BMW Lemon Law in California
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Purchasing a new BMW represents more than just buying a car—it’s an investment in German engineering excellence, driving performance, and luxury. The excitement of driving your new BMW off the lot comes with expectations of reliability, safety, and quality that match the premium price tag.
But what happens when your dream car becomes a source of frustration due to persistent mechanical issues or safety concerns?
At American Lemon Law Group, we understand the disappointment and stress that comes with owning a defective vehicle. No one should have to deal with repeated repair attempts, unexpected safety issues, or the financial burden of a problematic BMW.
Our experienced lemon law attorneys specialize in helping BMW owners navigate California’s consumer protection laws to secure the compensation they deserve. When it comes to our success, we’ve securely won more than $50 million on behalf of our clients who we helped file lemon law claims.
Call us today at (877) 215-5125 for a free case evaluation.
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How Can California's Lemon Law Help BMW Owners?
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the “Lemon Law,” provides robust protections for BMW owners facing persistent vehicle problems. This law requires BMW to repair defects that substantially impair your vehicle’s use, value, or safety within a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period.
If your BMW continues to experience issues despite multiple repair attempts, you may be entitled to:
- A complete refund of your purchase price (minus a usage fee)
- A replacement vehicle of comparable value
- A cash settlement that allows you to keep the vehicle
Recent legal changes have further refined these protections. Assembly Bill 1755, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and taking effect in phases beginning January 1, 2025, introduces new procedural guidelines that both BMW owners and the manufacturer must follow.
Is Your BMW a Lemon?
Not every problematic BMW qualifies as a “lemon” under California law. To establish a valid lemon law claim against BMW, your vehicle must meet specific criteria:
For New BMWs:
- The vehicle must be covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty
- The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- BMW must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue
- The problem must have occurred within 18 months of delivery or before 18,000 miles, whichever comes first (though claims can still be valid outside this period)
For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) BMWs:
- Following the 2023 California Supreme Court ruling in Rodriguez v. FCA, only CPO BMWs with a new warranty issued at the time of sale qualify for lemon law protection
- The vehicle must be used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes
- The defect must have manifested during the warranty period
It’s important to note that under the recent legal changes, used BMWs with only an unexpired portion of the original manufacturer’s warranty (not sold as CPO) may no longer qualify for lemon law remedies. This significant change makes understanding your specific warranty coverage crucial.
YOUR TIME TO FILE A LEMON LAW CLAIM IS LIMITED. ACT NOW!
Common BMW Defects That May Qualify for Lemon Law Claims
BMW vehicles, despite their premium engineering, have exhibited several recurring issues that may qualify for lemon law protection. Based on manufacturer communications, NHTSA investigations, and verified reports, these defects include:
Water Pump Electrical Short Circuit Issues (Recall 24V635)
In August 2024, BMW recalled 720,796 vehicles (2012-2018 X1/X3/X5 models) due to coolant pump seals allowing fluid to enter electrical connectors. This defect caused at least 18 documented thermal incidents, creating serious fire hazards. The recall required free pump replacements and shield installations to divert PCV system condensate. Owners experiencing repeated water pump failures may have valid lemon law claims, particularly if the issues persist after recall repairs.
Integrated Brake System Pressure Loss (Recall SB2500003)
A separate August 2024 recall affected 79,670 vehicles (2021-2024 5/7 Series and XM models) for brake control modules losing hydraulic pressure. BMW attributed this dangerous safety flaw to contaminated valve seals in ZF-supplied components. The defect requires complete module replacements and poses a significant safety risk that may substantiate a lemon law claim, especially if brake issues continue after repair attempts.
Engine Management System Failures
Transmission Control Issues
Owners of various BMW models have reported transmission problems including harsh shifting, unexpected downshifts, and complete transmission failures. These issues substantially impair vehicle drivability and safety, making them strong candidates for lemon law claims when repair attempts are unsuccessful.
How Does the BMW Lemon Law Buyback Process Work?
The Buyback Process:
- Documentation: Gather all repair orders, service records, and communication with BMW dealerships
- Legal Representation: Consult with a specialized lemon law attorney who can evaluate your case
- Demand Letter: Your attorney will send a formal demand letter to BMW outlining your claim
- Pre-Suit Notice: Under new requirements (effective April 1, 2025), consumers must provide written notice to BMW at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit
- Negotiation: Many cases settle during this phase through negotiation between your attorney and BMW
- Litigation: If necessary, your attorney will file a lawsuit to pursue your claim
- Resolution: The case typically ends with a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement
The recent Assembly Bill 1755 introduces expedited procedures including early discovery, expedited depositions, and mandatory mediation for manufacturers who opt-in. These changes aim to streamline the resolution process, potentially reducing the time needed to resolve your BMW lemon law claim.
Statute of Limitations
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Will BMW Buyback My Car?
BMW, like other manufacturers, typically evaluates lemon law claims based on the strength of the evidence and their assessment of liability. To increase your chances of a successful buyback, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- The vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty
- BMW was given a reasonable number of repair attempts (generally 2-4 attempts for serious safety issues, or 4+ for non-safety issues)
- The vehicle was out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days during the warranty period
- The defect continues to exist despite repair attempts
An experienced BMW lemon law attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful buyback by properly documenting your case, understanding BMW’s specific repair patterns, and leveraging knowledge of recent legal precedents involving the manufacturer.
BMW's Known Repair Patterns
Contact a BMW Lemon Law Attorney Today
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues with your BMW despite multiple repair attempts, don’t continue to deal with the frustration and potential safety risks alone. The American Lemon Law Group has a proven track record of successfully representing BMW owners throughout California, securing the compensation they deserve.
Our attorneys understand both the technical complexities of BMW vehicles and the nuances of California’s evolving lemon law. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. BMW, not you, is responsible for our legal fees under California’s fee-shifting provisions.
With the recent legal changes affecting lemon law claims, particularly for used vehicles, having knowledgeable legal representation is more important than ever. Our legal knowledge covers BMW-specific defects, including documented water pump and brake system issues. This allows us to build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
Our extensive experience handling cases extends to all major manufacturers including:
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Nick Movagar
Nick Movagar is a dedicated Lemon Law attorney with a proven record of winning cases against major defense firms. He fights tirelessly to protect consumers rights and isn t afraid to take cases to trial.
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