Anyaway to fix dent/melting on dashboard?

[visualexstasy]

I just traded in my old x3 for a new x3 m50 at a dealership thats a couple hours away and it came damaged on the [passenger dashboard](

View post on imgur.com

). It looks like its been warped by heat or dented in and not sure how to fix this exactly. I told the dealership but they are refusing to fix it and said that "i got such a good deal on the car either accept it or return it back". Not much for customer care so I guess ill take matters into my own hands and try to fix. Anyone have suggestions? Also before anyone says take it back to the dealership its too late at this point and I have this documented as well so I wont face penalties on return. Just looking for a solution now

[John in VA]

Find a top-notch detailer in your area - they probably have experience with this type of defect. It might respond to some heat. Can't tell if the color has been removed - that might require a dye touch-up..

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by John in VA

Find a top-notch detailer in your area - they probably have experience with this type of defect. It might respond to some heat. Can't tell if the color has been removed - that might require a dye touch-up..

I mean if its $100's to fix its not worth it tbh since its a lease. If its a $20 job why not

[John in VA]

As long as it's been noted & you're not held responsible for it when you turn in the car at the end on the lease... Probably not a $20 repair, at least in my area.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

I just traded in my old x3 for a new x3 m50 at a dealership thats a couple hours away and it came damaged on the [passenger dashboard](

View post on imgur.com

). It looks like its been warped by heat or dented in and not sure how to fix this exactly. I told the dealership but they are refusing to fix it and said that "i got such a good deal on the car either accept it or return it back".

Did you buy or lease the new X3?
If bought it - I would return the car and ask for another.
If you leased it and can live with the eye-sore, then make sure the damage is noted in the paperwork so that you will not be charged for a new dash upon lease return!

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

Not much for customer care so I guess ill take matters into my own hands and try to fix. [...]Just looking for a solution now

Why?
Why accept damaged dash in a new car!?!?!

I would shove it back down the dealer's throat and make them fix it for you.
Any repairs you DIY attempt will produce less-than-perfect results!

a

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by afadeev

Why?
Why accept damaged dash in a new car!?!?!

I would shove it back down the dealer's throat and make them fix it for you.
Any repairs you DIY attempt will produce less-than-perfect results!

a

I agree, that is an unacceptable response from the dealer, a new car should be damage free. The OP should consider escalating his complaint to BMWNA.

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I agree, that is an unacceptable response from the dealer, a new car should be damage free. The OP should consider escalating his complaint to BMWNA.

I mean they said if i dont like it theyll take it back and give me back my trade in. Not sure if it was just a scare tactic or not but they did give me $4.8k in equity on my x3 m40i (2023) and no other dealership was offering that so I didnt want to lose out on this opportunity. If i escalate with BMW NA what would be the recourse besides burning a relationship with the dealership?

[stbm5]

have you done anything to it yet? id try some interior cleaner and see if it polishes up some, maybe its less noticeable. you could try a hair dryer, heat it up just a touch and see if you can smooth it out. go low and slow.

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by stbm5

have you done anything to it yet? id try some interior cleaner and see if it polishes up some, maybe its less noticeable. you could try a hair dryer, heat it up just a touch and see if you can smooth it out. go low and slow.

Yea i was thinking of a hair dryer or heat gun but somewhat scared id make it worse

[stbm5]

thats why i suggested hair dryer, heat gun may be too hot. hair dryer on low if no effect try medium then try hot.

i havent looked but youtube is probably the best resource to find similar damage and what people do to fix it.

anyway you can get a hand up under that spot? if you can warm it up and put pressure from behind it might work. is that above the glovebox? maybe remove it and see if you can feel it from behind.

[dudley@07726]

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

I just traded in my old x3 for a new x3 m50 at a dealership thats a couple hours away and it came damaged on the [passenger dashboard](

View post on imgur.com

). It looks like its been warped by heat or dented in and not sure how to fix this exactly. I told the dealership but they are refusing to fix it and said that "i got such a good deal on the car either accept it or return it back". Not much for customer care so I guess ill take matters into my own hands and try to fix. Anyone have suggestions? Also before anyone says take it back to the dealership its too late at this point and I have this documented as well so I wont face penalties on return. Just looking for a solution now

Bring it to a dealer and let them fix it. You should never have let the original dealer dictate that he won’t repair or replace it. I look over ever new car purchase the best I can and have them write it down. The balls of some dealers. Wow.

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by dudley@07726

Bring it to a dealer and let them fix it. You should never have let the original dealer dictate that he won’t repair or replace it. I look over ever new car purchase the best I can and have them write it down. The balls of some dealers. Wow.

The dealer isnt local btw. I did escalate to bmw north america and ill see what they have to say

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

I mean they said if i dont like it theyll take it back and give me back my trade in.

I would call their bluff on the spot.

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

Not sure if it was just a scare tactic or not but they did give me $4.8k in equity on my x3 m40i (2023) and no other dealership was offering that so I didnt want to lose out on this opportunity.

Was the deal contingent on you accepting a damaged/defective new vehicle?
If not, they are screwing you over.

Dealership does NOT have to eat the cost of a damaged vehicle that (somehow) did not get missed during VDC inspection. BMW NA would pay for repairing any and all damaged flagged during port-of-entry Vehicle Distribution Center inspection. Including fully repainting or scrapping the car, if necessary.

Or it could be that the dealership damaged it post VDC, and was looking to stiff one of its customers instead of properly repairing it prior to delivery.

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

If i escalate with BMW NA what would be the recourse besides burning a relationship with the dealership?

What relationship?
They dumped damaged good on you, and you think you have a relationship worth preserving with them?

BMW NA and/or BMW CCA Ombudsmen will get you a proper new, damage-free vehicle. If that is what you desire.

If you don't want that, and would rather "play nice" with the dealer who is taking advantage of you, then best of luck with your next purchase experience!

a

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by afadeev

I would call their bluff on the spot.



Was the deal contingent on you accepting a damaged/defective new vehicle?
If not, they are screwing you over.

Dealership does NOT have to eat the cost of a damaged vehicle that (somehow) did not get missed during VDC inspection. BMW NA would pay for repairing any and all damaged flagged during port-of-entry Vehicle Distribution Center inspection. Including fully repainting or scrapping the car, if necessary.

Or it could be that the dealership damaged it post VDC, and was looking to stiff one of its customers instead of properly repairing it prior to delivery.



What relationship?
They dumped damaged good on you, and you think you have a relationship worth preserving with them?

BMW NA and/or BMW CCA Ombudsmen will get you a proper new, damage-free vehicle. If that is what you desire.

If you don't want that, and would rather "play nice" with the dealer who is taking advantage of you, then best of luck with your next purchase experience!

a

Thanks for this. Reflecting back on it I should have called their bluff. I did submit a claim on BMW NA but is there anything else I can do outside of calling monday?

[dudley@07726]

Originally Posted by visualexstasy

Thanks for this reflecting back on it I should have called their bluff. I did submit a claim on BMW NA but is there anything else I can do outside of calling monday?

Give them a terrible rating on dealerrater. Mention names. They read this stuff. I’ve been contacted.
https://www.dealerrater.com/

[visualexstasy]

Originally Posted by dudley@07726

Give them a terrible rating on dealerrater. Mention names. They read this stuff. I’ve been contacted.
https://www.dealerrater.com/

Hes not even on there lol

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

This is why I still can't stand dealerships and car salesman. Peak rat behavior.