BMW Australia Reviews 16

Purchased my BMW Z4 in 2022 from BMW Brisbane Fortitude Valley, and what started as an exciting ownership experience quickly turned into a frustrating and costly nightmare.
Within the first year, the car began experiencing electrical and computer issues. BMW's solution was a software update — after which things got worse, not better. Buttons started behaving erratically: randomly selecting radio stations and, most alarmingly, dialling emergency numbers on their own.
The situation escalated into a genuine safety concern when the driver-side door latch would operate but the door simply would not open. I was physically trapped inside my own vehicle and had to exit through the passenger side every single time I drove the car. When I contacted BMW and explained this was a safety issue, they offered me a booking — four weeks away. No urgency. No concern. No exceptions.
I would have expected a door that locks its driver inside to be treated as a manufacturing defect and a priority. Instead, I was handed a repair quote that was frankly outrageous. I ultimately took the car to Comet Automotive, who diagnosed and fixed the problem in under a week at half the price.
Shortly after, the passenger-side door developed the same fault.
This is not a one-off issue — this is a design problem BMW needs to investigate seriously. A door that traps its occupant inside is not a minor inconvenience; it is a safety hazard. The fact that BMW showed zero urgency when told this speaks volumes about how they value their customers once the sale is made.
BMW's reputation is built on image. The reality, based on my experience, is a car that looks premium and performs like a liability — backed by a service culture that feels like: "We don't care how much grief our car is causing you — just keep paying us."
If you're considering a BMW, go in with your eyes wide open. The badge costs extra. The problems come free.

The 118 series model of BMW is not safe to drive on sunny days. Sunlight hitting the front windscreen turns it into a mirror, to the point that the entire dashboard reflects onto the glass. The glare is so strong that the windscreen behaves like a reflective surface rather than a clear window.
The same issue happens on the passenger side: clothing and the body of the person in the passenger seat reflect onto the passenger window glass.
When the sun is in front of me, I cannot drive safely because I can only see the dashboard reflection, not the road.

One star. MacArthur BMW — complete rip-off merchants.
I asked them to replace a door actuator on my E53 X5. They refused, claiming they don’t have the diagnostic computer for “cars that old.”
It’s a simple bolt-on mechanical part — three Torx bolts, two plugs, done. No special tools or programming needed.
They quoted me $472 for the genuine part. I bought the exact same OEM actuator online for $75. When I offered to supply the part myself and even bring my own E53-compatible diagnostic tool, they still refused. They admitted they only fit parts bought from them — even if I paid their rip-off price, they still wouldn’t touch the job.
I was literally about to order a brand-new $218,000 BMW X5 this week. After this disgraceful treatment, I’ve cancelled every plan to buy another BMW.
If this is how MacArthur BMW treats existing owners, stay well away.

Liers and thevis.
Can not be trusted .
Ivan is a lier and the management too .
Rude insulting staff that get away with theft .with management support.
Liers and thevis
Lie

I had my BMW428i convertible serviced at North Shore BMW Service Centre (53 Hotham Parade, Artarmon NSW 2064) in May 2025, My car is a well-maintained with only 36,000 km, and I have had it regularly serviced at the same centre for over six years without issue. the car stayed in the service centre for 3 days, and then I was told there was a part needed to be changed however the delivery address was wrong so they did not not receive the part in time, I can take the car home (which was already Friday afternoon) and sent the car back in on Monday.

After I drove car - only a few kilometres from the service centre, - a warning appeared: “Engine temperature too high – ” Moments later, the car engine lost all power and I was forced to coast to the roadside in a panic. I immediate contacted the service technician, who replied via text but offered no explanation, only suggesting I try again after the engine cooled down.

After waiting in the car for over 35 minutes, I carefully drove the car at a snail pace and when it was a few hundreds metres away from my home, the same warning sign came out again. I just parked it on the side of road, and walked back home, - waited until evening, then I drove it back to home.

The following day (Saturday), I thought the engine would have cooled down completely, so I drove my car out, however the exact same incident happened again — this time in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. Engine temperature is too high, then the whole car just lost power with engine lost. I attempted to contact the BMW service centre multiple times with no response. BMW Roadside Assistance declined to assist too, only advising me to keep contacting the service centre or wait until it reopens on Monday!

On Monday morning, I had the vehicle towed back to Northshore BMW at around 10:45 am. I personally accompanied the vehicle. They kept my car there for another few days without any updates, Only when I called to check with them days later , I was informed that a sensor cable on the engine was not reconnected by the technician, resulting in the engine overheating and stalling.

I could not believe this is happening, and worst of all, they treated this potentially fatal mistake very lightly, and did not offer any sincere apologies, didn't even formally acknowledge the mistake.

since then I had other issues coming up - recently there were several warming signs coming up and I took my car to Rushcutter Bay BMW service centre to get it checked out - It was diagnosed "a sensor cable" problem and cost over a thousand dollars to get it replaced.

With my car only has 38000km registered and has regular service each year, I felt this repeated problem with sensor issue is very hard to explain - My own recommendation is - DO NOT GET YOUR CAR SERVICED AT NORTH SHORE BMW!

BMWX3 - second recall it’s had in the 5 years I have owned it.
Have been waiting 2 months to get a starter motor issue recall fixed. In the meantime we have been advised to park our vehicle outside as it could cause a fire if parked in the garage - what a joke!
Spoke with customer service as to what if our car is stolen or damaged while being parked outside and they are claiming no responsibility for the loss. They simply states it’s YOUR problem and you would need to take it up with YOUR insurance - despite the fact that my insurance will not cover it as a condition of our insurance policy is to have it parked in the garage.
Moral of the story, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON a BMW as even after spending top dollar, after customer service is not there - go buy yourself a Mercedes!

I am writing to express my deep disappointment with the service I recently received from BMW regarding my 2018 BMW X3.
I initially brought the car in for a full diagnostic (as the engine light was illuminated), which identified multiple faults.
After discussing the findings with a BMW representative, I authorised the repair work in good faith at a quoted cost of $5,xxx.

Since then, I have been calling every two weeks for updates. Despite this, after more than two months, I still have no car, no meaningful progress, and no clear communication from BMW.

To my surprise, two months later I was presented with a further work report requesting an additional $4xxx, bringing the total estimated repair cost more than 10k.
When I questioned this, BMW advised that these faults were “not out of the ordinary” and explained that the original estimate had not included all of the necessary work.

This experience has been extremely disappointing. The customer service has been appalling, the communication inadequate,
and I feel misled about both the nature of the problem and the true cost of repairing my vehicle.
This has caused me to lose trust and confidence in BMW Australia, a brand I once associated with quality, transparency, and customer care.
I would appreciate a clear explanation of how this situation was allowed to occur, and what BMW intends to do to restore my confidence as a customer.

I brought my Mini in for the EGR recall at this dealership and was extremely disappointed with the whole experience. My car had a full service at an independent garage just two weeks before (with no issues), but immediately after the recall work was done by BMW, I was told I had a diesel fuel leak from a faulty sensor and there was a very strong smell of raw diesel. There was absolutely *no* smell or evidence of a leak before BMW worked on my car.

On top of this, the customer service was appalling. I was left on hold for ages whenever I tried to contact them, and they couldn’t get my name or email right even after I corrected them several times. Every time I asked a question, there was constant deflection and no real answers.

Really disappointing—will not be returning and would not recommend BMw to anyone.

When purchasing a premium vehicle like BMW, expectations are clear: safety, reliability, and technology that works as advertised. Unfortunately, BMW has failed on all three counts with their alarm system.

Despite being promoted as a comprehensive anti-theft solution that monitors impacts, movement, and intrusion, the system has proven unreliable. A significant impact to my vehicle did not trigger the alarm — something even an off-market, low-cost alarm would have detected. This is not just a system failure, it’s a case of false advertising from a global brand that claims to stand for engineering excellence.

What makes matters worse is BMW’s response. Instead of taking accountability or offering a real solution, the issue has been dismissed. This lack of responsibility is unacceptable for a brand in this market segment. Customers are not paying for excuses — we are paying for peace of mind, trust, and the promise of innovation.

BMW must understand that technology which fails at the very moment it is needed most is not “luxury” — it is negligence. I expected far more from this brand, and I will be taking this further with consumer protection authorities.

Iwould say everything a, bmw e46 booked in at 7.30am for an electronic review of airbag light staying intermittantly on and report. Over 51/2 hours later car returned front drivers window disfunctional the front passenger window disfunctional the instrument panel now non existent and I was supposed to pay up and drive a car now legally unroadworthy as handed back to me I left totally humilated and as I had a wife at home not so well I could not stay and have a discussion of the total incompetence and allowing me to drive a car that was completely unroadworthy.Iwould add the fee charged for reducing my car to a near only salvageable wreck Thank you Glenelg BMW Received phone call Monday Service Manager tells me some of their equipment is not suitable for earlier model BMW's In that case Earlier Models drive not run to your own competent Auto electrician or mechanic. Service manager said he would ring Tuesday 27/05/25 no phone call[at one time and possible to the present a mans word was his bond } not in this case. Final thought no phone call just as I knew the character of the Company Money before people. To add the final review there has been no apologise no offer to refund ripoff fees and Iam sure Christmas will come and go from this BMW dealership.

Customer of 23 yrs. Purchased the M850.At 2 1/2 years engine fault light came on. Was told I put wrong fuel in (BMW Melbourne). Charged $850 to clean engine out. Engine light came on again 6 months later. Engine oil leak found. Engine taken out and oil leak said to have been fixed. Came on again 2 weeks later, said I had put wrong fuel..... Came on again 6 months later. Was told I drive too slow and short distances for this kind of car by BMW Australia-in writing. After legal letter engine had thorough evaluation and found to have an oil leak n bank 2 of the head. Engine has had to be taken out twice and rebuilt once with new heads for the V8 twin turbo. . For 18 weeks car out of action. Then issues with Airplay etc. reprogrammed. Complete failure of dashboard on one trip and now new head unit. It seems it is never the car but the customer. Absolutely disgraceful service. Not the premium brand it once was, at least in Australia. Drive away.

Not interested in assisting with a replacement shock absorber they has done less than 60,000kms and the part alone costs $1200!!
Crap service, poor response time.

I am very disappointed with the BMW car. I owned a BMW 630i in Oct 2017. On 30 June 2024, its harmonic balancer snapped, and my car wasn't driveable when it happened. It cost me $2,280 to replace a BMW balancer through a mobile mechanic. My car had only done 50,138 km when this happened. I filed a complaint and made a claim against BMW, and they said wear and tear like this is normal. BMW said unless I arranged a diagnostic exercise to prove it was a manufacturing defect. However, the consultant said there was no guarantee BMW would reimburse me for my cost. Surely, a Harmonic balancer of a highly-priced BMW should last a long time, not less than seven years, and I only did 50,138 km. My car is always serviced at Waverley BMW at the recommended service intervals. So there should be no maintenance issue. I am disappointed that BMW wouldn't accept responsibility for this incidence.

BMW Australia and Waverley BMW
On the 7th of July 2023, I eagerly acquired my BMW iX xDrive 40 Sport from the Waverley BMW dealership. It was with high hopes and expectations that I embarked on my journey with this prestigious brand. Unfortunately, my excitement was soon eclipsed by an unforeseen and substantial issue that emerged shortly after my purchase.
A mere thirteen days (739 km) after taking possession of the vehicle, I encountered a catastrophic breakdown (drivetrain error) while driving on the busy M1 highway. This incident not only inconvenienced me greatly but also jeopardized both my safety and the safety of fellow road users. My vehicle came to an abrupt halt in the midst of peak-hour traffic on the M1, potentially leading to a dangerous collision with another vehicle. Without delay, I got the vehicle back to Waverley BMW on that very day, where it has remained for nearly two months now, with no clear resolution in sight. BMW has been unable to provide me with an estimated return date for my vehicle nor a proper indication of the issue.
Initially, the report cited a 'minor programming issue,' but BMW has since revealed additional problems affecting both the front and rear motors, as well as the battery itself. The brand new car has been disassembled, and numerous single-use components must be ordered and replaced. Considering the electric nature of this vehicle, the motors and battery are pivotal components, yet BMW persists in labelling this issue as 'minor.' A brand new car being taken apart is considered ‘minor’.
Furthermore, the financing for this vehicle was arranged through BMW Finance, and multiple payments have continued to be debited from my account despite the vehicle no longer being in my possession, and the uncertainty of when it will be returned. I have brought this matter to BMW's attention, but regrettably, they have declined to suspend the payments.
Throughout this ordeal, I have been in constant communication with both Waverley BMW and BMW headquarters, striving to resolve this issue. Prior to purchasing this vehicle I queried the people at BMW about whether there were any outstanding issues with their electric vehicle, to which they confidently denied. I feel I have been lied to and deceived, as I was later informed by a BMW Customer Relation Executive that they have in fact encountered multiple electric vehicle battery defects, which have taken many months to rectify and were still considered minor. During one of my conversations with a Customer Relations Executive at BMW, I emphasized the critical role the battery plays in an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, they are attributing this situation to sheer bad luck, which I find disheartening. I received the following email from the Customer Relations Executive stating:
"While we acknowledge your concerns and the recent minor repair issue within months of delivery, unfortunately, we do not believe a replacement vehicle or refund is warranted in this instance. As discussed, vehicles are bound to experience wear and tear over time, even with the utmost care and minimal mileage. Furthermore, BMW Group Australia remains committed to addressing issues that may arise beyond typical parameters (subject to specific criteria).”
I must express my profound disappointment with their customer service, as they appear to dismiss the significant inconvenience I have endured with such a high-value vehicle that was in use for only 13 days (739 km). To label these issues as mere misfortune or routine occurrences is a clear indication that BMW's electric vehicles may not be adequately prepared to compete in the electric car industry.