BMW warranty - what's my chances?

[AndyW]

Lots of discussion on the forum re various issues, some major, that owners have experienced with their bikes. On the whole it seems that Dealers/BMW Warranty have done the decent thing..........but am I asking too much?!

Jeff Lynn, Customer Services Manager Recorded Delivery
BMW Warranty Services
Europa House
Bartley Way
Hook
Hants
RG27 9UF

Tuesday, 03 July 2007


Dear Mr Lynn,

Motorcycle Warranty – R1200GS Registration XXXX XXX
Vehicle ID – XX XXXXX

I am writing to you with a somewhat unusual request due to the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen me. I would like you to extend the Warranty period for my R1200GS motorcycle by a further period of 12 months with effect from the expiry of the current cover.

I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident more than 12 months ago now (22nd June 2006), fortunately not on the GS, as a result of which I sustained severe injuries to my left leg that have prevented me from riding since that date. High energy fractures to my Tibia have only recently started to mend following the last set of adjustments to the external fixator (Taylor Spatial Frame) supporting the fractured bone. I am confident that CT Scans due soon will show complete healing and hope to be riding again within the next 6 to 8 weeks.

My GS has unusually low mileage for a bike in use for a period of around 11 months let alone one that is nearly 2 years old. Over the 11 months or so it was in use just 3984 miles have been recorded in total since new i.e. over the two year Warranty period and none at all for more than 12 months now (the bike has been ‘laid up’/stored and maintained during this time in accordance with guidance from BMW/my BMW Dealer).
My concern is that I will not be able to cover the sort of mileage that would be expected of a bike within the Warranty period until the third year of ownership and after the Warranty cover has expired. This is of particular concern to me as I am aware of a number of major issues affecting a small number of GS’s (Final Drive, Gearbox, Clutch, Electrical Systems etc). I am a member of a number of motorcycle related organisations and Internet forums and so consider myself well versed in the potential issues that could arise.

In summary, I am asking that you agree to extend the Warranty cover for 12 months in effect affording me the cover that may have been relied upon if the bike had been in use over the last 12 months.

My GS is in immaculate order/condition and has been serviced by BMW Dealers over and above the recommended service schedule. Additionally I have maintained the bike in what can only be described as a fastidious manner, no expense ever spared and the bike kept in what amounts to showroom condition (or better!).

I love the GS, in many ways it is the best motorcycle that I have ever owned and I am very likely to buy another in the future as I cannot think of a better all round bike.
However there has been a quality problem evident with some bikes, the reported faults are not random and it is plain to see that there is a set of commonly recurring problems. Please provide me the reassurance I need by way of extending the Warranty cover so that I may remain a happy and satisfied BMW customer.

Thank you in advance, I look forward to hearing back from you.

Yours faithfully,
AndyW


Additional information:

• Local BMW Dealership – Bristol Motorrad. Contact Mike Goodman (Tel 0117 971 1447)
• Photographs - Leg injuries:
• http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m74/andyw9999/Leg_Injury/
• I can provide copies of Medical certificates or other documentation evidencing my ‘condition’
• I am happy for a representative of BMW to call and view my GS at any time should you require

..........so what d'ya think?

 

[forry]

Not a hope in hell

..

 

[GSmonkey]

..........should have asked them for a set of tyres as well !!!

No fekkin chance and no basis for the claim.

 

[LiquidLAN]

Don't ask, don't get...

but don't hold your breath

 

[terayon]

Don't ask, don't get...

but don't hold your breath

You never know Andy, their PR support might look at it and give a big thumbs up, so long as they can get some publicity

 

[AndyW]

..........should have asked them for a set of tyres as well !!!

No fekkin chance and no basis for the claim.

Never any pretence of there being a 'basis' for a claim - I don't feel I'm owed anything or have any entitlement, just thought it worth a try to see if as a gesture of good will (or even out of sympathy LOL) they'd help me out.

I've not worked for over 12 months now managing to get by on Income Support/Disability Living Allowance and slowly but surely eating into our savings (after the insurance money for the Mastiff was spent ) - so, £600 for another years cover is out of the question. As for covering the cost of a new final drive or some other uber expensive parts in the next 12 months should I be unlucky enough to have one of the few rogue bikes.......no hope

One option if the insecurity of having no Warranty really gets to me may just have to be to sell up and go mainstream Japanese again.......a shame after I've held on to the bike sat in the garage for more than 12 months now.

Hope that makes the background to my letter clearer

Don't ask, don't get...

but don't hold your breath

............exactly

You never know Andy, their PR support might look at it and give a big thumbs up, so long as they can get some publicity

.........and I have a little experience Did you see the newsaper articles following my going to the local press to put pressure on my PCT to fund the BMP treatment I needed to save my leg

 

[Catweasel]

Lots of discussion on the forum re various issues, some major, that owners have experienced with their bikes. On the whole it seems that Dealers/BMW Warranty have done the decent thing..........but am I asking too much?!




..........so what d'ya think?

They agreed to give me 50% off the price of etending my waranty for a year as a good will gesture last week.This was because of the fact my bike has spent a total of 7 weeks in at the dealers on 3 ocasions since October.I know the circumstances are different but its got to be worth a try. Remember, its the squeeking gate that gets the oil!

Good luck and I hope da leg is mended fine.

 

[terayon]

Andy, sometimes they need a little prodding, and reminding that we are not just numbers, we are very often a loyal customer base, and sometimes the loyalty needs a reward to the individuals.
And as said "if you don't ask, you don't get"

Hope it all goes well for you, keep us updated

 

[bustupbiker]

good luck that man
If not Warranty Works £253.57p.

 

[Andrew Lodge]

Good luck and I see where you are coming from but I wouldn't be holding my breath.

 

[Yonkyo]

I'm glad that you are well on the mend Andy.

Good luck with your request to Mike Goodman at Bristol Motorrad.

I've bought 3 GS's from them over the years and (touches wood) I’ve always had great service. Especially with regards to any warrantee issues.

 

[Eng]

BMW WARRANTY

Hi Andy,
good luck with your request, it seems reasonable enough. I think that to cater for low mileage users, the warranty should be based on total mileage after the time period has expired; lets say two years unlimited mileage or up to 20,000 miles with no time limit. This would allow time for the problems of seals etc to develop. It is a concern of mine, that if I only manage a couple of thousand miles a year, that the warranty will expire and I will be left with future problems?! In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy riding this excellent bike! weather permitting!!
Regards
Andy B

 

[AndyW]

Thanks - unfortunately it won't be Mike making any decision

Thanks everyone for your comments.........keep 'em coming, or if you don't want to comment just vote in the Poll

 

[Yoda]

What they might be prepared to do is to give you a "Used bike warranty". AFAIK this covers the bike, but not all the recovery/accommodation facilities of the initial warranty.

When I took the '06 GS on a three year lease last year, the dealer agreed to underwrite a 3rd year warranty on the terms above.

As you say, if you don't ask, you'll never know.....

 

[AndyW]

Thanks for mentioning that Yoda, hadn't thought of used bike cover - combined with the breakdown recovery I get with my insurance that would be ok.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Extended warranties

"When I took the '06 GS on a three year lease last year, the dealer agreed to underwrite a 3rd year warranty on the terms above." In France a bike purchased on HP can have (or possibly may HAVE to have) a three year guarantee - but that extra cost is of course 'hidden' in the charges.
If you feel you 'need' an extended warranty you can try www.warrantydirect.co.uk who advertise in the BMW club journal.
Personally, when i reached the end of my two year warranty period i asked my dealer's advice; He 'hopped' on the bike and 15 minutes later came back and said 'don't worry' and that was the end of the matter. (Third year almost up)

 

[AndyW]

Thanks Brian....I'd be interested to hear what experiences people have had of 'third party' cover by companies like WarrantyDirect. Their online quoting system covers cars only! Possibly out dated info now but in years gone by these policies were not very well regarded to say the least.


How many miles had your bike done at the end of two years?.........with so few miles on the clock I don't think a test ride by even the most expert of technicians would reveal much about my GS.

Thanks for chipping in

(PS: you should have mail tomorrow )

 

[Psycho]

good luck that man
If not Warranty Works £253.57p.

2 years £407 92 havnt claimed yet but only took out last month piece of mind

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Not worth the paper...

Andy

Glad to hear that the leg is getting better and how much are you gong to miss that cage round your leg????

Having worked for a major truck manufacturer for 8 years, we used 3rd party warranties and to be perfectly blunt and honest, they are not worth the paper they are written on. They have no loyalty to you and will find any excuse NOT to pay out because it`s not in their interest to do so. Their speil is very good and generally it all looks good on the surface but when it comes to claim time......smallprint, excuses, non compliant servicing schedules, mileage etc all come into play. Their best one to avoid paying out, and one that is tough to argue with on most occasions, is the wear and tear issue.

I would check on claims made by anyone who has one of these warranties but my advice would be to keep on with the BMW route. You may find they are receptive to your request because it is made in a reasonable and non demanding way and it may be good PR.

Certainley, the truck company I worked for would always listen and make a decision based on the customer, his attitude and claim history.

Best of luck and would be good to know what happens

Chris

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Dealers and waranties

"How many miles had your bike done at the end of two years?.........with so few miles on the clock I don't think a test ride by even the most expert of technicians would reveal much about my GS."
I had only done about 6,000 miles in two years but the bike had been in almost daily use and the terrain, although not 'off- road' is pretty rugged. Now I am nearing the end of the third year and,(dare I say it as I approach 15,000 kms?) it feels smoother than ever - probably just about run in.
The main point about the dealer's test ride is that it reinforces our relationship. I cannot imagine that he would not give me a fair deal should anything go wrong.
On the subject of warranties, I notice that some car manufacturers offer three, five or (i think) even seven year guarantees now at no extra cost. I must say that my humble Ford Focus, now in its seventh year, but only 50,000 miles ,has had no faults at all that could have been repaired under guaratee,had I had one!