Kenyan content creator Victor Karanja, popularly known as Victor Peace, has narrated his frustrating experience after purchasing a BMW 523 from a luxury car dealership, claiming the vehicle developed mechanical problems almost immediately and eventually suffered catastrophic engine failure.
In a video shared on Instagram, Victor revealed that he bought the car last year after a disappointing experience with his previous vehicle, Nala. Hoping for a better experience, he turned to what he described as a trusted luxury car dealership.
However, what was meant to be an exciting purchase has reportedly left him facing an estimated KSh 700,000 engine replacement bill.
Victor Peace Says BMW Had Defects Despite Dealership Assurances
Victor explained that the dealership showed him an auction report for the BMW and allowed him to pay 60 per cent of the purchase price upfront, with the remaining 40 per cent payable in instalments throughout the year.
He claimed the vehicle was advertised on the dealership's website as having zero defects. However, a computer diagnostic check reportedly revealed numerous errors.
According to Victor, the dealership assured him that the issues would be resolved before he collected the vehicle.
“Day three of picking the car, that thing was smelling like fuel. I took it back, they said it's not a big deal. Two days later, same thing,” he recounted.
He said the problems continued, with oil leaks, coolant leaks and near-overheating episodes emerging within weeks of acquiring the vehicle.
Victor also complained of jerking whenever he accelerated, claiming that despite repeatedly returning the car to the dealership, he was reassured that the problem was not serious.
A subsequent diagnostic test reportedly identified a cylinder misfire. He said the dealership changed an ignition coil, but the jerking returned about a month later.
Engine Failure Leaves Victor Facing KSh 700,000 Bill
The content creator further explained that an unfortunate incident involving flooding led him to take the BMW back to the dealership, where, according to him, the vehicle was checked and declared fine.
However, approximately two months later, disaster struck while he was driving near the Australian Embassy.
“I just heard a loud gunshot-like sound, there's like a huge oil spill, there's smoke coming out of my bonnet,” Victor said.
He returned the vehicle to the dealership and attempted to resolve the matter, but claimed communication became increasingly difficult.
Victor said the dealership had retained the car for approximately three months as he sought a solution to the engine failure.
He believes the persistent misfire may have contributed to the damage, with mechanics he consulted reportedly suggesting that the piston could have developed a problem.
Victor Peace Calls for Amicable Resolution
Victor said he had attempted to resolve the dispute amicably, even proposing that both parties share responsibility for the situation.
“I've tried to find amicable ways to solve this, where we both share responsibilities to what happened,” he explained.
He maintained that he felt the responsibility should not fall on him because he believes the vehicle was defective when sold.
The dealership has reportedly attributed the damage to flooding, while Victor's account raises questions about the vehicle's earlier mechanical problems and the assurances he says he received.
Victor concluded with a warning to anyone planning to purchase a vehicle, emphasising the importance of conducting independent mechanical inspections, regardless of the dealership involved.
