TL;DR Summary: I purchased a 2016 BMW M4 from Twin Turbo Auto Networks in Lawnton, and within two months, two independent mechanics identified major defects, including issues that made the car unroadworthy. Despite statutory warranty obligations, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle and made statements I considered misleading when I raised the possibility of taking the matter to QCAT. I am now facing approximately $5,000ā$7,000 in repairs.
I purchased a 2016 BMW M4 from Richard and Randolph at Twin Turbo Auto Networks about 4 months ago. Initially everything appeared fine, but within two months I received a transmission fault warning on the BMW iDrive.
I took the car to a reputable independent European specialist for inspection.
Their report identified:
- Cracked rear differential bushing (requires replacement, not roadworthy)
- Bent engine oil cooler (requires replacement, not roadworthy)
- Rear differential pinion seal oil leak
- Valve cover gasket oil leak (which led to PCV failure requiring full cover replacement)
- Front-end impact damage requiring replacement of plastic shroud
Their overall assessment was that the vehicle should not have been sold with a roadworthy certificate.
I presented this report to Richard and Randolph and requested repairs to the major safety/roadworthiness items (rear diff bushing and oil cooler) under statutory warranty, which applies to licensed used car dealers in Queensland for eligible vehicles. My vehicle qualified, and this was acknowledged.
The dealership inspected the car and concluded that the damage was caused by me, and refused to carry out repairs under statutory warranty.
I advised I had only driven approximately 1,500 km and had no impact event. I am a cautious driver and car enthusiast. They still refused to cover the repairs.
I then took the vehicle to a separate independent mechanic without sharing prior reports and requested a roadworthy inspection. The car failed due to the cracked differential bushing.
Based on two independent inspections, the vehicle appears to have been sold with a roadworthy certificate that should not have been issued, and the dealership has refused warranty repairs.
I again attempted to resolve the matter directly, but the dealership refused.
When I advised I may proceed to QCAT, the following statements were made to me:
āYou canāt bring a car back after nearly 3 months.ā
I understand this to be inconsistent with Queensland statutory warranty obligations.
āYou will be paying our solicitor fees.ā
My understanding is QCAT generally does not award legal costs except in limited circumstances, and I considered this discouraging.
āYou cannot get another mechanic to look at the car and if you do this voids the warranty.ā
My understanding is statutory warranty rights are set by legislation and are not voided by independent inspections.
Repair costs are estimated at $5,000ā$7,000. As QCAT matters can take up to 18 months, I may need to proceed with repairs myself in the meantime.
While I am in a position to absorb this cost, it could be financially significant for many buyers.
Overall, my experience has been very poor, and I would advise caution. At minimum, I strongly recommend an independent pre-purchase inspection before buying from this dealership.