Persistent engine issues, electrical failures, and safety concerns are the only things that can turn the excitement of owning a BMW into a frustrating disaster. These problems can leave you feeling trapped, emotional, and uncertain about what to do next. That’s where the BMW Lemon Law comes in to help affected consumers recover what they spent on a defective vehicle. Its design ensures that carmakers hold up their promises of quality and reliability.
At Quill & Arrow LLP, we understand the importance of resolving these issues quickly. We’ve created this guide, which covers everything you need to know about identifying a lemon, filing a claim, and taking decisive action.
Getting to Know BMW Lemon Law in California
The Lemon Law in California has an official name: the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It’s a regulation that protects buyers and lessees of defective vehicles, and applies to both new and certified pre-owned cars. This law requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the products they produce, provided the vehicles are still under the automaker’s warranty at the time the issue arises.
This brings us to the question: What exactly qualifies your vehicle as a BMW Lemon? Under the California Lemon Law, your BMW may be eligible if:
- It has a substantial defect. Any problem that impairs its use, safety, or value can qualify, such as engine failure or brake malfunctions.
- The dealership has performed multiple repair attempts. As the owner, you must have reported any issue affecting the car to the dealer or manufacturer and given them multiple chances to fix the issue.
- The defect occurred during the warranty period, which usually includes the new car warranty or any extended coverage for CPO vehicles.
- The vehicle has spent a significant amount of time out of service due to repairs. Usually, this means spending a cumulative of 30 days or more at the repair shop.
Common BMW Issues That Could Trigger BMW Lemon Law Buyback Claims
Most people know BMW vehicles for innovation and style, but like any piece of complex machinery, they are not immune to defects. Some common issues that might qualify for Lemon Law protection include:
- Engine stalling or failure
- Transmission problems like rough shifting, gear slipping, or an inability to accelerate properly
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Brake system or Airbag failures
- Recurring check engine lights
If your BMW exhibits any of the above issues and repair attempts have not resolved them, you should take Lemon Law action.
Steps to Take if You Own a BMW Lemon
If you believe your BMW qualifies as a lemon, you‘ll want to act swiftly. Here’s what you should do:
Keep Detailed Documentation
First, you must document the nature and frequency of the defect, describing how it affects you, your car’s performance, and your safety. Save all repair invoices for every visit to the dealer, as well as service records and communication with the dealership. Log how long your vehicle was out of service because of repairs.
Consult a Quill & Arrow Lemon Lawyer
Once you have all the necessary paperwork, you should schedule a consultation with a Lemon lawyer. These lawyers specialize in handling BMW Lemon law claims, so if you go ahead with your case, they’ll be able to help you out every step of the way. During this consultation, they will listen to your complaints, examine your documents, and determine if you have a valid claim.
Note that finding the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. How do you spot a good Lemon Law attorney? Here are a few things to look for:
- A License to operate in California
- Proven experience and expertise with BMW Lemon Law claims
- A transparent fee structure with zero upfront costs
- Positive client testimonials and a history of successful cases
Reputable firms like Quill & Arrow LLP should tick all these boxes and offer reliable legal support tailored to your needs.
Notify BMW or the Dealership
You must inform BMW or the dealership in writing—preferably via certified mail—about the ongoing defect affecting your car. Doing this will establish a formal record that you informed them of your concerns. You can also request an official repair history from the dealership to ensure they document all repair attempts.
File a Claim and Negotiate
If your automaker determines you have a solid case, you can file a claim against the manufacturer and begin negotiations. Your attorney will fight for a fair outcome that compensates you for your car’s diminished market value and other incidental costs. For example, if you lost wages because of your vehicle trouble, your lawyer will add that to the settlement counter offer.
Below are the different types of compensation to expect if your attorney wins your case:
- The Buyback Option: With the BMW buyback program, the automaker repurchases the car from you. They then refund its purchase price, down payments, monthly payments, taxes, and any interest paid. If you took a loan on the vehicle, they have to reimburse the finance company, meaning your credit may improve. Additionally, in a situation where you incurred incidental costs like towing or rental car expenses, they’ll refund that as well.
- Vehicle Replacement: You may prefer a replacement vehicle of the same make and model. Well, don’t worry; the Lemon Law has that covered. It allows you to get a new vehicle with similar mileage without the defects.
- Cash Settlement: In some cases, your lawyer may negotiate a cash settlement. This option covers the defect’s impact on your car’s value while being able to keep it along with any warranty that remains.
Why Choose Quill & Arrow Lemon Lawyers for Your BMW Buyback Claim?
Quill & Arrow LLP stands out for its dedication to consumer advocacy and expertise in lemon law. They will help in the following ways:
- Unparalleled Knowledge: Quill & Arrow’s attorneys are well-versed in the California Lemon Law. They are familiar with the legal nuances and understand the manufacturer’s tactics that could reduce the value of your claim. They’ll be prepared to counter them effectively so you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Tailored Representation: No two Lemon Law cases are the same. Quill & Arrow understands this and ensures each client receives personalized attention. This allows them to build a strong argument tailored to your specific situation.
- No Upfront Costs: Quill & Arrow operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until they win your case, and even then, the California Lemon Law usually requires the manufacturer to pay the consumers legal fees. With this, you can get legal representation without any financial risk.
Don’t Settle for a Lemon
No one should have to deal with the inconvenience of a defective car, especially one as prestigious as a BMW. The good thing is that the protections offered by the BMW Lemon law allow you to regain peace of mind and resolve your sour situation. With the help of Quill & Arrow, your car troubles will soon be a thing of the past.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions