135i convertible 3rd brake light problems

[cagekicker]

is that problem only on the 2008?

[instantexpert]

Originally Posted by cagekicker

is that problem only on the 2008?

I have an '09 coupe and it's cracked right down the center. I'm waiting for the next service appointment to have it fixed.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by Umcort

Is anyone having problems with the third brake light on the truck of a 135 convertible breaking? I have replaced the light twice and it is broken again. The light itself isn't broken but the red light cover keeps cracking and falling off. I don't use the trunk at all so it isn't that I am slamming it. What could it be? I am sick of paying 500$ to replace a stupid light cover.

$500 to replace a brake light cover???? sounds like BS...

[Umcort]

OK, I exaggerated. $425 for parts and labor.

Considering the car only has 6K miles on it and I have had so many issues, I think I am entitled to a little exaggeration.

The car died on me twice because the fuel pumps died. Had to drag it back to the dealership twice for that.

The hydraulic pump for the convertible top shorted out while I was on vacation and I couldn't put the top up with the button. I had to use the kit in the trunk to manually put the top up because it was going to rain which was a disaster. The little allen wrench was so small and hard to use I ended up scratching the interior roof of the car. (Which was not replaced).

Now I have an on and off issue that they cannot seem to pin point what it is. When I come to a stop, then take my foot off the brake petal to go the car pulls backwards, then starts to go forward. They have no idea what the problem is and they have not been able to duplicate it so after two visits, nothing fixed.

Nonetheless, they have taken very good care of me while my car was in the shop with the exception of the time off from work and the 25 mile drives to the dealership.

[warmtoes]

You should definitely fight to get your money back. If you search on this forum you will see numerous people who have had this problem. I haven't yet, knock on wood.

[Yearofthe1]

this is a well-known issue and there has been a service bulletin out about it now for a while now. The dealership should've known this and I think they screwed you out of $425.

[///M1]

Originally Posted by Umcort

The reason the dealership charged me is because they said someone or something must have hit the light to crack it. The first time it was cracked it almost looked like it was chipped because a piece of the red covering was missing. I admit, I didn't know either way because it certainly wasn't hit when I was in the car. Now, a few months later the red covering is completely off the light and the white part is still in the car.

Can I get my money back for the first repair??

you should be able to! If you were stern the first time, they would have not charged you. There is sufficiennt evidence (this thread alone) to point that this is a chronic problem...

[Umcort]

The dealership is replacing the light again at no charge but will not refund me unless the BMW field engineer and Warranty manager approves it. He said if there is an outstanding issue with the car, they'll know. I'm a bit confused why my service adviser doesn't know this on his own.

[warmtoes]

He may just be too lazy to research it.

[///M1]

These days service advisors are nothing more than salesmen with a well groomed suit but with little technical knowledge, especially when it comes to more top of the range and limited production vehicles... I got into an argument with an advisor last visit who tried to convince me my M5 had 1 MAFS... Ditto for the RS4, even the service mgr knew little to nothing abut the car... And given the stagnant sales, they will push as much as they can for repairs which they'll claim are NOT covered under the warranty.

Your brake light should have been fixed for free as it is a chronic and well documented issue. You should push to get your $$$ back.