Just read BMW will replace the bearings in some 48k cars (20k in the U.S.) due to premature failure. OUCH! Letters will soon go out to all owners with production dates from 2/01-5/03

 

8th fix for this problem is the charm - maybe.

 

Funny thing is that BMW is not replacing the bearings on the M Coupe, which has the identical S54 engine. BMW sites that, because the redline on the M Coupe is 7600 RPM, it is not subject to the same stress as the 8000 RPM M3 motor. What a joke!

 

Yep, BMW is a joke. Their build quality and customer service has absolutely plummeted over the last decade.

 

Replacing the bearings won't fix the cause of the bearing failure.

 

but if you read the service bullitin they also state "Update with latest engine management software". I suspect that the updated software will either limit top end power or reduce redline RPM's or possibly both.

I smell a rat!

 

It doesn't seem like it will be a big problem, but that is coming from BMW. This should answer all your questions.

Here are the letters with Q and A:

Letter:


Q and A:

 

oh yeah BMW service is a joke, thats why it is free on all new cars. How many other manufacterers pay for ALL of your maintainence for 4 years?

 

Getting what you're paying for.

 

I'd rather pay for my service and have the company treat me right when I go in for warranty issues than get free services, but treated like **** and stabbed in the back when something I did not cause goes wrong. I'll likely never buy another BMW product again after all the headaches I've had with two small issues that could've been resolved in a matter of 5 minutes with my MINI, but the dealer insisted that it's "BMW policy" that I need to check my car in and they assess the situation thoroughly when I told them what the problem was and how to fix it. Their cars are great (well, other than the junk S54 engine), but BMWNA are very sneaky and backstabbing when it comes to warranty claims.

 

OUCH! Again.......

 

I have owned two 7 series, an M5 and have always had the WORST service advisors, rude, they did not know what they were talking about etc. **** BMW and their ****ty new styles and horrible service reps, sales people aren't that great either.

 

Jesus,

Sounds like you guys have had some terrible experiences. I happen to work for BMW, and the dealer I work for is a family owned business for 35 years. It is a great place to buy, and service your car. Let me know if I can help any of your out, if you live in SoCal, you should service your car with us. I am good friends with a few of the service advisors here, and they are very nice, intelligent people with extensive knowledge of the product.

Sounds like you guys have been taking your car to some shady dealers.

 

I just checked, build date 6/03 (whew)
BMW service and support has been totally A++ for me at Murray BMW in Utah and South Bay BMW in Hermosa Beach. It's too bad some dealers stink, but that's not a brand issue.

 

BMW makes great cars... period. Arugably, superior engines to that of Porsche.

And no manufacturer can make claim that they are immune to flubs. Although it does suck, good to see they're being proactive and taking action.