Recall- Ignition Coils?

[NZL]

I had a call yesterday afternoon from my BMW dealer asking me if he could speak to me about a 'product enhancement.' I thought he was trying to sell me something, and was kinda annoyed by the interruption so responded "What does that mean in English?"

He said other BMWs like mine had reported problems with their Ignition Coils, and suggested that I book the car in at the workshop to get checked out.

After I questioned him about it, he admitted that it was a Voluntary Recall.

I was curious if anyone else has had issues with this... I drive a 2003 3-series.

 

[keninpa]

Interesting......My wife took her 2004 325 ci coupe to the dealer today to get the low beams adjusted. while it was in there they told her they performed a recall procedure having something to do with the electrical system. I looked at the receipt and it was coded with a job funtion, but didn't specify what was done. You'd think they would notify all owners about this!

Ken

 

[dzervit]

There is not a recall (that I found), but a BMW Service Bulletin. It was issued in Oct '02 and reads "Certain 2003 model year BMW automobiles with M54 engines incorporate an engine harness that may have electrical connectors with a contact force below specifications."

It effects E46 and E39 vehicles that were produced from 9/02/02-9/11/02.

 

[bmwrocks]

they performed a recall procedure having something to do with the electrical system. I looked at the receipt and it was coded with a job funtion, but didn't specify what was done. You'd think they would notify all owners about this!

While mine was in for a dead battery issue about 2 months ago, they did a recall procedure to my electrical system. It was a programming procedure that fixes the auto-stop feature of the power windows if obstructed. Apparently that wasn't working on mine although I didn't know it because I never tested it.

It seems BMW does "recall" procedures on vehicles whenever they are brought in for other service (scheduled or unscheduled). I guess it is cheaper for them to not have to inform all involved. Cheap sons-a-guns. I have had similar "recalls" on my X5 where I wasn't notified but they did it when I was there for something else.

 

[dzervit]

Here are the two recalls out now on the 3- series (there are other 'service bulletins' but not recalls):

Make : BMW Model : 330I Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V160000 Recall Date : APR 17, 2003
Component: VISIBILITYOWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 13100
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Consequence:
OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

******

Make : BMW Model : 325I Year : 2003
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 03V124000 Recall Date : MAR 14, 2003
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1056
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT WAGON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE VEHICLE AT REST, AN INCREASE OF ENGINE IDLE SPEED (UP TO 1,300 RPM) MAY OCCUR.
Consequence:
IF A GEAR IS SELECTED, THE DRIVER MAY FEEL AS IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING PUSHED.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 5, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

 

[direfan]

Is there a site that I can check for recalls for my car?

 

[NZL]

The BMW rep tried to tell me it was a 'product enhancement' ... I'm not sure what the criteria has to be before something qualifies for 'Recall' material. They proactively contacted me, didn't wait for a service or anything (I'm due for an oil change in 2,000km).

Interesting that nobody else seems to have a problem.

 

[zman]

The URL for recall is http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/0306A443.html

 

[dzervit]

A great site I use for all automotive related recalls/bulletins/problems...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov