Help needed with Temp guage and dealer

nicros · 02-08-2018, 09:35 PM

The temp sensor on my 2017 X5 50i recently stopped working. Nothing occurred that I'm aware of to cause it to fail, just one day it says the temp outside is -40.

Took it to the dealer and they say that it was damaged by 'outside influence' and that despite bumper to bumper warranty and less than 10k miles on the car I have to pay $466 to get it fixed. The service rep said he didn't know if that meant rodent damage or something kicked up off the road and damaged the wiring. Either way, 'outside influence'.

If there was a dead rodent or poops up there by the wiring I could buy that- seems like solid evidence.

But besides that, it seems like it would be very difficult to conclude that it was outside influence, and I think they should err on the side of the customer. It's a new car, just dropped a load of cash on it, and this feels like I'm getting screwed.

I've asked for pictures to show me the damage, but not sure what that will do.

Am I wrong to think the dealer should pay for this if there's no smoking gun for 'outside influence'?

What would you do?

turboawd · 02-08-2018, 09:51 PM

You are getting taken for a ride. You could buy the sensor for under $20.
The sensor is usually somewhere in the front behind the bumper. I don't see how it could get damaged without any other damage.

DuSh · 02-08-2018, 11:04 PM

If rodent chew wires and they got cut - then you can just connect them back together - probably $5 for snap on electric connector (aftermarket of course). As for dealership - it's hard to say - can you upload pics please? If it's a real rodent damage - then they are right, but we can't know for sure

nicros · 02-08-2018, 11:36 PM

I'll upload pics as soon as I get them. Is this the correct part?
https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/air...ml?3593=519215

And anyone have a link to specific location or service instructions? I'll totally give this a go for a $10.

MN2///M · 02-09-2018, 10:23 AM

Would love to see a picture of what the are calling "outside influence".

Dealer should provide you whatever evidence they are claiming is "outside influence". In most cases, good dealers will warranty anything questionable as good will unless BMW just will not reimburse them.

Either way, I would talk to Service Manager, maybe even the General Manager depending on how the SM deals with me. You also always have the option to contact BMW customer relations - 800-831-1117.

My experience with BMW over the 15 years I've been driving them is that they will go out of there way to make you happy if you are reasonable with them.

Rotzy · 02-09-2018, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicros

And anyone have a link to specific location or service instructions? I'll totally give this a go for a $10.

The outside air temperature probe is located in the left brake cooling duct.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=65_2452

nicros · 02-11-2018, 03:49 PM

Photos... have to say it looks like rodent damage to me. Service rep also lowered cost for repairs to $370. Just going to do it.

02-08-2018, 09:35 PM	#1
nicros Enlisted Member 11 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2017 X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Help needed with Temp guage and dealer The temp sensor on my 2017 X5 50i recently stopped working. Nothing occurred that I'm aware of to cause it to fail, just one day it says the temp outside is -40. Took it to the dealer and they say that it was damaged by 'outside influence' and that despite bumper to bumper warranty and less than 10k miles on the car I have to pay $466 to get it fixed. The service rep said he didn't know if that meant rodent damage or something kicked up off the road and damaged the wiring. Either way, 'outside influence'. If there was a dead rodent or poops up there by the wiring I could buy that- seems like solid evidence. But besides that, it seems like it would be very difficult to conclude that it was outside influence, and I think they should err on the side of the customer. It's a new car, just dropped a load of cash on it, and this feels like I'm getting screwed. I've asked for pictures to show me the damage, but not sure what that will do. Am I wrong to think the dealer should pay for this if there's no smoking gun for 'outside influence'? What would you do?
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02-08-2018, 09:51 PM	#2
turboawd Banned 1636 Rep 2,995 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	You are getting taken for a ride. You could buy the sensor for under $20. The sensor is usually somewhere in the front behind the bumper. I don't see how it could get damaged without any other damage.
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02-08-2018, 11:04 PM	#3
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	If rodent chew wires and they got cut - then you can just connect them back together - probably $5 for snap on electric connector (aftermarket of course). As for dealership - it's hard to say - can you upload pics please? If it's a real rodent damage - then they are right, but we can't know for sure
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02-08-2018, 11:36 PM	#4
nicros Enlisted Member 11 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2017 X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	I'll upload pics as soon as I get them. Is this the correct part? https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/air...ml?3593=519215 And anyone have a link to specific location or service instructions? I'll totally give this a go for a $10.
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02-09-2018, 10:23 AM	#5
MN2///M Captain 521 Rep 865 Posts Drives: very fast! Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	Would love to see a picture of what the are calling "outside influence". Dealer should provide you whatever evidence they are claiming is "outside influence". In most cases, good dealers will warranty anything questionable as good will unless BMW just will not reimburse them. Either way, I would talk to Service Manager, maybe even the General Manager depending on how the SM deals with me. You also always have the option to contact BMW customer relations - 800-831-1117. My experience with BMW over the 15 years I've been driving them is that they will go out of there way to make you happy if you are reasonable with them. __________________ 2003 BMW 330i 2016 BMW M4 - ED May 2016, PCD Aug 2016 2017 X5 xDrive35i - PCD Jan2017
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Help needed with Temp guage and dealer

02-11-2018, 03:49 PM	#7
nicros Enlisted Member 11 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2017 X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Photos... have to say it looks like rodent damage to me. Service rep also lowered cost for repairs to $370. Just going to do it.
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