[simont]

I bought my first BMW (a used 335i M sport Touring) from a Sytner dealer 3.5 weeks ago under the AUC scheme. Had a more closer look at the car after returning home and noted that the bottom lip of the front spoiler bents downwards/distorted in the middle about 8 inches across (see picture).

You can only see it if you deliberately bend down and look at the car head on from a disrance of 8 ft or more. To be honest I did not notice it nor made awared of it during the handover, and the car does looks great otherwise, as described by the salesman, there is even no stone chip and all wheels are unmarked (apart from the slow puncture on the front passenger tyre which I have sought advice via another thread).

The salesman told me during the handover that he will be on extended leave and I have emailed the used car sales manager with the pictures last week which I am assured that he will be in contact by the end of this week.

The distortion is slight and it does not seem to have an impact on driving, however If this should have been picked up and made good as part of the AUC preparation, then I would like to have it rectified.

Do you think I have a case? I have no idea about how stringent the AUC is, its terms and conditions of AUC, or how best to go about getting this sorted. Or I should just live with it. Opinions appreciated.

[creepy coupe]

Did you inform Sytner straight away and back it up with a photo?


Having sold a car to Sytner, Porsche not a BMW, I can say they are very thorough and tried to knock me on every slight detail, so I would expect the same if I were buying.

In fact I bought my 335i from Sytner High Wycombe and the salesman Daniel Lingwood sorted everything I asked, rusty hubs, kerbed rims.

How about picking up the phone, I know it's old fashioned and all that

[toxicnerve]

Looks to me like someone, while parking up, has gone too far forward. They've scraped the bottom of the front bumper going forwards then reversing back off they've caught the back of it. That's what has distorted it. It happened to mine (not me driving).

Question is, will the dealer take your word for it that it you didnt do it??? Either way, the scratches that can clearly be seen on the bottom of that bumper are unacceptable...but they look quite fresh...are you sure you've not just face up too close to a bumper when parking (or anyone else that drives the car)??

[simont]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Did you inform Sytner straight away and back it up with a photo?

I did emailed the saleman the following day (and back up with a photos dyuring the same weekend) after I drove the car from Sytner Solihull back to London. The first time I saw the car in the flesh was during the handover.

In fact I bought my 335i from Sytner High Wycombe and the salesman Daniel Lingwood sorted everything I asked, rusty hubs, kerbed rims.

How about picking up the phone, I know it's old fashioned and all that

I did called several times since last week and left messages but with the salesman not returning soon and the Sales manager not around, I can only wait for the Sales manager to come back to me. I also noticed the rusty hubs (to varying degrees) but thought it was normal - did Sytner High Wycombe repainted or replaced them all?

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

Looks to me like someone, while parking up, has gone too far forward. They've scraped the bottom of the front bumper going forwards then reversing back off they've caught the back of it. That's what has distorted it. It happened to mine (not me driving).

Sounds like a realistic scenario and if so a cosmetic blemish.

Question is, will the dealer take your word for it that it you didnt do it??? Either way, the scratches that can clearly be seen on the bottom of that bumper are unacceptable...but they look quite fresh...are you sure you've not just face up too close to a bumper when parking (or anyone else that drives the car)??

That's the $64k question - it would be my word against the salesman/dealer. It definitely did not happened since I took ownership and so far I am the only one driving. Would you get it done privately if the dealer refuse to make good?

[creepy coupe]

The rubbed them down and painted/coated them and so far (10 months later) still good.

The wheels were refurbed to a very high standard.

Which dealer did you buy from?

[simont]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

The rubbed them down and painted/coated them and so far (10 months later) still good.

The wheels were refurbed to a very high standard.

Which dealer did you buy from?

Bought from Sytner Solihull

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by simont

Bought from Sytner Solihull

Sorry Simont, I don't know anyone there.

[rogerxp]

I'd drop Anneka at Sytner a pm for her input. Her details are all over this site - most obvious I found was in the main forum where there is a sticky started by her. She'll know people everywhere but at least will tell you what position you're in.

[rogerxp]

[simont]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Sorry Simont, I don't know anyone there.

Creepy coupe, thanks anyway.

Originally Posted by rogerxp

I'd drop Anneka at Sytner a pm for her input. Her details are all over this site - most obvious I found was in the main forum where there is a sticky started by her. She'll know people everywhere but at least will tell you what position you're in.

Rogerxp, thanks, will do.

[simont]

An update: During the past month I have been communicating with Sytner Solihull from where I bought the car recently to resolve the bent bumper issue, which I discovered a few days after I got the car home, including a visit to Sytner Haroldwood for a quotation of the replacement of the bumper (apparently repair was not possible).

Today I received a call from the dealer principal, who apologised for the delay in the resolution of the issue, as well as for the oversight in failing to pick this up and rectify it during the AUC preparation, before the handover.

I accepted his offer of sending me a cheque today to cover the cost of extending the AUC warranty for another year, which I think is a good result all round.

I've now booked the car in with a competent bodyshop who is confident that a localised repair will be just as satisfactory, with big savings over the replacement bumper option.

Many thanks to Anneka @ Styner in escalating the issue and bring closure to the matter.

[matt@stratford]

Originally Posted by simont

An update: During the past month I have been communicating with Sytner Solihull from where I bought the car recently to resolve the bent bumper issue, which I discovered a few days after I got the car home, including a visit to Sytner Haroldwood for a quotation of the replacement of the bumper (apparently repair was not possible).

Today I received a call from the dealer principal, who apologised for the delay in the resolution of the issue, as well as for the oversight in failing to pick this up and rectify it during the AUC preparation, before the handover.

I accepted his offer of sending me a cheque today to cover the cost of extending the AUC warranty for another year, which I think is a good result all round.

I've now booked the car in with a competent bodyshop who is confident that a localised repair will be just as satisfactory, with big savings over the replacement bumper option.

Many thanks to Anneka @ Styner in escalating the issue and bring closure to the matter.

Good result.

I've had two cars from Sytner Solihull and found them very good.

Matt

[Anneka @ Sytner]

Simon, you may be the most patient man in all the world. Thank you for putting up with us. Should you ever need anything I will always be delighted to assist, best of luck with the repair and let us know how you get on.