{"id":4945,"date":"2026-07-09T02:52:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T00:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/defective-car-from-germany\/"},"modified":"2026-10-23T21:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T19:49:44","slug":"defective-car-from-germany","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/defective-car-from-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"Defective car bought in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"progress\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\n<header>\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <a href=\"\/en\/\" class=\"brand\" aria-label=\"BWLAW\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/logo-bw.png\" alt=\"BWLAW \u2013 law firm in Germany\" width=\"42\" height=\"28\"><\/a>\n    <nav aria-label=\"Main navigation\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/\">Construction law<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/debt-collection\/\">Debt collection<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/company-formation\/\">Corporate law<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/employment-law\/\">Employment law<\/a>\n      <a href=\"\/en\/defective-car-from-germany\/\">Cars<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\">Knowledge base<\/a>\n      <a href=\"\/en\/#zespol\">Team<\/a>\n    <\/nav>\n    <a href=\"#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Contact us <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n    <button class=\"burger\" aria-label=\"Menu\">\u2630<\/button>\n  <\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n<!-- HERO -->\n<section class=\"shero\">\n  <div class=\"glow\"><\/div>\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div>\n      <nav class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a><span>\/<\/span><b>Defective car from Germany<\/b><\/nav>\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Cars<\/span>\n      <h1>Bought a defective car in Germany? <em>We enforce your rights against the seller<\/em><\/h1>\n      <p class=\"lead\">Concealed accident damage, a rolled-back odometer, a breakdown right after purchase. We represent you before courts across Germany \u2014 with service in English.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"cta-row\">\n        <a href=\"#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Send documents for review <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a>\n        <a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\" class=\"btn ghost\" style=\"border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);color:#fff\">\u260e +49 335 553 10969<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"badges\">\n        <span class=\"badge\">Warranty \u00b7 Gew\u00e4hrleistung<\/span>\n        <span class=\"badge\">Withdrawal from the contract<\/span>\n        <span class=\"badge\">Odometer fraud \u00b7 hidden damage<\/span>\n        <span class=\"badge\">Demand letter \u00b7 lawsuit \u00b7 enforcement<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ph rv\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-portraet-hell-2026.webp\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-portraet-hell-2026-600.webp 600w, \/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-portraet-hell-2026.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 92vw, 520px\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1380\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski, defective cars bought in Germany, BWLAW in Frankfurt (Oder)\" fetchpriority=\"high\" style=\"object-position:center 22%\"><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<style id=\"bwx-autokauf\">\n\/* bwx: zdj\u0119cia + infografiki strony Autokauf, 23.10.2026 (build.py w bwlaw-de-tools\/autokauf-grafiken-20261023) *\/\n.bwx-split{display:grid;grid-template-columns:minmax(0,1fr) minmax(260px,380px);gap:clamp(1.6rem,4vw,3.4rem);align-items:center}\n.bwx-split--top{align-items:start}\n.bwx-ph{position:relative;margin:0;border-radius:22px;overflow:hidden;aspect-ratio:4\/5;box-shadow:0 24px 60px rgba(22,21,19,.14);background:var(--ivory-dim)}\n.bwx-ph img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover}\n.bwx-ph 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.9rem;text-align:center;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}\n.bwx-odo__m small,.bwx-odo__res small{display:block;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.04em;margin-bottom:.35rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.72)}\n.bwx-odo__m b{display:block;font-family:var(--font-head);font-variant-numeric:tabular-nums;font-size:clamp(1.2rem,2.5vw,1.55rem);letter-spacing:.05em}\n.bwx-odo__m--hi b{color:#E8946B}\n.bwx-odo__op{align-self:center;font:700 1.4rem var(--font-head);color:var(--terra);text-align:center}\n.bwx-odo__res{background:var(--terra);color:#fff;border-radius:16px;padding:.85rem .95rem;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}\n.bwx-odo__res small{color:rgba(255,255,255,.85)}\n.bwx-odo__res b{display:block;font-family:var(--font-head);font-size:clamp(1.2rem,2.5vw,1.55rem)}\n.bwx-odo__res span{display:block;font-size:.82rem;line-height:1.4;margin-top:.3rem}\n@media(max-width:1020px){.bwx-dk__grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr))}}\n@media(max-width:900px){\n .bwx-split{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n .bwx-side{max-width:420px;aspect-ratio:4\/3.3}\n .bwx-sticky{position:static}\n}\n@media(max-width:640px){\n .bwx-gw__leg,.bwx-dk__grid,.bwx-odo__row{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n .bwx-odo__op{line-height:1}\n .bwx-gw__bar{font-size:.7rem}\n .bwx-dk__row{flex-direction:column}\n .bwx-dk__row li{flex-direction:column}\n .bwx-dk__row li+li:before{flex:0 0 18px;width:14px;height:18px;margin:4px auto;clip-path:polygon(35% 0,65% 0,65% 55%,100% 55%,50% 100%,0 55%,35% 55%)}\n}\n<\/style>\n<!-- TYPICAL CASES -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Sound familiar?<\/span>\n      <h2>Typical cases of car buyers in Germany<\/h2>\n      <p>From cars bought at a dealership to vans bought for a business \u2014 the pattern is often the same: everything seemed fine on site, and the problems started after you got home.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"probs rv d1\">\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 3.5 2.5 20h19z\"\/><path d=\"M12 10v4.5M12 17.3v.1\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">01<\/span><b>Concealed accident damage<\/b><p>The \u201caccident-free\u201d car from the listing turns out to have had a major repair \u2014 the paintwork and the vehicle history tell a different story than the seller did.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4.5 16.5a7.5 7.5 0 1 1 15 0\"\/><path d=\"m12 16.5 4-5\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"16.5\" r=\"1.2\"\/><path d=\"M7 16.5h-.5M17.5 16.5H17\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">02<\/span><b>Rolled-back odometer<\/b><p>The mileage in the contract does not match the service records or roadworthiness-test reports. The difference can reach a hundred thousand kilometres.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M14.7 6.3a1 1 0 0 0 0 1.4l1.6 1.6a1 1 0 0 0 1.4 0l3.77-3.77a6 6 0 0 1-7.94 7.94l-6.91 6.91a2.12 2.12 0 0 1-3-3l6.91-6.91a6 6 0 0 1 7.94-7.94z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">03<\/span><b>Breakdown right after purchase<\/b><p>The engine, gearbox or electronics give up days or weeks after you collect the car.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M14 3.5H6.5a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v13a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h11a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V9z\"\/><path d=\"M14 3.5V9h5.5M8 13h7M8 16.5h4.5\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">04<\/span><b>Car does not match the listing<\/b><p>Equipment, engine version, model year, number of owners \u2014 the description turns out to be far from the truth.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M12 7v5l3.2 2\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">05<\/span><b>Dealer stalls on your complaint<\/b><p>The Autohaus sends you from the workshop back to the salesman, plays for time or \u201crepairs\u201d the car without fixing anything.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"bwx-pico\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M2.5 12S6 5.5 12 5.5 21.5 12 21.5 12 18 18.5 12 18.5 2.5 12 2.5 12z\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"3\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"no\">06<\/span><b>Bought \u201cgekauft wie gesehen\u201d<\/b><p>A private seller hides behind a warranty exclusion although he knew about the defect perfectly well \u2014 and assured you everything was fine.<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- BUYING FROM A DEALER -->\n<section class=\"sec alt\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Buying from a dealer (Autohaus)<\/span>\n      <h2>Your rights against a German dealer<\/h2>\n      <p>When you buy a car from a German business, you are protected by statutory warranty rights (Gew\u00e4hrleistung) \u2014 regardless of where you live. The seller is liable for defects that existed when the car was handed over.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"probs rv d1\">\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">01<\/span><b>Two years of liability<\/b><p>The seller is liable for defects existing at handover for two years (\u00a7 438 BGB). The defect does not have to be visible immediately \u2014 it is enough that its cause was already present in the car.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">02<\/span><b>Presumption in your favour<\/b><p>The defect shows up within a year of handover? The law presumes it already existed at handover (\u00a7 477 BGB). It is the seller who must prove otherwise \u2014 not you.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">03<\/span><b>Repair first, then refund or price cut<\/b><p>First you demand repair or replacement. If the seller refuses or the repair fails, you can withdraw from the contract or reduce the price, plus claim damages (\u00a7 437 BGB).<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">04<\/span><b>Shortening to one year? Only expressly<\/b><p>For used cars the dealer may shorten the liability period to one year, but only after informing you beforehand and only if it was expressly and separately agreed in the contract (\u00a7 476 BGB). Small print in standard terms often fails this test.<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <figure class=\"bwx-gw rv d1\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: warranty when buying from a dealer\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">Dealer warranty at a glance<\/p><div class=\"bwx-gw__bar\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"bwx-gw__y1\">Year 1: presumption in your favour<\/div><div class=\"bwx-gw__y2\">Year 2: liability continues<\/div><\/div><p class=\"bwx-gw__ticks\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Handover<\/span><span>1 year<\/span><span>2 years<\/span><\/p><div class=\"bwx-gw__leg\"><div class=\"a\"><b><i><\/i>Year 1: presumption (\u00a7\u00a0477 (1) BGB)<\/b>If the defect shows up, it is presumed in favour of the consumer that it already existed at handover. The dealer must prove otherwise.<\/div><div class=\"b\"><b><i><\/i>Year 2: liability up to 2 years (\u00a7\u00a0438 (1) no.\u00a03 BGB)<\/b>The dealer remains liable, but you then have to prove that the defect existed at handover.<\/div><div class=\"c\"><b><i><\/i>Used cars<\/b>Shortening to 1 year only after prior information and an express, separate agreement (\u00a7\u00a0476 (2) BGB).<\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n    <div class=\"hl rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Withdrawal in practice<\/span>\n      <h3>You return the car, you get your money back<\/h3>\n      <p>Once a deadline set for repair passes without result, you can withdraw from the contract: you return the vehicle and the seller refunds the price, less compensation for the kilometres you drove \u2014 the settled practice of German courts. A clear repair deadline (Fristsetzung) gives certainty about when you can withdraw, which is why the first letter to the seller should be sent by a lawyer.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"bwx-dk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: setting a deadline, expiry and your rights\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">The route to your rights<\/p><ol class=\"bwx-dk__row\"><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 20.5h16\"\/><path d=\"M14.5 4.5l5 5L9 20H4v-5z\"\/><\/svg><b>Setting a deadline (Fristsetzung)<\/b><span>you give the seller a reasonable deadline for repair or replacement, at your choice (\u00a7\u00a0439 (1), \u00a7\u00a0323 (1) BGB)<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"M12 7v5l3.2 2\"\/><\/svg><b>Expiry<\/b><span>the deadline passes without the defect being remedied<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c bwx-dk__c--act\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"m8 12.3 2.8 2.8 5.4-5.6\"\/><\/svg><b>Your rights apply<\/b><span>withdrawal (car back, price back, less compensation for the kilometres driven, \u00a7\u00a0346 (1) BGB), price reduction or damages (\u00a7\u00a0437 no.\u00a02 and 3 BGB)<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- BUYING PRIVATELY -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Buying from a private seller<\/span>\n      <h2>\u201cGekauft wie gesehen\u201d does not end the case<\/h2>\n      <p>Private sellers routinely exclude warranty liability with clauses like \u201cgekauft wie gesehen\u201d or \u201cunter Ausschluss jeglicher Gew\u00e4hrleistung\u201d. Such an exclusion is in principle effective \u2014 but it has limits.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"probs rv d1\">\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">01<\/span><b>Deceit overrides the exclusion<\/b><p>The seller cannot rely on the exclusion if he fraudulently concealed the defect or guaranteed a specific quality of the car (\u00a7 444 BGB).<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">02<\/span><b>False assurances are binding<\/b><p>Claiming \u201caccident-free\u201d or \u201coriginal mileage\u201d in the listing against better knowledge is deceit \u2014 not permissible sales talk.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div class=\"prob\"><span class=\"no\">03<\/span><b>A trader \u201cselling for a client\u201d<\/b><p>A common scheme: a dealer sells the car \u201con behalf of a client\u201d to appear private and exclude the warranty. Such constructions often fail \u2014 we examine this in every case.<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Longer deadlines in cases of deceit<\/span>\n      <h3>Three years instead of two \u2014 and avoidance of the contract<\/h3>\n      <p>In cases of fraudulent misrepresentation you can avoid the contract altogether (\u00a7 123 BGB), and warranty claims become time-barred only after the longer, <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/limitation-periods-germany\/\">general three-year period<\/a> (\u00a7 438 (3) in conjunction with \u00a7 195 BGB). These cases are won with evidence: the listing, the correspondence and an expert opinion \u2014 the sooner you secure them, the better.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"bwx-dk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: limitation in the normal case and in cases of deceit\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">Limitation compared<\/p><div class=\"bwx-dk__bars\"><div><i style=\"--w:66.7%\">2 years<\/i><span>normally: from handover (\u00a7\u00a0438 (1) no.\u00a03, (2) BGB)<\/span><\/div><div><i style=\"--w:100%\">3 years<\/i><span>in cases of deceit: from the end of the year in which you know or should know the defect and the seller (\u00a7\u00a0438 (3), \u00a7\u00a7\u00a0195, 199 BGB)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- ODOMETER -->\n<section class=\"sec alt\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Rolled-back odometer \u00b7 concealed damage<\/span>\n      <h2>Odometer tampering is a criminal offence in Germany<\/h2>\n      <p>Rolling back an odometer is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine (\u00a7 22b StVG). If the listing or the contract states a mileage or that the car is accident-free, these are agreed characteristics of the vehicle (\u00a7 434 BGB) \u2014 their absence is a defect the seller is liable for.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <figure class=\"bwx-odo rv d1\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: example of a rolled-back odometer\" style=\"margin-left:0;margin-right:0\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">Example: how a rolled-back odometer shows up<\/p><div class=\"bwx-odo__row\"><div class=\"bwx-odo__m\"><small>Listing and contract<\/small><b>95,000\u00a0km<\/b><\/div><span class=\"bwx-odo__op\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2260<\/span><div class=\"bwx-odo__m bwx-odo__m--hi\"><small>Roadworthiness test 2023<\/small><b>195,000\u00a0km<\/b><\/div><span class=\"bwx-odo__op\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><div class=\"bwx-odo__res\"><small>Difference<\/small><b>100,000\u00a0km<\/b><span>a defect (\u00a7\u00a0434 BGB) and a criminal offence (\u00a7\u00a022b StVG)<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n    <div class=\"hl rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">How we handle these cases<\/span>\n      <h3>Evidence, declaration, criminal complaint<\/h3>\n      <p>We secure the evidence \u2014 service history, roadworthiness-test data, an expert opinion \u2014 and send the seller a declaration of withdrawal from, or avoidance of, the contract. Where useful, we also file a criminal complaint. Important: do not resell the car and do not remove traces of the defect before the case is documented.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mini-cta rv\"><b>Suspect a rolled-back odometer or hidden damage?<\/b><span style=\"color:var(--ink-soft);font-size:.92rem\">Send us the listing, the contract and the vehicle documents \u2014 we will assess the evidence before any court costs arise.<\/span><a href=\"#kontakt\" class=\"btn\">Send for review <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n    <p class=\"rv\" style=\"margin-top:1.2rem;font-size:.95rem\">More on evidence and case law in our knowledge base: <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/rolled-back-odometer-car-from-germany\/\" style=\"color:var(--terra);font-weight:600\">Rolled-back odometer on a car bought in Germany \u2014 how to prove it and what to claim \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- B2B -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"bwx-split\" style=\"margin-bottom:clamp(1.8rem,4vw,2.8rem)\"><div class=\"sec-head rv\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Buying for your business (B2B)<\/span>\n      <h2>Bought the vehicle for your company? Act fast<\/h2>\n      <p>If you buy from a German business for your company, the commercial duty to examine the goods and to notify defects without delay applies (\u00a7 377 HGB). Miss it and you lose your claims \u2014 the vehicle counts as accepted.<\/p>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"bwx-ph bwx-side bwx-sq rv d1\"><img src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-anzug-2026.webp\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-anzug-2026-560.webp 560w, \/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-anzug-2026.webp 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 92vw, 380px\" width=\"900\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 30%\"><\/figure><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Hidden defects<\/span>\n      <h3>Report immediately after discovery \u2014 not after the repair<\/h3>\n      <p>Defects that could not be discovered at handover must be notified immediately after they show up. Consumer protection does not apply to business purchases, so contact a lawyer as soon as a defect appears \u2014 before deadlines pass and before a workshop removes the traces that are your evidence.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"bwx-dk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: duty to examine and notify defects under \u00a7 377 HGB\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">Duty to notify defects (\u00a7\u00a0377 HGB)<\/p><ol class=\"bwx-dk__row\"><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"m8 12.3 2.8 2.8 5.4-5.6\"\/><\/svg><b>Examine<\/b><span>without delay after delivery (\u00a7\u00a0377 (1) HGB)<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M3.5 10v4h3l7 4.5v-13l-7 4.5z\"\/><path d=\"M17 9a4 4 0 0 1 0 6M6.5 14l1.2 5h2.3l-.8-4\"\/><\/svg><b>Notify<\/b><span>without delay once a defect shows<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M2.5 12S6 5.5 12 5.5 21.5 12 21.5 12 18 18.5 12 18.5 2.5 12 2.5 12z\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"3\"\/><\/svg><b>Hidden defect<\/b><span>notify without delay after discovery (\u00a7\u00a0377 (3) HGB)<\/span><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"bwx-dk__c bwx-dk__c--warn\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 3.5 2.5 20h19z\"\/><path d=\"M12 10v4.5M12 17.3v.1\"\/><\/svg><b>Otherwise<\/b><span>the vehicle counts as accepted (\u00a7\u00a0377 (2) HGB)<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ol><p class=\"bwx-dk__note\">Applies where the purchase is a commercial transaction for both sides (\u00a7\u00a0377 (1) HGB). Sending the notice in time is sufficient (\u00a7\u00a0377 (4) HGB). The seller cannot rely on this duty for fraudulently concealed defects (\u00a7\u00a0377 (5) HGB).<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- STEPS -->\n<section class=\"sec alt\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">The whole path in one law firm<\/span>\n      <h2>How we run your case \u2014 4 steps<\/h2>\n      <p>Not every case ends in court \u2014 many sellers give in after the first letter from a Rechtsanwalt. We match the strategy to the value of the car, the evidence and the seller\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"bwx-split bwx-split--top\"><div class=\"steps bwx-steps rv d1\">\n      <div class=\"stp\"><span class=\"bwx-ico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M14 3.5H6.5a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v13a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h11a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V9z\"\/><path d=\"M14 3.5V9h5.5M8 13h7M8 16.5h4.5\"\/><\/svg><\/span><div><b>Document review<\/b><p>Contract, listing (secure a screenshot), correspondence with the seller, service records, an expert opinion if available. We assess your chances, the deadlines and the fastest route. You know the costs before you engage us.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <div class=\"stp\"><span class=\"bwx-ico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 20.5h16\"\/><path d=\"M14.5 4.5l5 5L9 20H4v-5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><div><b>Letter to the seller (Fristsetzung)<\/b><p>We set a clear deadline for repair or replacement, so there is certainty about when you can withdraw. A lawyer\u2019s letter shows the seller the case will not simply go away.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <div class=\"stp\"><span class=\"bwx-ico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 5.5h11a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 1.5 1.5v6a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5H9l-4 3.5v-3.5H4A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.5 13V7A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 4 5.5z\"\/><path d=\"M19.5 9h.5a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 1.5 1.5v6a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5h-.5V21l-3.5-3h-4\"\/><\/svg><\/span><div><b>Negotiations<\/b><p>A large share of cases ends with the car returned, the price reduced or a settlement paid \u2014 without a trial.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <div class=\"stp\"><span class=\"bwx-ico\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12 4v16.5M7.5 20.5h9M4.5 7h15\"\/><path d=\"M4.5 7 2 13a2.6 2.6 0 0 0 5 0zM19.5 7 17 13a2.6 2.6 0 0 0 5 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><div><b>Lawsuit and enforcement<\/b><p>We represent you before the competent court in Germany, up to enforcement against the seller\u2019s assets.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"bwx-ph bwx-side rv d1\"><img src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-schreibtisch-portraet-2026.webp\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-schreibtisch-portraet-2026-560.webp 560w, \/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/artur-schreibtisch-portraet-2026.webp 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 92vw, 380px\" width=\"900\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski at his desk\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:50% 25%\"><figcaption><b>Dr. Artur Barczewski<\/b><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Before the evidence disappears<\/span>\n      <h3>Screenshot the listing \u2014 today, not tomorrow<\/h3>\n      <p>Portals delete listings shortly after a sale, and the listing is often the key proof of the seller\u2019s assurances: \u201caccident-free\u201d, \u201coriginal mileage\u201d, \u201cfirst owner\u201d. Secure screenshots showing the URL and the date, keep the correspondence (including WhatsApp and text messages), the contract and all vehicle documents. The more complete the evidence, the shorter the road to your money.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"bwx-dk\" role=\"group\" aria-label=\"Graphic: checklist of evidence\"><p class=\"bwx-eye\">Checklist: secure this evidence<\/p><ul class=\"bwx-dk__grid\"><li class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><rect x=\"3\" y=\"4.5\" width=\"18\" height=\"12\" rx=\"2\"\/><path d=\"M8 20h8M12 16.5V20\"\/><\/svg><b>Listing<\/b><span>screenshot with URL and date<\/span><\/li><li class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 5.5h11a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 1.5 1.5v6a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5H9l-4 3.5v-3.5H4A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 2.5 13V7A1.5 1.5 0 0 1 4 5.5z\"\/><path d=\"M19.5 9h.5a1.5 1.5 0 0 1 1.5 1.5v6a1.5 1.5 0 0 1-1.5 1.5h-.5V21l-3.5-3h-4\"\/><\/svg><b>Correspondence<\/b><span>including WhatsApp and text messages<\/span><\/li><li class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M14 3.5H6.5a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v13a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h11a2 2 0 0 0 2-2V9z\"\/><path d=\"M14 3.5V9h5.5M8 13h7M8 16.5h4.5\"\/><\/svg><b>Contract<\/b><span>and all vehicle documents<\/span><\/li><li class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M5 16.5h14M3.5 16.5V12l2-4.5h13l2 4.5v4.5\"\/><path d=\"M3.5 12h17\"\/><circle cx=\"7.5\" cy=\"16.5\" r=\"1.8\"\/><circle cx=\"16.5\" cy=\"16.5\" r=\"1.8\"\/><\/svg><b>Service history<\/b><span>service book and roadworthiness-test reports<\/span><\/li><li class=\"bwx-dk__c\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\/><path d=\"m8 12.3 2.8 2.8 5.4-5.6\"\/><\/svg><b>Expert opinion<\/b><span>if available<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- FAQ -->\n<section class=\"sec\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">FAQ<\/span>\n      <h2>Frequent questions from car buyers in Germany<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"bwx-split bwx-split--top\"><div class=\"faq-list rv d1\">\n      <div class=\"qa open\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"true\">I bought a car from a German dealer and it has defects. What can I demand?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>First repair or replacement. If the seller refuses or the repair fails, you can withdraw from the contract or reduce the price, and claim damages on top (\u00a7 437 BGB).<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">How much time do I have?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>As a rule two years from handover of the vehicle (\u00a7 438 BGB). For used cars a dealer can effectively shorten this to one year, but only with prior information and an express, separate agreement in the contract (\u00a7 476 BGB). In cases of fraudulent concealment the longer, three-year general period applies (\u00a7 195 BGB).<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">Who must prove the defect existed at purchase?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>If you bought as a consumer from a business and the defect appeared within a year, it is presumed to have existed at handover (\u00a7 477 BGB). The burden of proof then lies with the seller.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">The contract says \u201cgekauft wie gesehen\u201d. Do I stand a chance?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Yes, if the seller fraudulently concealed the defect or assured you of qualities the car does not have (\u00a7 444 BGB). These cases are won with evidence \u2014 the sooner you secure it, the better.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">Can I return the car and get my money back?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Yes. Once the deadline set for repair passes without result, you can withdraw from the contract. You get the price back less compensation for the kilometres driven.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">The odometer was rolled back. What should I do?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Secure the evidence and do not resell the car. Odometer tampering is a criminal offence in Germany (\u00a7 22b StVG), and a false mileage reading is a defect of the vehicle. Withdrawal from the contract or avoidance for deceit are both possible.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">Do I have to travel to Germany?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>No. We run the case remotely on the basis of a power of attorney, and you send the documents by e-mail. In court, we represent you.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">What does it cost?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Our fees follow the German statutory scale (RVG), which depends on the value in dispute. You know the costs before you engage us. If you win, the opponent as a rule bears the costs of the proceedings, and legal-expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) may cover them.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">I bought the vehicle for my business. Do different rules apply?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Yes. The commercial duty to examine the vehicle and notify defects without delay applies (\u00a7 377 HGB), and consumer protection does not. Fast action is essential.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"qa\">\n        <button aria-expanded=\"false\">I bought the car online, without viewing it. Do I have extra rights?<span class=\"pl\">+<\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"ans\"><div><p>Distance purchases from a business can trigger additional rights, including a statutory right of withdrawal. Their scope depends on how the contract was concluded \u2014 we assess this individually.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"bwx-ph bwx-side bwx-sticky rv d1\"><img src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/duett-beratung-2026.webp\" srcset=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/duett-beratung-2026-560.webp 560w, \/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/duett-beratung-2026.webp 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 92vw, 380px\" width=\"900\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Dr. Karolina Wr\u00f3blewska and Dr. Artur Barczewski in conversation\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"object-position:40% 30%\"><\/figure><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- CONTACT -->\n<!-- Z BAZY WIEDZY -->\r\n<section class=\"sec\">\r\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\r\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\r\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Knowledge base<\/span>\r\n      <h2>Guides: cars from Germany<\/h2>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"kb-grid rv d1\" style=\"margin-top:2rem\">\r\n      <article class=\"kb-card\" data-cat=\"samochody\">\r\n        <span class=\"cat\">Cars<\/span>\r\n        <h3>Car dealer concealed a defect in Germany \u2014 what must be disclosed?<\/h3>\r\n        <p>Higher Regional Court of Munich: a rental-car note in the contract was enough, and repairs before handover did not have to be disclosed. Fraud, avoidance, deadlines and evidence.<\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"meta\"><span>\u2248 18 min read<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/car-dealer-concealed-defect-germany\/\">Read \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\n      <article class=\"kb-card\" data-cat=\"samochody\">\r\n        <span class=\"cat\">Cars<\/span>\r\n        <h3>Used car dealer refuses repair in Germany \u2014 and why driving the defective car cost the buyer his loss-of-use claim<\/h3>\r\n        <p>LG Frankfurt awarded the buyer \u20ac7,535.57 in repair costs but only \u20ac350 of the \u20ac122,325 loss of use he claimed. Burden of proof, deleted fault memory, default interest and the 93 per cent cost trap.<\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"meta\"><span>\u2248 21 min read<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/used-car-dealer-refuses-repair-germany\/\">Read \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\n      <article class=\"kb-card\" data-cat=\"samochody\">\r\n        <span class=\"cat\">Cars<\/span>\r\n        <h3>Car purchase rescission in Germany \u2014 how much actually comes back?<\/h3>\r\n        <p>The Regional Court of Cologne itemised the unwinding of a used-car sale: full price, deduction for kilometres driven, trade-in under a separate contract, interest, lawyer\u2019s fees and the dealer\u2019s default of acceptance.<\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"meta\"><span>\u2248 16 min read<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/car-purchase-rescission-germany\/\">Read \u2192<\/a><\/div>\r\n      <\/article>\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"chips rv\" style=\"margin-top:1.6rem\">\r\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\">All articles in the knowledge base \u2192<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section class=\"sec\" id=\"kontakt\">\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head rv\">\n      <span class=\"eyebrow\">Case review<\/span>\n      <h2>Send us the contract and the listing \u2014 we usually reply within one business day<\/h2>\n      <p style=\"color:var(--ink-soft);max-width:62ch;margin-top:.8rem\">Briefly describe what you bought, from whom and what turned out to be wrong. We will check the documents, the deadlines and your realistic chances of a refund or repair. 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BMW 320d from a dealer near Berlin, listed as accident-free, a week later my body shop found filler along the whole side\u2026\"><\/textarea>\n        <label class=\"optin\"><input type=\"checkbox\" required name=\"rodo\" aria-required=\"true\"><span>I have read the <a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">privacy policy<\/a>.<\/span><\/label>\n        <button class=\"btn\" type=\"submit\">Send \u2014 we usually reply within one business day <span class=\"arr\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\n      <\/form>\n      <aside class=\"k-side rv d2\">\n        <div class=\"pre\">Your case will be handled by<\/div>\n        <a class=\"k-person\" href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/team\/artur-barczewski\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/dr-artur-barczewski.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Artur Barczewski \u2013 niedergelassener europ\u00e4ischer Rechtsanwalt \/ Radca prawny\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" loading=\"lazy\">\n          <div><b>Dr. Artur Barczewski<\/b><div class=\"role\">niedergelassener europ\u00e4ischer Rechtsanwalt \/ Radca prawny<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"k-person\" href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/team\/karolina-wroblewska\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/dr-karolina-wroblewska.webp\" alt=\"Dr. Karolina Wr\u00f3blewska \u2013 niedergelassene europ\u00e4ische Rechtsanw\u00e4ltin \/ Radca prawny\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" loading=\"lazy\">\n          <div><b>Dr. Karolina Wr\u00f3blewska<\/b><div class=\"role\">niedergelassene europ\u00e4ische Rechtsanw\u00e4ltin \/ Radca prawny<\/div><\/div>\n        <\/a>\n        <ul>\n          <li>Reply within one business day<\/li>\n          <li>Service in English, Polish and German<\/li>\n          <li>Costs quoted before engagement<\/li>\n          <li>Cases across all of Germany<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n        <a class=\"tel\" href=\"tel:+4933555310969\">\u260e +49 335 553 10969<\/a>\n      <\/aside>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var q = new URLSearchParams(location.search)\n  if (!q.get('bw_sent') && !q.get('bw_err')) return\n  var f = document.querySelector('#kontakt .cform')\n  if (!f) return\n  var d = document.createElement('div')\n  d.setAttribute('role', 'status')\n  d.style.cssText = 'border-radius:14px;padding:1.2rem 1.4rem;margin-bottom:1rem;font-weight:600;color:#fff;background:' + (q.get('bw_sent') === '1' ? 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Please fill in the required fields or write to info@bwlaw.de.'\n  f.parentNode.insertBefore(d, f)\n  if (q.get('bw_sent') === '1') f.style.display = 'none'\n  d.scrollIntoView({block: 'center'})\n})()\n<\/script>\n\n<footer>\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n    <div class=\"foot-grid\">\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"foot-brand\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/bwlaw-child-1\/assets\/img\/logo-bw.png\" alt=\"Logo BWLAW\" width=\"38\" height=\"26\"><\/div>\n        <p>Kanzlei Dr. Barczewski &amp; Dr. Wr\u00f3blewska GbR<br>Rudolf-Breitscheid-Stra\u00dfe 10<br>15230 Frankfurt (Oder), Germany<br><a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\">+49 335 553 10969<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"mailto:info@bwlaw.de\">info@bwlaw.de<\/a><\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"foot-h\">Practice areas<\/div>\n        <ul>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/construction-law\/\">Construction law \/ VOB\/B<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/employment-law\/\">Employment law<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/debt-collection\/\">Debt collection<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/practice-areas\/company-formation\/\">Corporate law<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/defective-car-from-germany\/\">Defective car from Germany<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"foot-h\">Legal<\/div>\n        <ul>\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/knowledge-base\/\">Knowledge base<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/#zespol\">Team<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact &amp; directions<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/impressum\/\">Legal notice (Impressum)<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"https:\/\/bwlaw.de\/en\/privacy-policy\/\">Privacy policy<\/a><\/li>\n          <li><a href=\"#\" class=\"borlabs-cookie-preference\">Cookie settings<\/a><\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"foot-bottom\">\n      <span>\u00a9 2026 BWLAW \u00b7 Kanzlei Dr. Barczewski &amp; Dr. Wr\u00f3blewska GbR<\/span>\n      <span>niedergelassene europ\u00e4ische Rechtsanw\u00e4lte \/ Radcowie prawni \u00b7 Frankfurt (Oder)<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/footer>\n\n<div class=\"sticky-cta\">\n  <a href=\"tel:+4933555310969\" class=\"call\">\u260e Call us<\/a>\n  <a href=\"#kontakt\" class=\"book\">Describe your case<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Construction law Debt collection Corporate law Employment law Cars Knowledge base Team Contact us \u2192 \u2630 Home\/Defective car from Germany Cars Bought a defective car in Germany? We enforce your rights against the seller Concealed accident damage, a rolled-back odometer, a breakdown right after purchase. We represent you before courts across Germany \u2014 with service [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-bwlaw-page.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Faulty car from Germany? Repair, refund, damages | BWLAW","rank_math_description":"Bought a car from a German dealer that turned out faulty? 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