[scottanthony]

Hello All,

I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding a severe water ingression into my battery compartment that had apparently gone undiscovered for a long period of time ( certainly before the last two owners of the vehicle ).

According to my local main dealer, subsequent damage to the vehicle had prompted them to originally provide me an initial ( worst case scenario ) repair bill of £4500!! You can find all the details if you search under my other postings no doubt.

I have been out of the country for a little while and the car has been with the main dealer during this period. The only work I have instructed them to carry out so far is the initial diagnosis and a water leak test.

My research showed me that ( although not a common fault ) i was not alone in suffering from this fault. What also alarmed me is the fact that the water leak test showed that the rear window seal was leaking ( due to an incorrect fitting ) and there was another leak from the boot door handle which they believe has contributed to this water leak both of which need a repair.

The car is 3 years old and the water that i discovered in the battery compartment was heavily oxidised ( and must have been there for a long time ) i have just been given a revised quote for the work ( taking into account the potential lack of need to replace the main battery leads and repair the ends instead, please see below )

Calling fault in mem diagnosing system = £38.20
Remove battery = £38.20
Investigate damage to wiring and cables = £95.50
Replace fuse box interior = £130.43
Replace safety battery cable
Replace battery positive lead = £422.90*
Carry out repair end to main cable = £171.90
Carry out water leak test = £114.60
Replace grip strip ( grip,nut,paint) = £107.56
Remove reseal and refit rear window = £277.70
Replace left front door lock = £157.58

Net = £1554.67
VAT = £272.05
gross = £1826.62

* = BMW dealer claims this safety lead has to be replaced?

I would really appreciate some feedback on whether this is realistic? specialists i could approach for other quotes? suggestions to reduce this? i only bought the car 6 months ago for 10k could really do without the 2k bill!!

[scottanthony]

i live in essex

[Root Ginger]

I'd be pushing for a large goodwill payment as this seems to have started before the warranty ran out. I would certainly not pay full price for this repair that appears to be caused by manufacturing defects.

[Mini_Power16]

I Know Someone Who Had The Same Porblem As Im Guessing You Have The Cooper S And With The Battery @ The Back Of Car (boot)

Stephen James Was Very Helpful- Based In Enfield

They Come Out/looked At It And Done Everythign Under Warrenty

This Persons Cooper S Is Hardly Used, Fully Loaded September 1st 2004 Only 1500 Miles Haha

If Your Car Is Under Warrenty Speak To Stephen James, Im Sure They Will Know The Case If You Tell Them What I Said 1/9/2004 Cooper S- Navy Blue