i Vehicle repairs

[psquare]

I've just been to my local i dealer (UK) to get a squeaky driver-side window sorted out. It's probably something simple, like a seal that's come out of place. The squeaking is constant now, whenever I raise or lower the window or open/close the door.

When I booked the car in (I had an appointment), I was told that this couldn't be a waiting appointment, as "All i vehicle repairs have to be first approved by BMW i Germany. Until further notice.".

My friendly service manager told me that a fault like this could usually be resolved quickly, but because of this newly imposed rule, it could easily mean the car has to be left at the garage for 2 days.

Thankfully, I've been given a loan i3 REx for the time being, so all is good, but what's going on with these central BMW i approvals for repairs?

 

[Sparky]

Just a guess, but from my own experience having owned many BMW's, I think the repair expense for the i3 is astronomical compared to the ICE cars. It's due to the fact that every part seems to plow new ground for the repair techs and most parts have to come from Germany. In my case, I estimated my EME and battery replacement would have cost me $25k, if not in warranty. That would buy a whole new M-car engine! So I think i3 warranty costs are getting out of control for the fleet.

Also, there is the learning factor. BMW probably wants to know real time what's failing so they can correct the problem as the volumes increase.

 

[psquare]

All valid points.

Just had a call and my car is ready to be picked up, so no 2-day turn around for a squeaky window. Yay!

 

[barrychan]

So what did they change to get rid of the squeaks?
I also have the squeaks but dealership is very far away and if its not fatal i will hold off.

 

[psquare]

So what did they change to get rid of the squeaks?
I also have the squeaks but dealership is very far away and if its not fatal i will hold off.

All I was told is that a couple of seals were loose. I assume these were simply put back in place, because I don't think they have any i3 parts in stock.

Hope this helps.