Bought a Lemon - BMW X3 with Engine Oil Leak

L[Deactivated] on 10/10/2022 - 19:02
Last edited 02/11/2022 - 01:04 by 2 other users

Hi folks, need a genuine suggestion here.

Bought a BMW X3 2006 from a private seller who offered a RWC but I didn’t check the date. Which was expired on 4/08/2022. Purchase date - 31/09/2022. Cost - $11500 all cash.

Now the engine is leaking and costing me more than $7000 to fix. I got the RWC from the local mechanic with the engine oil leak fix. But it’s not a simple fix.

Car is already registered on my name with the current RWC spent $1100 for RWC. I’m sure the seller sold me a lemon.
But there was only one thing in my mind before making purchase is that the road worthy was passed in last month then it won't take much to get the new RWC.

So now, can I go to the last RWC guy and file a case against him? Not sure what to do? Or take it as a lesson and move on?

Automotive

Comments

  • Euphemistic on 10/10/2022 - 19:49
    +8

    You are stuck with it. You can’t chase anyone for compensation.

    Make a decision to fix it or sell it cheap.

    Learn a lesson about euro cars.

  • brendanm on 10/10/2022 - 20:00
    +13

    Generally for rwc, as long as a leak doesn't drip while being inspected, it will pass. The seller could have degreased it, taken it to the rwc guy, and he would have never known.

    You have purchased an old BMW, with, most likely, a 4 cylinder engine widely known for oil leaks, amongst other expensive problems.

  • pharkurnell on 10/10/2022 - 20:11
    +9

    lady at work going thru same with a used porsche cayenne with oil leaks… went back under warranty - " they removed engine and 'glued it up' - thats it fixed..

    Nope it wasnt.. 2 mths out of warranty- $7500 this week to pick it up patched up to trade in..

    just dont buy used euros…

    • WhyAmICommenting on 11/10/2022 - 03:33
      +14

      Would have ACCC’d that for sure. The fix under warranty surely has its own quality requirements.

  • mapax on 10/10/2022 - 20:13
    +49

    This has got to be a troll post?

    Used eurotrash wagon - tick
    Not getting a pre purchase inspection - tick
    Expensive repair - tick
    Member since barely an hour ago - tick
    OP logging out right after posting - tick

    If not a troll post, sorry OP, you’re out of luck and have an expensive repair. Ring a couple of places though and get quotes because it might only be a couple grand, or it might not be since it’s a bmw…

    • Euphemistic on 10/10/2022 - 20:37
      +6

      Only thing missing from troll post is crashing it on the way to the mechanics and ah went arranged insurance yet.

    • Muzeeb on 10/10/2022 - 21:05

      How do I get compensation - tick

      • mapax on 10/10/2022 - 21:31

        Didn’t include that because OP said

        Or take it as a lesson and move on?

    • bloom on 10/10/2022 - 22:12
      +4

      OP isn’t seeking advise which is disappointing

    • [Deactivated] on 10/10/2022 - 22:59

      Unfortunately not a troll post.

      OP doxxed himself and there are some 'interesting' videos of this BMW online prior to it being labelled a lemon.

    • superuser on 11/10/2022 - 03:45

      It is a troll post - tick!

    • mlburnian on 11/10/2022 - 09:32

      You forgot to mention obvious Indian Name

  • Quantumcat on 10/10/2022 - 20:16
    +9

    Roadworthy doesn't tell you if it is a lemon, it just tells you if windscreens are clear, blinkers work, windscreen wipers work, brakes work etc. What you needed was an inspection by a mechanic. Also having read the forums before deciding on it so you'd know that old BMWs are money pits but oh well.

    • tonyjzx on 10/10/2022 - 20:24
      +5

      also its amazingly easy to hide engine oil leaks

      mine didnt pickup oil leaks on a V8 Commode because 'they all do that mate, why d'ya think they're out of business"

    • Muzeeb on 10/10/2022 - 21:06
      +15

      blinkers work

      It's a BMW so this would not be covered in the RWC

  • NevC on 10/10/2022 - 20:40
    +6

    Not a BMW but a Ford. It had a bad oil leak and mechanic wanted about $1500 to fix. I went to Supercheap and bought a $13 oil pressure switch and fixed it. Sometimes it's a simple fix.

  • Cave Fire on 10/10/2022 - 20:40
    +4

    $7k seems like close to engine swap price. Or you are getting a new block and other expensive parts. If it's just gaskets, then should be around a $1000? Have seen a video where a Bmw owner (with an oil leak) paid $500 USD to replace a $5 gasket. This was because it took three hours to get to the $5 gasket. maybe get some new quotes? Also was it worked on for $1100 and there are more problems? Could even be something the last mechanic did or they are just squeezing.

    If an rwc is expired, the first inspector might be able to just reissue? Seems like the seller knew about rwc expiriy and this one was just expired enough (three months). The claim would be off the rwc that was used, so your new one AFAIK. Guessing you could try getting legal advice or hope the seller or expired rwc place has lots of existing complaints.

  • Oz8argain on 10/10/2022 - 20:51
    +6

    Great decision to become a home mechanic! I'll subscribe to your youtube :)

  • forged on 10/10/2022 - 21:01
    +6

    Which engine? Petrol or diesel?
    Regardless, $7000 to fix a few oil leaks sounds like madness.

    The oil pan gasket in particular on 6cyl BMWs can be a very expensive job, as the engine is quite long and a lot needs to come out to get to it. 10hrs of shop labour wouldn't be unreasonable for that job.

    I'm struggling to see how they've come up with $7k though… perhaps the shop just doesn't want to work on it and is giving you a stupid high quote so you'll leave them alone?

    • p1 ama on 10/10/2022 - 22:35
      +1

      I'm struggling to see how they've come up with $7k though… perhaps the shop just doesn't want to work on it and is giving you a stupid high quote so you'll leave them alone?

      This - it's labour intensive and they're likely already busy enough as it is.

      • FlyingMiffy on 10/10/2022 - 23:05

        This. Get another quote.

        • George Washington on 10/10/2022 - 23:15
          +8

          mechanics i know hate open heart surgery with euro trash cars..

          They find one problem then they find another hence the big quote. Because they know if they don't fix it and you go back on the road u will call them again with another problem.

          I think the term they use is headache money

  • GordonD on 10/10/2022 - 21:12
    +3

    What's the old saying, when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.

    • jellykingdom on 12/10/2022 - 12:07
      +1

      When life hands you lemons, do tequila shots

  • stan86 on 10/10/2022 - 21:26

    Sell it and hope there's someone else out there like you that will buy it.

  • jv on 10/10/2022 - 21:42
    +4

    Cost - $11500 all cash.

    😲

    Private price guide **
    $6,600 - $8,600

    • Wiede on 10/10/2022 - 22:13
      +6

      Yeah no one here is saying OP is smart

    • FlyingMiffy on 10/10/2022 - 23:04
      +10

      Everyone quotes Red Book yet when you click on the above, there are literally 4 ads listed under the estimates all above 15K. Give the OP a break.

      • jv on 10/10/2022 - 23:10
        +3

        there are literally 4 ads listed under the estimates all above 15K

        I can only see one, all the others are 9K

      • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 12/10/2022 - 09:22
        +1

        Exactly this. Redbook don't buy cars, so what they say your car is worth is irrelevant. Apparently my Alfa 4C Launch Edition is worth $62k to $82k. Good luck finding one below $100k.

      • Zondor on 12/10/2022 - 09:39
        +1

        Yep nothing sells for redbook prices these days

    • liongalahad on 13/10/2022 - 11:36

      Car Sales estimates are still stuck in the pre-2020 era.

  • brad1-8tsi on 10/10/2022 - 21:58
    +6

    It's not a lemon, just a typical, under-maintained 16yo Bimmer. Even a 16yo Camry or Corolla are getting tired by that age.

    • Seni0r El Cheapo on 11/10/2022 - 00:02
      +13

      Hey hey… My 17yo camry is still kicking like a virgin mare…

    • Brick Tamland on 11/10/2022 - 08:18
      +8

      ease up there big fella. My 20 year old Corolla runs as good as new. To get the 'Rolla a RWC I had to dig deep for a $38 repair.

      • inasero on 12/10/2022 - 16:02

        What did you get repaired, out of interest
        (Mine is 14 years)

        • Brick Tamland on 12/10/2022 - 18:27
          +1

          Some kind of drive belt was getting worn.

    • GrimCheaper on 11/10/2022 - 14:04
      +4

      Got a 2001 camry for the the last 15 years camry and no major repairs. CD player is kaput and ac is on its way out. But mechanically a1

      • inasero on 13/10/2022 - 12:03

        Get it regassed for princely sum of ~$120

  • Bid Sniper on 10/10/2022 - 22:31

    I suggest fire and lots of it

  • skidexa on 10/10/2022 - 22:53
    +6

    Apparently ozbargainers here are perfect.

  • FlyingMiffy on 10/10/2022 - 23:00
    +1

    Wow some many euro bashers as usual. If BMW was that bad, they wont be making a tonne of money… more than the whole ozB community combined (BMW made €65,912 million last financial year). Anyways, the OP got one quote from one mechanic… perhaps the first step is to get yourself another opinion, otherwise the next post will be "got rolled for 7K for a gasket change, can i sue the mechanic?"

    • Seni0r El Cheapo on 11/10/2022 - 00:04
      +6

      They make money… After all, common sense is not 'that' common! And mankind has anti-vaxers, religious cults, flat earth theorists - why not beemer lovers? Not that I am trying to imply they are in a same boat.. Wink wink

    • ProlapsedHeinous on 11/10/2022 - 00:17
      +11

      Rich people don't generally keep BMW's for 16 years. Just because BMW makes money off peoples vanity, doesn't mean their cars aren't pieces of turd after warranty.

      • FlyingMiffy on 11/10/2022 - 00:52

        Come back once youve had a chance to drive a E36 or E46 M3. Both older than 16 years and both phenomenal to drive.

    • thrillhouse on 11/10/2022 - 08:32
      +3

      OzBargain hates Euro cars, you should know this already.
      I have a euro, and I love it. I'd never buy a 16 year-old one - that wasn't a project, or enthusiast model - though!

      • FlyingMiffy on 11/10/2022 - 10:31
        -1

        OzBargain has a cult following for Apple, Tesla and Euro hate. I know, but its entertaining feeding the fandom.

        • Cliche Guevara on 11/10/2022 - 12:26
          +1

          Gee, and what do you know, none of those three things you listed would normally show up as a bargain…

    • brad1-8tsi on 11/10/2022 - 08:45
      +6

      BMW made €65,912 million last financial year

      I think you are confusing revenue with profit.

      New BMWs are great cars while under warranty. My Sister has just bought one.

      Even certain models of old BMWs are great but they need love and money spent on them.

      To buy a 16yo BMW without a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist and to expect it to be trouble free is somewhat naïve.

      • FlyingMiffy on 11/10/2022 - 10:30
        -4

        Fair point. 12.1 per cent increase in its earnings before tax to €33 900 billion ($3.6 billion)… still alot more than the OzB community combined…

        • SydStrand on 11/10/2022 - 16:36
          +1

          What sort of dumb thinking is this? A giant, multinational corporation makes more money than an online website of private citizens, wow! What exactly is the implication here? Pretty much every company on the ASX makes more money than everyone here, regardless of how unhealthy or mismanaged. "X makes more money than you, so put up or shut up!" is about the worst take on this thread yet.

          • FlyingMiffy on 11/10/2022 - 18:51
            -1

            @SydStrand: Haha you dont scroll up do you? Read the thread first. The reference was that BMW was euro trash… but if they are indeed trash why do they make so much money. But hey, take the reference however you like.

            • SydStrand on 14/10/2022 - 08:59
              +1

              @FlyingMiffy: The implication being that if a company makes money, they must therefore be making a good product (otherwise no one would buy it). So by this definition, there is no such thing as a shit car because EVERY manufacturer makes more money than the collective users of Ozbargain. Yeah, okay. Looks like someone's a little too invested in defending the honour of their car.

    • pharkurnell on 11/10/2022 - 10:38

      . If BMW was that bad, they wont be making a tonne of money…

      yep.. selling new cars and stupidly priced genuine parts… mates a master tech at BM dealer and he wont own one.

    • boomramada on 11/10/2022 - 10:59
      +2

      Yeah this forum is all about Euro bashing. Issue with most used Euro car is that people don't maintain it well, due to lack of second hand parts or expensive parts or not many euro trained mechanics.
      Personally would I buy a 17yo Bmw, no. That doesn't mean its bad quality. It just not economically worth it.
      Would I buy a new Toyoda. Hell NO, unless its a hilux:)

  • Willy Beamish on 10/10/2022 - 23:03

    Why bmw and why a 15+ year old used bmw…

    Should have bought a forester anyway.

    • iknowtj on 11/10/2022 - 00:58
      +6

      16 year old Foz is definitely going to be leaking oil too. Ejs love a rocker gasket failure.

    • NEGATIVEVIBESONLY on 11/10/2022 - 22:17

      Lol legit my aunt has a 2010 Forester 2.5L with 100k kms head gasket blown … not all Japanese cars are like Toyotas, there are plenty of Japanese lemons too

      • Willy Beamish on 12/10/2022 - 18:28

        Yeah I'll bet she didn't take care if it.

  • George Washington on 10/10/2022 - 23:17
    +15

    U should of watched the YouTube channel Re Driven. Where they review australian second hand car badges and service problems etc.

    BMW tops the lists as don't buy…….

    OP you must be a graduate working at westpac…

    • FlyingMiffy on 10/10/2022 - 23:30
      -8

      Yes… a youtube channel is the source of truth.

      • spacemannn on 11/10/2022 - 08:06
        +2

        Good place to start for some additional information instead of going in with nothing, especially if it's someone who's not that car savvy, whadya reckon?

      • Oz8argain on 11/10/2022 - 09:57
        +1

        a channel that actually does its research and engages with owners. They were spot on about my car.

      • MayhemVC on 11/10/2022 - 22:52
        +1

        The guys owns the same car as me (Nissan Stagea) and was spot on with his assessment.
        100% correct, Sample Size: 1

    • idonotknowwhy on 11/10/2022 - 11:07
      +3

      U should of watched the YouTube channel Re Driven.

      Shit, the title for my car doesn't seem good. Maybe I'll just not watch it and be happy.

    • Bid Sniper on 11/10/2022 - 13:14
      +1

      Pretty good channel and certainly needed for buyers!

      Quite interesting seeing cars long term problems, some expected but some quite unexpected.

      • George Washington on 11/10/2022 - 18:20
        +1

        I personally like this channel and what it stands for and do.. to help buyers.. besides engine the interior. some cars past 150 000km the interior looks like the glue has lost to gravity wobbly squeaky and rattles.

        • Bid Sniper on 11/10/2022 - 19:39
          +1

          I like them too, enough so that I gave them keys to daily for for a review!

          Found the channel personally useful as a primer on a range cars. I kick tyres at auctions looking for a project, so good to know what to expect and which bullets to dodge.

          Think its good for buyers as somewhere to start. Every cars is great brand new, after warranty some are nightmares like OP's X3

          • George Washington on 11/10/2022 - 20:47

            @Bid Sniper: Which one was you car for the review our of curiosity not the craptiva right

            • Bid Sniper on 11/10/2022 - 21:09
              +1

              @George Washington: Oh God no, though found it interesting confirming that junker did live up its name.

              Its coming up, hopefully soon

    • shaiguy on 12/10/2022 - 16:14
      +1

      Come on - no one else here got the Westpac Graduate joke?

      For all the newbies who did not get the reference - please read an Ozbargain HOF thread:

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/273269 - Looking to Buy a Brand New Car (~ $80,000) - Recommendations?

  • squaredonut on 10/10/2022 - 23:31
    +7

    This is the way I see european luxury cars in the market

    • The latest models are usually purchased and driven people under a car lease from their own business or their workplace, they will drive this for 3 years then sell it and get a new one
    • These 3 year old cars are then on the market for the poor suckers who want the prestige, and to show off, they'll probably get a year or so out of it depending on how the previous owner treated it, but then it's likely to win these buyers a $8k-$9k ticket to down hill with having to make major repairs
    • These owners then find their mates or a dodgy mechanic that will put some duct tape on an oil leak, or do some magic to patch the car up, then they sell it, to people like the OP, who also is like the original buyer who wants the prestige but can't really afford a new one.

    Buying a "prestigious", "luxurious", overpriced junk of metal really requires you to have the money around to deal with them.

    • superuser on 11/10/2022 - 03:53

      Or buy cheap and have the knowledge to fix them, but very rare.

    • Brick Tamland on 11/10/2022 - 08:25
      +1

      three year old ex-lease is probably the best way to buy a BMW as long as its a decent model, not a POV pack. You might cop some expensive servicing but nothing major should go wrong but I wouldnt be keeping it for any longer than few years.

    • unhuman on 11/10/2022 - 11:33
      +1

      Buying 16 year old Beamer is not prestigious or luxury. Nobody would drop jaws when you drive an old German cars. It applies to most cars. It’s not a chick magnet. If it runs, it runs.

      • squaredonut on 12/10/2022 - 10:21

        Not sure about that, people still get this perception that a car badge is all that matters to showing to people that they are "Well-off". Besides who knows if a beamer is 16 yr old or 5 yr old.

        • unhuman on 12/10/2022 - 11:36

          You can tell by number plate and design of the car On how old it is. 16 year old Beamer will look like old and raggy lol.

  • mrhugo on 11/10/2022 - 00:00
    +5

    3-4 years ago you couldn't give a car like this away. These days they are getting 11K.

    • Brick Tamland on 11/10/2022 - 08:28

      100%. They really are at the end of their life when they are this old and just a POV pack X3. Essentially a parts only car, or driven until it dies and then tow to the wreckers. Crazy that anyone spending more than $5k on one.

      • George Washington on 11/10/2022 - 18:26

        100% i sold a car recently no straight panels niece first car said she will come back and use the car, she told me to sell it on her behalf recently she paid 12k for it 11 accident damage as the corolla had too much power for her……. lucky all damages are in turning in tight carparks

        Car when purchased 2005 Corolla paid 12k had 21 000km on it

        Now

        86 000km
        leaking boot due to damaged rear bar
        cracked antenna
        Disk player radio doesnt work buttons aged
        Interior scratches
        Mis match paint job with bunnings colour match paint

        I listed it for 8.5k Sold for 8k

  • trapper on 11/10/2022 - 00:50

    $7000 to fix an oil leak??

    • geekcohen on 11/10/2022 - 07:17

      BWM, European. Not surprised.

      BMW wanted $500 just for 1 sensor for the Front of a 2009 BMW X3. Plus, $2,500 for an intake pipe vs $750 for aftermarket.

      My wife and I used to own an 09 X3 and it cost a bit towards the end, so we got rid of it and glad we did!!

      • trapper on 11/10/2022 - 10:29

        Yeah but this is just a leak. You could probably get the whole engine replaced for $7k.

        • pharkurnell on 11/10/2022 - 10:40

          Yes replaced for 7k ..
          … + engine and other parts :)

        • geekcohen on 11/10/2022 - 11:10

          We had a leak in ours, hence why we got rid of it.

      • YouSirName on 11/10/2022 - 22:31

        Did you sell it to the OP? 😁

  • drprox on 11/10/2022 - 06:54
    +2

    I'm confused as it reads like the rwc supplied at sale was expired but you still managed the vehicle transfer in which case it wasn't.

    Edit - also shame on me replying to a clear troll post.

    • Brick Tamland on 11/10/2022 - 08:29
      +3

      haha I was thinking the same thing. The story doesnt even make sense, you couldn't transfer the reg with a expired RWC

  • Tiredman on 11/10/2022 - 06:55

    Would've warned you if you posted here before buying. We have a 05 3 series from new. Just did oil leak repairs last year and costed about 4k. Careful of bmws this old. Oil leaks are in every one of them and they cost a bomb to fix.

    If you are keeping the car, try to pick up some diy skills for fix maintenance else you will be in for a shock. Really should've gotten a crv or rav4.

  • Canberralad92 on 11/10/2022 - 07:04
    +2

    There is nothing you can do except either go down the rabbit hole of expensive euro car repairs / scrap the car / resell it to the next idiot willing to buy a 17 year old BMW.

    • trapper on 11/10/2022 - 11:37
      +2

      Another quote is an option. Ignoring the leak is an option. It will take a very long time to leak out $7k of oil…

  • Daddy Chill on 11/10/2022 - 07:20
    +5

    Dude no need to worry. I'd be worried if there wasn't an oil leak in a BMW as it would suggest there's no oil in the engine

  • GoIdDigger on 11/10/2022 - 07:29
    +5

    Post and ghost

  • aboza on 11/10/2022 - 07:34
    +3

    I wasn’t aware that September had 31 days!!

  • Bigdude65 on 11/10/2022 - 07:52
    +6

    Come on guys, I have a 2007 BMW 323. Most likely the same motor as this X3. I have had mine for 7 years and it has been faultless. I do the oil and filter every 6 months, I've done pads and rotors just once and never had to spend another cent on it.
    It still drives and feels like a new car. It's not about prestige, it's about quality and engineering.

    Although not recommended by BMW, can I suggest you put in a bottle or two of a quality stop leak engine sealer. Failing that, spray the engine clean and identify where the oil leak is exactly. Then take it to get a few more quotes.
    Cheers

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