2011 BMW 128i Lemon Law

[ski747]

Hey Everyone,

First I want to say I love my 2011 BMW 128i. Unfortunately it has been a thorn in my side. I would like to see what opinions and advice anyone has in regards to it being repurchased/replaced. I bought the car in October of 2010 and have about 8000 miles on it. It has been to the shop what is now the 6th repair attempt for a terrible popping noise that comes from the dash and the a-pillar. It pops about 3 to 4 times everyday on each side and sounds like someone is throwing rocks at the car ( can feel it through the steering wheel also). The popping is so loud you can hear it over the AC and radio combined. I sent a certified letter to BMW NA and to the Texas DMV as stated for the Lemon Law about 2 weeks ago. It is now at the BMW dealership and a Rep. came down to take a look at the car. I have a loaner now but my question is where does it go from here? I was very thorough in my documentation and logging of the issue. Under Texas Lemon Law they have what is called a final repair attempt, but since it has already been attempted 6 times prior, do you think BMW will try again for a 7th? When I dropped it off for the inspection by the BMW Rep, the shop foreman stated I was wrong and that every BMW pops like that, even $100,000 BMW's. I stated he was incorrect and that I have had a 328i and even drove another 128i for a week and it never made the same sound. He stated I was wasting time and that he knows the car inside and out. He actually got upset and the Service Manager had to interrupt him to state he was in the wrong and he made a scene. I immediately called my BMW Rep I have been working with and he stated he called the dealer personally and sent an email to his marketing manager. Also, the dealer ruined my leather and plastic molding on the 5th repair visit and is having to pay out of pocket to fix it. Needless to say I have not had luck with the dealer. My point being with the 6 repair attempts and each receipt showing acknowledgement of the problem, plus the damage and shop foreman incident, is BMW really going to make me sit through another repair, drive the car again or make this right? Thoughts? I stated to the BMW Rep that the auto industry is very cut throat industry and this being my first BMW why would I have to go through this?? I spoke to the Service Manager today and he stated he has to speak with all parties involved before a decision is made. I am hoping they do not offer another 128i as my impression is soured after this experience. Thanks.

[Greenkirby21]

This is long to read xD.

But as far as I am aware, everyone has that popping noise. I have it all the time. I just learned to deal with it.

[Kamal]

I've seen threads about this sound quite often, but I've never heard it in my own car, maybe I haven't had it long enough and I'll start hearing it this summer... either way, cars shouldn't make sounds like this, and I think you have every right to lemon the car. I bet BMW will try to make every attempt to get rid of the sound or muffle it somehow.

[KinoBoom]

Originally Posted by ski747

Hey Everyone,

First I want to say I love my 2011 BMW 128i. Unfortunately it has been a thorn in my side. I would like to see what opinions and advice anyone has in regards to it being repurchased/replaced. I bought the car in October of 2010 and have about 8000 miles on it. It has been to the shop what is now the 6th repair attempt for a terrible popping noise that comes from the dash and the a-pillar. It pops about 3 to 4 times everyday on each side and sounds like someone is throwing rocks at the car ( can feel it through the steering wheel also). The popping is so loud you can hear it over the AC and radio combined. I sent a certified letter to BMW NA and to the Texas DMV as stated for the Lemon Law about 2 weeks ago. It is now at the BMW dealership and a Rep. came down to take a look at the car. I have a loaner now but my question is where does it go from here? I was very thorough in my documentation and logging of the issue. Under Texas Lemon Law they have what is called a final repair attempt, but since it has already been attempted 6 times prior, do you think BMW will try again for a 7th? When I dropped it off for the inspection by the BMW Rep, the shop foreman stated I was wrong and that every BMW pops like that, even $100,000 BMW's. I stated he was incorrect and that I have had a 328i and even drove another 128i for a week and it never made the same sound. He stated I was wasting time and that he knows the car inside and out. He actually got upset and the Service Manager had to interrupt him to state he was in the wrong and he made a scene. I immediately called my BMW Rep I have been working with and he stated he called the dealer personally and sent an email to his marketing manager. Also, the dealer ruined my leather and plastic molding on the 5th repair visit and is having to pay out of pocket to fix it. Needless to say I have not had luck with the dealer. My point being with the 6 repair attempts and each receipt showing acknowledgement of the problem, plus the damage and shop foreman incident, is BMW really going to make me sit through another repair, drive the car again or make this right? Thoughts? I stated to the BMW Rep that the auto industry is very cut throat industry and this being my first BMW why would I have to go through this?? I spoke to the Service Manager today and he stated he has to speak with all parties involved before a decision is made. I am hoping they do not offer another 128i as my impression is soured after this experience. Thanks.

What city you live in? This is an unfortunate dilemma you are in, we buy "high end" cars so we can get refined vehicles with a matching service, I would also advise you to never deal with that dealer again.

[Prof T]

I'm out of popcorn.

[amancuso]

No popping noise here, and I have a 2008.

[JimD]

My 128i is a convertible and makes some noise I wish it didn't but verts are not as structually solid as coupes so I just attribute it to that. Without hearing your noise it's difficult for me to judge whether I think you are being reasonable. The foreman clearly thinks you are not. I'm sorry you aren't happy with your car. I would note, however, that making a noise it shouldn't is different from not starting when it should or something like that, however. I think BMW will offer something but I doubt it will be because they fear it going to court.

Jim

[bimmer98]

2008 135i manual....have had two of them, neither made a popping noise like the service tech indicated all bmw's do. Let's see, i've had a total of 6 bmw's and have driven 5 different loaners, have driven my dad's 2 bmw's and my 3 of my friend's bmw's and know at leaset 5 other people with bmw's that have never had some type of popping noise going on. In fact, I've never heard of anyone having a popping noise up until I read this thread.

Sounds like the dealer is offereing some bogus explanation. Any popping noise is a symptom of something else, otherwise it wouldn't be doing it. It would be insane for any car manufacturer to include in their design plans special parts that create an occasional popping noise on purpose. If they know a part is popping, they would redisgn it. This is foolish.

[RoundelM3]

No popping in the wife's 128i Cabrio, but it only has about 3400 miles on it so far.

[BlueforMonaco]

10,000 miles and no noises on my '11 128i m-sport 6mt

[Killswitch]

I have never had any popping noise occur and hope none will. I totally agree with bimmer98 and for the tech to say he knows the inside and out of this car is speaking out of his ass and apparently he doesn't own one. Could you imagine every bmw operating with an occasionally popping that can be heard over the radio.."pop pop"...hmmm...that's sound about right.

[wgs426]

Never experienced this issue. In fact, I've had zero problems with my 128i. This is my 5th BMW and for me it is the best of all (other 4 have all been E46 & E90 3-series).

[Jbiancolli]

2010 135 convertible. Happens every time the temp gets hot. Have a feeling it is the plastic A pillar which expands and contracts during hot and cold

[bimmer74]

No popping in my 2009 128i with 34k miles on the clock and no popping in a 328i loaner I had a few weeks back. I do have a creaking armrest which is mildly annoying at times.

[Jayda]

No problem with popping on my 2011 128i with 10,000ish miles. Hope it works out for you.

[MikeMcBMW]

My 2011 128i 'pops' occasionally when it is hot outside, and I am running the AC. It happens about once every 10 minutes or so, and I've noticed it normally occurs when I am accelerating after a stop.

It is noticeable, but really doesn't bother me. I am mainly listening to the sweet 'vrrroooooom!' noise that the engine/exhaust are putting down.

Either way, let me know when/if BMW gives you an answer for it's origin.

[jimmy1990]

I only heard that sound on my car in hotter days

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by jimmy1990

I only heard that sound on my car in hotter days

Yes this, now that it is 100+ in Texas, I hear it a lot!

[misk]

If your popping sound is what I think it is, then I have it too! It sounds like it's coming from the bottom of the car and only at low rpm and less than 10 mph. Usually I notice it when applying the brakes at a slow speed. And most often as soon as I start it up and get on the road.

No hesitation or any other type of indication that something is falling apart down there!

Only time will tell......

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

Yes this, now that it is 100 in Texas, I hear it a lot!

[chili555]

I have a 2008 128i cabrio with ~37,000 miles. I have never heard a popping sound. Neither has my wife who can hear a mouse breathe at 300 yards. I'd tell BMW to fix it or replace it and I wouldn't budge. I would, however, be polite and courteous no matter what the service manager did.

[KFlo]

No popping on my 2008 335i but I've had one pop on my 2011 135i convertible.

[Pavetron]

Mine Pops. No big deal. My 2008 Audi TT Brakes squealed like a stuck pig. They could never figure it out. Now I have a car that pops. I learned to live with it until the lease is up.

Maybe my next car will burp.