Could a BMW garage remotely trigger a fault just after my warranty expired?
I bought my BMW X1 in April 2022 so the three-year warranty has just expired. I had decided not to extend it, given the car had only done 23,000 miles, had full BMW servicing and sailed through its first MOT. However, within two months, a catalytic converter warning light came on. My BMW garage performed a remote diagnostic check and suggested a sensor failure as the cause. However, the cynical side of me wonders whether, if my garage can conduct a remote check, it could also have brought about the failure?
– MC
Dear MC,
I feel as though this question warrants a reference to Hanlon's razor, a rule which states that one should never attribute to malice that which is more easily explained by incompetence. Or more accurately, in this case, simply a broken-down part.
It's easy to see conspiracy when you think you're being taken for a ride, but in this case I reckon your cynical side is getting the better of you.
True, it's theoretically possible that a manufacturer may have developed a system that would allow them to remotely generate faults in order to force you to take your car to their garage. In reality, though, we can be pretty certain no such system exists.
For one thing, how would the manufacturer guarantee it would benefit? You might just as easily take your car elsewhere for repair work.
For another, any such system's discovery would be catastrophic for the brand's reputation – after dieselgate, I'm confident most manufacturers aren't willing to risk their very existence simply to bring in a bit of extra aftersales revenue for their dealers.
The fact of the matter is that cars go wrong sometimes. And, sometimes, they go wrong just after the warranty has expired (the result of another rule: sod's law).
Fortunately, your car has been serviced by a main dealer so you have a good chance of getting some of the cost of the repair covered by BMW.
I suggest asking the dealer to contact BMW and request a gesture of goodwill – or take it up with BMW customer support yourself – given that the warranty has only just expired. The chances are you will get some money off the cost of the repair.
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