how to start a Lemon Law process?

nhhiep · 10-22-2006, 06:53 PM

Help....
I read a few posts here some a few mentioned about the lemon law, but how do I start one? what is the process? is there a website dedicated to this law that helps you get started?

my car has alignment issue and after a few attempts, the dealer said that it's within spec and yet, the car pulls to right all the time. It's my 1st BMW, the E90, is great, except this problem, which really bugs me because my 15 yrs old Legend didn't have this issue.

Thanks all

darkcloud · 10-22-2006, 08:25 PM

From what I learned it has to be a constant mechanical issue. By just getting alignment's might not qualify for lemon law. This is because the alignment can be human error. Maybe forcing the dealership to put in new steering/front suspension equipment and the problem still consists then you can MAYBE prove the issue to be a structural flaw with the chasis or whatever a qualified mechanic outside of your BMW dealership can prove.

KevinC · 10-22-2006, 08:51 PM

I've NEVER had any luck getting proper alignments at stealerships. Find the best frame & alignment guy in your area - ask around, maybe call Dinan.. and I'll bet you get a perfect alignment on the first attempt. Send the bill to BMW NA (along with work orders from stealership attempts) and tell them you expect to be reimbursed.

Lemon law? FAR too drastic!

zamboni · 10-22-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhhiep

Help....
I read a few posts here some a few mentioned about the lemon law, but how do I start one? what is the process? is there a website dedicated to this law that helps you get started?

my car has alignment issue and after a few attempts, the dealer said that it's within spec and yet, the car pulls to right all the time. It's my 1st BMW, the E90, is great, except this problem, which really bugs me because my 15 yrs old Legend didn't have this issue.

Thanks all

Try www.gms.cc and they only charge $100 for wheel alignment.

335iMike · 10-22-2006, 10:40 PM

Typically to qualify under the lemon law an auto has to have a mechanical or safety issue that is not being repaired within a given number of repair attempts or a period of time. It is not an easy process and requires a significant investment of time and resources. If you are planning to file be certain to document everything you do to the car, even oil changes. You will even need odometer readings. Good luck!

krazykanuck · 10-23-2006, 12:23 AM

I don't know about your state, but in FL to even qualify for lemon law, your car has to be attemped to be repaired I think 3 times and out of service for X number of days, it might be 30. Either way it is a PITA. We considered it on our old Grand Cherokee but it was easier just to trade it in.

I think you are being a little hasty. Like others said, take it somewhere else.

18LLC · 10-23-2006, 12:24 AM

please go to www.dmv.gov they do have the correct lawful information.

carjon · 10-23-2006, 10:19 AM

lemon laws are state laws and so they and the process varies by state.

e90driver · 10-23-2006, 11:13 AM

I have lemon lawed a car a few years ago. In the end, I paid nothing to put over 30k miles on the car, but it was absolute hell. It took almost a year to the date and was took far too much of my time. I would not do it again. Besides, my car had numerous driveability issues (not starting, stalling at highway speeds) and was in the shop for over 60 days in the first 6 months. Honestly, for just a single allingment issue, find expert in your area to do the work. You'll be glad you did and you'll save yourself the headache of trying to collect on a lemon law.

KUweatherman · 10-23-2006, 11:44 AM

This problem wont, or let me rephrase - shouldnt, qualify as a lemon law problem. There are many factors that could be influencing your situation. Tire pressure, tires themself, roads just to name a few.

Boondoggler · 10-23-2006, 11:47 AM

As the lemon laws vary from state to state, if you feel strongly about pursuing it you should find a reputable attorney with lemon law experience in your state.

SCA · 10-23-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhhiep

my car has alignment issue and after a few attempts, the dealer said that it's within spec and yet, the car pulls to right all the time. It's my 1st BMW, the E90, is great, except this problem, which really bugs me because my 15 yrs old Legend didn't have this issue.

Thanks all

There is not a thing wrong with the car. US roads are crowned in order for water to drain properly and if you have SP it usually is more noticable. Every new model BMW I have driven does this. I have also been told it is design feature to keep the car from drifting into on coming traffic if you were to fall asleep at wheel.

EdmBimmer · 10-23-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCA

There is not a thing wrong with the car. US roads are crowned in order for water to drain properly and if you have SP it usually is more noticable. Every new model BMW I have driven does this. I have also been told it is design feature to keep the car from drifting into on coming traffic if you were to fall asleep at wheel.

I have heard this a well, but in Canada due to the trucks and ashpalt we use there is heavy crowning and molding that goes on. It feels like your driving over really big dips.

Phila · 10-23-2006, 04:23 PM

hey, Ive got an alignment scheduled for my car tomorrow! My car is brand new so I thought it was odd that it always seemed to drift to the right. Are you guys saying that's normal??

vm · 10-23-2006, 05:01 PM

If your car has the sport package it might be that this is normal responsiveness in the car. To test go to a one way street and take the left side to see if the car then pull to the left. If so it means that the behavior "might" be normal. If after alignment the car behaves as I just described (pulls to the left on the left side and to the right on the right side) and you still dislike it you have several alternatives. First you could experiment with 17" tires to see how it feels if you have the time/resources to switch with a friend who has them. Second you could go to a specialist independent BMW shop and explain your problem so they could deviate from the standard BMW parameters (just a little bit) of alignment to give you more on center feeling. This would need a highly knowlegdable suspension person in the shop. Finally you could just get use to this and learn to enjoy your great steering responsiveness.

qroc · 10-23-2006, 05:18 PM

It ain't normal and nothng that one should get used to. We all realize roads are crowned.

I tend to support the OP. People assume its an alignment problem but it could be a mechanical one -- ie some suspension component perhaps -- that the dealers don't know how to fix or know how to find. That to me qualifies.

I confess my car has the same issue, and as I took it in for a pulling right issue after the alignment it was pulling left, on all lanes and tire pressure was spot on. Another appt scheduled...

If the car wants to pull out of the lane into opposing traffic I'd say its a safety issue. But I agree with people that doing the lemon law thing is a big hassle. My coworker did it and was on the phone alot but it just took about 5 months...

GregL · 10-23-2006, 05:36 PM

I'd bring it to a reputable wheel/tire/alignment shop that produces a print-out for you of the alignment numbers before and after.

stressdoc · 10-23-2006, 06:12 PM

Test drive some other new (and/or used) BMWs on the same stretches of road.

imsambeen · 10-23-2006, 07:06 PM

Too many problems sell or trade back in for another

nhhiep · 10-23-2006, 07:09 PM

we have another identical E90 in my family, and that one is perfect. Both cars don't have SP. So, I am 100% sure that something is wrong with my car, it could be the tires, alignment, or something else. I will continue to bug them to fix it or get ready for a lemon law, afterall, this is a BMW, not a Hyundai. My 1st BMW and so far, not very excited. ohh yeah, I also have the windows down problem too and they're clueless, they said it could be me holding the button. But I don't take the key out of the hole after I park at night in the garage. My next car will be a MB, for sure, but I have a habit of keeping the car until it dies, so this could be a while for me to get another car.

AcMilan714 · 10-23-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCA

There is not a thing wrong with the car. US roads are crowned in order for water to drain properly and if you have SP it usually is more noticable. Every new model BMW I have driven does this. I have also been told it is design feature to keep the car from drifting into on coming traffic if you were to fall asleep at wheel.

This BS is the same thing Mercedes Benz told me about my car and honestly thats the dumbest thing i can think of. What happens if im on the far right lane, what if there is a car right next to me, etc... Take it to Bmw over and over again till they get it right.

ANovak · 10-23-2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhhiep

Help....
I read a few posts here some a few mentioned about the lemon law, but how do I start one? what is the process? is there a website dedicated to this law that helps you get started?

Here are several web sites to check out:

Office of the Attorney General, State of California

LemonLaw-California.com/

Lemon Law America

Car Lemon

In Florida the dealer is required to give you a booklet on the Lemon Law in Florida. It contains a form to fill out to get the process going.

10-22-2006, 06:53 PM	#1
nhhiep Captain 88 Rep 863 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	how to start a Lemon Law process? Help.... I read a few posts here some a few mentioned about the lemon law, but how do I start one? what is the process? is there a website dedicated to this law that helps you get started? my car has alignment issue and after a few attempts, the dealer said that it's within spec and yet, the car pulls to right all the time. It's my 1st BMW, the E90, is great, except this problem, which really bugs me because my 15 yrs old Legend didn't have this issue. Thanks all
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10-22-2006, 08:25 PM	#2
darkcloud Colonel 336 Rep 2,385 Posts Drives: 09 VW JSW Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: cleveland, oh iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	From what I learned it has to be a constant mechanical issue. By just getting alignment's might not qualify for lemon law. This is because the alignment can be human error. Maybe forcing the dealership to put in new steering/front suspension equipment and the problem still consists then you can MAYBE prove the issue to be a structural flaw with the chasis or whatever a qualified mechanic outside of your BMW dealership can prove. __________________ retired 06 E90 325i New: 09 VW Platinum Grey Jetta Sportwagen 2.0T SEL w/DSG, panoramic sunroof and Ipod adapter
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10-22-2006, 08:51 PM	#3
KevinC your average JAMF 3196 Rep 4,116 Posts Drives: '21 M2 Comp, '19 Golf R Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cochise County, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 VW Golf R [7.25] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [5.00]	I've NEVER had any luck getting proper alignments at stealerships. Find the best frame & alignment guy in your area - ask around, maybe call Dinan.. and I'll bet you get a perfect alignment on the first attempt. Send the bill to BMW NA (along with work orders from stealership attempts) and tell them you expect to be reimbursed. Lemon law? FAR too drastic! __________________ '21 M2 Comp '19 Golf R
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10-22-2006, 10:40 PM	#5
335iMike New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Typically to qualify under the lemon law an auto has to have a mechanical or safety issue that is not being repaired within a given number of repair attempts or a period of time. It is not an easy process and requires a significant investment of time and resources. If you are planning to file be certain to document everything you do to the car, even oil changes. You will even need odometer readings. Good luck!
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10-23-2006, 12:23 AM	#6
krazykanuck Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 275 Posts Drives: 2004 IS300 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 IS300 [0.00] 2004 IS300 [0.00]	I don't know about your state, but in FL to even qualify for lemon law, your car has to be attemped to be repaired I think 3 times and out of service for X number of days, it might be 30. Either way it is a PITA. We considered it on our old Grand Cherokee but it was easier just to trade it in. I think you are being a little hasty. Like others said, take it somewhere else.
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10-23-2006, 12:24 AM	#7
18LLC Major General 149 Rep 5,104 Posts Drives: e89 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California iTrader: (0)	please go to www.dmv.gov they do have the correct lawful information. __________________
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10-23-2006, 10:19 AM	#8
carjon First Lieutenant 7 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 328xi Sedan Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	lemon laws are state laws and so they and the process varies by state. __________________ 2011 328xi black on black. Nav, connect, apps, Sirius.
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10-23-2006, 11:13 AM	#9
e90driver Lieutenant 14 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 06 325i, 08 328xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I have lemon lawed a car a few years ago. In the end, I paid nothing to put over 30k miles on the car, but it was absolute hell. It took almost a year to the date and was took far too much of my time. I would not do it again. Besides, my car had numerous driveability issues (not starting, stalling at highway speeds) and was in the shop for over 60 days in the first 6 months. Honestly, for just a single allingment issue, find expert in your area to do the work. You'll be glad you did and you'll save yourself the headache of trying to collect on a lemon law. __________________ see ya 06 325i. IT'S HERE!- 08 E92 328xi, Premium, Auto, Cold- Montego Blue
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10-23-2006, 11:44 AM	#10
KUweatherman Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 232 Posts Drives: Civic Si Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Birmingham iTrader: (0)	This problem wont, or let me rephrase - shouldnt, qualify as a lemon law problem. There are many factors that could be influencing your situation. Tire pressure, tires themself, roads just to name a few.
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10-23-2006, 11:47 AM	#11
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	As the lemon laws vary from state to state, if you feel strongly about pursuing it you should find a reputable attorney with lemon law experience in your state. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
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10-23-2006, 04:23 PM	#14
Phila Lieutenant 7 Rep 417 Posts Drives: 325xi Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	hey, Ive got an alignment scheduled for my car tomorrow! My car is brand new so I thought it was odd that it always seemed to drift to the right. Are you guys saying that's normal?? __________________ 2006 e90 325xi \| Alpine White \| Beige Leather \| Burl Walnut Wood Trim \| Premium Package \| Steptronic \| Comfort Access \| Xenons \| Lux 4.0
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10-23-2006, 05:01 PM	#15
vm Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (5)	If your car has the sport package it might be that this is normal responsiveness in the car. To test go to a one way street and take the left side to see if the car then pull to the left. If so it means that the behavior "might" be normal. If after alignment the car behaves as I just described (pulls to the left on the left side and to the right on the right side) and you still dislike it you have several alternatives. First you could experiment with 17" tires to see how it feels if you have the time/resources to switch with a friend who has them. Second you could go to a specialist independent BMW shop and explain your problem so they could deviate from the standard BMW parameters (just a little bit) of alignment to give you more on center feeling. This would need a highly knowlegdable suspension person in the shop. Finally you could just get use to this and learn to enjoy your great steering responsiveness.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2006, 05:18 PM	#16
qroc Private 2 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristow, VA iTrader: (0)	It ain't normal and nothng that one should get used to. We all realize roads are crowned. I tend to support the OP. People assume its an alignment problem but it could be a mechanical one -- ie some suspension component perhaps -- that the dealers don't know how to fix or know how to find. That to me qualifies. I confess my car has the same issue, and as I took it in for a pulling right issue after the alignment it was pulling left, on all lanes and tire pressure was spot on. Another appt scheduled... If the car wants to pull out of the lane into opposing traffic I'd say its a safety issue. But I agree with people that doing the lemon law thing is a big hassle. My coworker did it and was on the phone alot but it just took about 5 months... __________________ 2007 335i Coupe Jet Black/Black, Premium, Sport, Satellite, Brushed Aluminum
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10-23-2006, 05:36 PM	#17
GregL Brigadier General 100 Rep 3,618 Posts Drives: 2016 CLA45 AMG Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: GTA iTrader: (4)	I'd bring it to a reputable wheel/tire/alignment shop that produces a print-out for you of the alignment numbers before and after. __________________ 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 - Gone 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic - Gone 2006 BMW 330xi - Gone 2001 Infiniti QX4 - Gone
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10-23-2006, 06:12 PM	#18
stressdoc Moderator 620 Rep 10,858 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Test drive some other new (and/or used) BMWs on the same stretches of road.
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10-23-2006, 07:06 PM	#19
imsambeen Black-Ops: Splinter Cell 15 Rep 130 Posts Drives: The first Vishnu 335 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Sell it Too many problems sell or trade back in for another __________________
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10-23-2006, 07:09 PM	#20
nhhiep Captain 88 Rep 863 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	we have another identical E90 in my family, and that one is perfect. Both cars don't have SP. So, I am 100% sure that something is wrong with my car, it could be the tires, alignment, or something else. I will continue to bug them to fix it or get ready for a lemon law, afterall, this is a BMW, not a Hyundai. My 1st BMW and so far, not very excited. ohh yeah, I also have the windows down problem too and they're clueless, they said it could be me holding the button. But I don't take the key out of the hole after I park at night in the garage. My next car will be a MB, for sure, but I have a habit of keeping the car until it dies, so this could be a while for me to get another car.
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