New BMW X3 need battery replacement upon received, Advice?

Ask the Hackrs
1

Hi folks, I can’t believe my first post here is a rant about an out-of-state lease.

I recently leased a 2025 BMW X3 through an out-of-state deal. The whole purchasing process was pretty smooth, but upon delivery I noticed that there was a check engine light (which later resolved itself) and a battery replacement light. I thought it might be because it’s an inventory car that sat on a lot for a while and that I could just drive out the battery issue, but I ended up taking it to my local dealership.

I brought the car to my local BMW dealership for the battery replacement issue. They are unable to warranty the battery due to long stationary periods. Local dealership need to figure out billing before they are able to replace the battery. When I reached out to the selling dealership, they said they will “look into this issue but have no ETA since it can happen at different stages, and might be from shipping.” and right now I feel like I’m speaking to the void.

What should I do other than eat the battery replacement cost myself? Can I escalate to AutoNation/BMW corporate? Sorry for the rant.

TLDR: Out-of-state lease needs battery replacement and the selling dealership doesn’t provide a solution

2

It’s happened before, we always get it taken care of for our clients.

It’s a brand new car, you should not expect to have to come out of pocket for the battery, but there isn’t much you can do to compel them either.

It is totally possible the shipper didn’t disable the alarm, and it went off in transport, draining the battery, but realistically, it’s going to be impossible to say.

I would escalate to a GSM at the dealership first, before anything else.

3

thas why local deals are better – can always go to the dealer – One time I sourced a Mazda myself – Car came with loose lug nuts on the wheels – I wobbled all the way to the local dealer who informed me the selling dealer did not tighten the wheels – Local dealer charged me ~$200 to tighten bolts and waste half my day

4

That’s a bold statement :rofl: