Odometer Fraud

I've got an issue with a BMW car I bought just over 2 months ago.


I purchased it from a dealer at the Automall in Tsuen Wan. The milage was 54,000km. After we took delivery of the car, owing to several warning indicators that came up,we decided to hand over the car to BMW for a complete diagnostic check.


After taking it to BMW, they advised me the last recorded milage on their records showed it at 94,100 km as at Jan 2007 .... someone had obviously re-wound the odometer.


The quote for repairs at BMW is approximately $60,000 , so with this in mind I approached the the dealer and Automall for an explanation. Of course they said that they had no part in rewinding the odometer, but have now offered to pay for the repairs and $ 20,000 as compensation.


I said that my first option is for them to purchase the car back... I simply want what I paid for (a car with 54,000km on the odometer). What am I going to do if I want to resell the car? I am not going to lie to the potential buyer about the mileage.


I did write to the complaints and advice unit at the consumer council and this is their reply:


".... Motors Limited is refusing to mediate since a police complaint has been lodged. You may submit the case to court for compensation".


The Police are investigating but seem to be either lost in translation or trying to close the case.


Has anyone had similar experiences?


Thanks very much for any help given.

Problem you have is that clocking in itself is not illegal in Hong Kong. Most dealers will have the following, or similar in their T&C's:


"If the vehicle is a second hand vehicle the mileage or kilometres shown shall be for refernece only. No warranty is given by the vendor on the accuracy of the reading and the Customer shall be respinsible for all enquiries."


It doesn't help in HK that franchised dealers will not verify mileage unless the person whose name is on the registration doucment shows up in person with ID card and will not divulge a mileage or history due to the data protection act, unlike other countries.


The police wont do anything as an offense has not been committed. The consumer council are powerless, particularly as the police are involved.


There are a few other threads previously on this exact issue. Best to keep emanding a buy back from them or lawyer up.

Thanks evildeeds ...

Hong Kong - Asia's World City !! This is not good for HK's reputation!!!