[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by F30FAN

You think you got problems...

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showth...ight=corrosion

If I find rust under my seats The whole world is going to know and the will need replacement.

[TMP]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

If I find rust under my seats The whole world is going to know and the will need replacement.

This is where I am now...

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by TMP

This is where I am now...

Push BMW customer services hard ( 0800 325 600 ) they will play ball, two ways IMO, new seat frames and compensation, or new Car, the choice would be yours depending on "How hard you push" and the threat of the internet will weigh heavy on them.
I just checked under mine and it's galvanised without signs of rust.

[rich1068]

As someone who has just successfully negotiated the cancellation of a 4 year contract hire agreement and returned an 18 month old E91 with no financial penalties (plus I'm in courtesy cars until my F30 arrives) I'd like to point out that rather than pushing hard or threatening anyone, a rather more firm but fair and polite approach works wonders.

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by rich1068

I'd like to point out that rather than pushing hard or threatening anyone, a rather more firm but fair and polite approach works wonders.

Which would be what?.
A brand new Car straight from the factory RUSTY!!!!!!!!

[RobUK]

Much as I'd love a brand new car if I found rust spots on my seat base(s), I suspect BMW would only offer to replace the affected seat(s), and maybe offer some other (cheap to them) sweetener, e.g free service or something?

Anyone know what they're actually obliged to do?

[F30AM]

I started a thread on rust. But no one has used it. Most sad as I feel totally rejected.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=777777 - Rust Thread.

[MarkW83]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Much as I'd love a brand new car if I found rust spots on my seat base(s), I suspect BMW would only offer to replace the affected seat(s), and maybe offer some other (cheap to them) sweetener, e.g free service or something?

Anyone know what they're actually obliged to do?

For abnormal/premature wear & tear due to a manufacturing issue, they'd just have to recall/replace the affected parts I guess; no other obligations really, though it would be at their discretion - and in their best interests - to keep the customer happy, by offering some sweeteners...

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Which would be what?.
A brand new Car straight from the factory RUSTY!!!!!!!!

But nobody dies. Going in all guns blazing will always get a result. If a supplier of widgets is wrong they will put it right. However, they'll never do you any favours or really look after you unless you treat them in a way you'd be expect to be treated yourself.

I don't need to tell you this John. You seem to be a man of the world. All I'm saying is that to get the best out of people you don't need to raise your voice.

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by rich1068

But nobody dies. Going in all guns blazing will always get a result. If a supplier of widgets is wrong they will put it right. However, they'll never do you any favours or really look after you unless you treat them in a way you'd be expect to be treated yourself.

I don't need to tell you this John. You seem to be a man of the world. All I'm saying is that to get the best out of people you don't need to raise your voice.

Agreed but you have to be "firm" in your approach not letting them have the upper hand.
After all a 50K should be perfect and fit for purpose.

[TMP]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Agreed but you have to be "firm" in your approach not letting them have the upper hand.
After all a 50K should be perfect and fit for purpose.

I am pretty unimpressed it must be said.

Is it worth calling the customer services number mate, what will they do different to the dealer?

I like the idea of something free for this rust.....

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by TMP

I am pretty unimpressed it must be said.

Is it worth calling the customer services number mate, what will they do different to the dealer?

I like the idea of something free for this rust.....

In one word Compensation. Push for it.

[F30AM]

Just called my dealer and asked them to check the car with a tooth comb, inside, outside and every which way for rust. Told them I'll not have it if I found the smallest speck!

[MarkW83]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Just called my dealer and asked them to check the car with a tooth comb, inside, outside and every which way for rust. Told them I'll not have it if I found the smallest speck!

Bugger it, I'm taking mine even if it has some; they can fix it later

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by MarkW83

Bugger it, I'm taking mine even if it has some; they can fix it later

At least your's will have German rust, which is much better made than South African rust!
Thus, you'll be well buggered for sure!

[mlepyro]

Originally Posted by TMP

I am pretty unimpressed it must be said.

Is it worth calling the customer services number mate, what will they do different to the dealer?

I like the idea of something free for this rust.....

How old is the car?

My advice (from my own experience)

Arrange a meeting with the dealer principal... this is the first step. No one below him will do. He will do everything he can to put it right, he can put you in a top of the range M5 if he wanted - remember no one is above him inside that dealership.

If that doesn't get you what you want, ring BMW.

If the dealer is part of a chain (e.g. Sytner), then contact the head office.

Mat

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by F30AM

At least your's will have German rust, which is much better made than South African rust!
Thus, you'll be well buggered for sure!

He wont need to take out the seats any time, they will soon "Fall out"

[MarkW83]

Originally Posted by mlepyro

How old is the car?

My advice (from my own experience)

Arrange a meeting with the dealer principal... this is the first step. No one below him will do. He will do everything he can to put it right, he can put you in a top of the range M5 if he wanted - remember no one is above him inside that dealership.

If that doesn't get you what you want, ring BMW.

If the dealer is part of a chain (e.g. Sytner), then contact the head office.

Mat

All I'd add to that is write to BMW - letter if possible to add weight, and send it recorded delivery to show you mean business - if you phone, you'll likely just get "a worker". Address the letter to Sales Director or something like that; I did just that with an issue I had a couple of years ago, and got what I wanted

[mlepyro]

Originally Posted by MarkW83

All I'd add to that is write to BMW - letter if possible to add weight, and send it recorded delivery to show you mean business - if you phone, you'll likely just get "a worker". Address the letter to Sales Director or something like that; I did just that with an issue I had a couple of years ago, and got what I wanted

Good point... when I had my first meeting with the Dealer Principal I took a 3 page letter listing everything. All those small things you want to say and any facts so he can check.

As soon as you contact BMW customer services I feel you have lost a little bit of your hand. The Dealer wants to keep it away from them (and can do very easily).

For this reason I lodged a complaint with them but didn't identify the dealer or reg. I could then go back to it if needed.

And I definitely agree about not going in too hard, you just alienate people... having said that it depends on the type of person you are. Some people are good at getting results that way.

Mat

[MarkW83]

Personally I don't think the manner in which you conduct yourself will change the outcome much; BMW will have policies and thresholds in place for when they can and can't give e.g. a goodwill gesture and help out; and I don't think the attitude or manner of the customer would or should alter this - it should surely be dependant only on what has gone wrong, and what needs to be done to sort it out.

I personally only find myself getting angry etc. when I talk to the wrong person in a company, too low down the ladder to actually do anything about my concern. If you get onto the right person as quickly as possible - someone in "authority" who can actually put the issue right - you should find there's no need to be anything other than polite and courteous, while at the same time demonstrating that whatever issue it is, has made you unhappy...

Good luck to those tackling this, hope I'm not the next one...

[Carjack]

Originally Posted by rich100

On the subject of corosion, have you guys seen the posts on the main board about spots of rust being found under the seats of the F30? Seems to have affected quite a few people in different locations. I think the official response is that it does not affect the integrity of the seats but still a bit of a concern on a new car.

Have any of you with F30s encountered this?

Yes! I have what look like rust spots under the seats. It's very light and can be wiped off with the finger!

[rich100]

Originally Posted by Carjack

Yes! I have what look like rust spots under the seats. It's very light and can be wiped off with the finger!

However minor this may or may not be, I find it incredible that a premium manufacturer can be turning out cars in the 21st century that are rusty. Hopefully they'll do the right thing and get a proper fix in place for anyone affected.