaned them and put it back, no new or refurbished injectors under freeway plan. There is no evidence his cambelt was done. I told him that since he intends to keep the car to just to do the cambelt service since its now out of plan and he done his interim services as well. Its cheaper than going to Audi expecting a goodwill repair if something goes wrong out of plan.
I hope I don't offend you but if you solely want to rely on MP then sell once out of plan and buy one in plan again. This as said goes for most manufacturers.

 

[Spunky]

that expectation is a bit naive, carbon build-up is a characteristic/consequence of direct injection engines. nobody will warrant parts against carbon buildup. Btw, you will find carbon build-up close to exhaust gasses like the turbo, not oil-sealed parts like the ones you listed.

My,My . BMW owners expectations are very low, it seems that carbon build up and engine damage at 28000km is acceptable. Not surprising BMW feels able to take advantage of its customers.

I look at it this way. MP covers what it does. I wanted extra piece of mind so I did what was needed to ensure the longevity of my car. Car is now out of plan and tuned and I am still very happy.
For reference a friend with his A4 had the car go in for injector issues while under freeway plan. They cleaned them and put it back, no new or refurbished injectors under freeway plan. There is no evidence his cambelt was done. I told him that since he intends to keep the car to just to do the cambelt service since its now out of plan and he done his interim services as well. Its cheaper than going to Audi expecting a goodwill repair if something goes wrong out of plan.
I hope I don't offend you but if you solely want to rely on MP then sell once out of plan and buy one in plan again. This as said goes for most manufacturers.

Not offended, but the damage was done "in plan" at a tender age of 18months old!

 

[VinceM]

My uncle dabbled with Merc for two to three years. He has more horrific stories.

He went back to Toyota, he is happier.

Perhaps get a Toyota.


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