Steptronic recall campaign will be made voluntarily by BMW - Updated
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Re: T Y P I C A L
T Y P I C A L
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Originally posted by BMW_Driver22
A friend forwarded the following information to me. Seems like there is beginning to be some light at the end of our tunnel. Hope you find it as helpful as I did.
Go to the following site http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ect/results.cfm
On the left side of the page Under Defective Investigations, select "Search"
Using the box on the right select type of search for "Vehicle"
Select "Year" 2004
Select "Make" BMW
Select "Model" 325 Ci
Select "Component" Auto-Transmission
Select "Document Search"
The documents are in a pdf format. Very thorough example of an experience many of us were forced to endure.
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The answer:
It took a woman to file the first complaint with enough detailed information to have an investigation opened on her behalf. She refused to allow her dealership, BMWNA etc dismiss her safety concerns. This woman will get answers and the corrective action that we all will benefit from! Helen Reddy comes to mind.... "I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR"![[:I]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_blush.gif "Blush [:I]")
T Y P I C A L
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by BMW_Driver22
A friend forwarded the following information to me. Seems like there is beginning to be some light at the end of our tunnel. Hope you find it as helpful as I did.
Go to the following site http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ect/results.cfm
On the left side of the page Under Defective Investigations, select "Search"
Using the box on the right select type of search for "Vehicle"
Select "Year" 2004
Select "Make" BMW
Select "Model" 325 Ci
Select "Component" Auto-Transmission
Select "Document Search"
The documents are in a pdf format. Very thorough example of an experience many of us were forced to endure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The answer:
It took a woman to file the first complaint with enough detailed information to have an investigation opened on her behalf. She refused to allow her dealership, BMWNA etc dismiss her safety concerns. This woman will get answers and the corrective action that we all will benefit from! Helen Reddy comes to mind.... "I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR"
Very good!!!
HAH! I was looking for a technical or legal position for my answer. You are correct a woman in Northern Virginia is responsible for elevating this past bickering to getting results. Good on her!!
LipSmacknGOOd said:
T Y P I C A L
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by BMW_Driver22
A friend forwarded the following information to me. Seems like there is beginning to be some light at the end of our tunnel. Hope you find it as helpful as I did.
Go to the following site http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ect/results.cfm
On the left side of the page Under Defective Investigations, select "Search"
Using the box on the right select type of search for "Vehicle"
Select "Year" 2004
Select "Make" BMW
Select "Model" 325 Ci
Select "Component" Auto-Transmission
Select "Document Search"
The documents are in a pdf format. Very thorough example of an experience many of us were forced to endure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The answer:
It took a woman to file the first complaint with enough detailed information to have an investigation opened on her behalf. She refused to allow her dealership, BMWNA etc dismiss her safety concerns. This woman will get answers and the corrective action that we all will benefit from! Helen Reddy comes to mind.... "I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by BMW_Driver22
A friend forwarded the following information to me. Seems like there is beginning to be some light at the end of our tunnel. Hope you find it as helpful as I did.
Go to the following site http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...ect/results.cfm
On the left side of the page Under Defective Investigations, select "Search"
Using the box on the right select type of search for "Vehicle"
Select "Year" 2004
Select "Make" BMW
Select "Model" 325 Ci
Select "Component" Auto-Transmission
Select "Document Search"
The documents are in a pdf format. Very thorough example of an experience many of us were forced to endure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The answer:
It took a woman to file the first complaint with enough detailed information to have an investigation opened on her behalf. She refused to allow her dealership, BMWNA etc dismiss her safety concerns. This woman will get answers and the corrective action that we all will benefit from! Helen Reddy comes to mind.... "I AM WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR"
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Response
quote:
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Originally posted by Section_8
More to the point, why did you cancel your order for a car, that this problem has been resolved for? The new car that would be built according to your specifications (If you are ordering) would be outside the production date of the cars with issues. So, you just canceled your order for a car because of a problem your cars tranny will not have, and *might* not have ever had depending on where it was built. (what factory it was assembled)
Kirby grabbed the 'meat' of the 12 page file that most of the folks here wanted to see. The rest of it could easily be written off as simply a terrible dealership - which plague all car companies, BMW or otherwise. (Savage BMW comes to mind in California). I say this, because numerous folks with the steptronic tranny problem have had theirs replaced at the drop of a dime by their dealer(while others unfortunately have not had as pleasant an experience with their dealer). It's your decision where to spend your money, but sounds more like you didn't really want the car anyhow? Put all your worries to rest, go find a early model 2003 with low milage and buy it instead.. Or.. Place your order for a car again! You're certain to get a car now that would be quite fine.
If you think BMW suddenly 'sucks' because they may or may not have sold a car knowingly with problems, is a debate we can all bicker back and forth about, but unless you work for BMW directly, we're all shooting in the dark. But you certainly need a wake-up call if you think issues like this are not going on with all car manufacturers in some form or fashion.
It's all about the $, and how the corporations can make more (Increase the shareholders profits!). (Is it more affordable to recall X number of vehicles to make a satisfactory repair, or just to fix the ones that complain, and settle any lawsuits that arise?) Believe me, it's almost always the #2 stance, if you think otherwise, you need a lesson on how corporate america works (like it or not..)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order:
Provide one official document from BMW stating defective steptronic transmission is resolved.
Coupes are only manufactured in Regensburgh Germany (plant closed to visitors for months)?
Problem is present from late 2002 to early 2003 until present
Shall we tell our loved ones no more transmission safety issues "Section 8" said so?
"May or may not have knowingly sold cars with defect trans"? (wrong over a year minimum)
You seek commonality of cause and situation thereby lessening the impact of this defect
Correct, BMW has exercised option #2 (just deal with the ones who complain)
Lastly, I need no lessons from you.
Why no reply to this post? You make declarative statements that require substantiation. Where is it? Why didn't you encourage members and BMW to speak to the issue openly? To engage in this public circle jerk daily week after week and month after month is just plain nuts. There is nothing available that clearly states the defective transmissions delivered in 325's, 330's and X5 has been corrected and this is what the corrective action is.![[screwy]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_screwy.gif "Screwy [screwy]")
Response
quote:
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Originally posted by Section_8
More to the point, why did you cancel your order for a car, that this problem has been resolved for? The new car that would be built according to your specifications (If you are ordering) would be outside the production date of the cars with issues. So, you just canceled your order for a car because of a problem your cars tranny will not have, and *might* not have ever had depending on where it was built. (what factory it was assembled)
Kirby grabbed the 'meat' of the 12 page file that most of the folks here wanted to see. The rest of it could easily be written off as simply a terrible dealership - which plague all car companies, BMW or otherwise. (Savage BMW comes to mind in California). I say this, because numerous folks with the steptronic tranny problem have had theirs replaced at the drop of a dime by their dealer(while others unfortunately have not had as pleasant an experience with their dealer). It's your decision where to spend your money, but sounds more like you didn't really want the car anyhow? Put all your worries to rest, go find a early model 2003 with low milage and buy it instead.. Or.. Place your order for a car again! You're certain to get a car now that would be quite fine.
If you think BMW suddenly 'sucks' because they may or may not have sold a car knowingly with problems, is a debate we can all bicker back and forth about, but unless you work for BMW directly, we're all shooting in the dark. But you certainly need a wake-up call if you think issues like this are not going on with all car manufacturers in some form or fashion.
It's all about the $, and how the corporations can make more (Increase the shareholders profits!). (Is it more affordable to recall X number of vehicles to make a satisfactory repair, or just to fix the ones that complain, and settle any lawsuits that arise?) Believe me, it's almost always the #2 stance, if you think otherwise, you need a lesson on how corporate america works (like it or not..)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order:
Provide one official document from BMW stating defective steptronic transmission is resolved.
Coupes are only manufactured in Regensburgh Germany (plant closed to visitors for months)?
Problem is present from late 2002 to early 2003 until present
Shall we tell our loved ones no more transmission safety issues "Section 8" said so?
"May or may not have knowingly sold cars with defect trans"? (wrong over a year minimum)
You seek commonality of cause and situation thereby lessening the impact of this defect
Correct, BMW has exercised option #2 (just deal with the ones who complain)
Lastly, I need no lessons from you.
Why no reply to this post? You make declarative statements that require substantiation. Where is it? Why didn't you encourage members and BMW to speak to the issue openly? To engage in this public circle jerk daily week after week and month after month is just plain nuts. There is nothing available that clearly states the defective transmissions delivered in 325's, 330's and X5 has been corrected and this is what the corrective action is.
Nail right on the head!!!
Importer is absolutely correct
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and the less than professional way of handling this defect recall campaign.![[:o)]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_clown.gif "Clown [:o)]")
No one is concerned about that while they were taking polls and working with BMW the defective cars were still being delivered. Rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA and the consumer will win in the long run.![[wave]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_wave.gif "Wave [wave]")
Importer is absolutely correct
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and the less than professional way of handling this defect recall campaign.
No one is concerned about that while they were taking polls and working with BMW the defective cars were still being delivered. Rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA and the consumer will win in the long run.
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Confusing
I am in the "this is unacceptable" camp. I have done my best to read these threads agree that too many are offering the same answer with no result. How many defective cars have been delivered since September? Where is BMW on this issue? When New England thaws and bimmer hits the streets if there is a slip I will not be so accomodating.
Car_54 said:
Importer is absolutely correct
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and there professional way of handling this defect recall campaign. No one is at all concerned about the fact while they were taking polls and working with BMW the cars were still being delivered. rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA will win in the long run.
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and there professional way of handling this defect recall campaign.
No one is at all concerned about the fact while they were taking polls and working with BMW the cars were still being delivered. rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA will win in the long run.
You are doing the correct thing
You are doing the correct thing. Prepare yourself by collecting all information from reputable sources that can stand the light of day. Do as the person (yes she is a woman) from Virginia and file a formal complaint with NHTSA and document everything. You do not want to end up as the fools arguing about something they cannot independently confirm. I firmly believe, the greater good is we might prevent another from buying a car with this known defect. Where in New Hampshire? I grew up in Bedford.![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]")
P.S. grow some thick skin you will be attacked for not gulping the kool aid as others
You are doing the correct thing. Prepare yourself by collecting all information from reputable sources that can stand the light of day. Do as the person (yes she is a woman) from Virginia and file a formal complaint with NHTSA and document everything. You do not want to end up as the fools arguing about something they cannot independently confirm. I firmly believe, the greater good is we might prevent another from buying a car with this known defect. Where in New Hampshire? I grew up in Bedford.
P.S. grow some thick skin you will be attacked for not gulping the kool aid as others
Re: You are doing the correct thing
Interesting comment, since you seem to be the one who's doing all the attacking...
BMW_Driver22 said:
You are doing the correct thing. Prepare yourself by collecting all information from reputable sources that can stand the light of day. Do as the person (yes she is a woman) from Virginia and file a formal complaint with NHTSA and document everything. You do not want to end up as the fools arguing about something they cannot independently confirm. I firmly believe, the greater good is we might prevent another from buying a car with this known defect. Where in New Hampshire? I grew up in Bedford.
P.S. grow some thick skin you will be attacked for not gulping the kool aid as others
P.S. grow some thick skin you will be attacked for not gulping the kool aid as others
Ok I am listening
I have spent the past two hours reading these strings. You and a couple others have been consistent in your posts. You seem to have the most credible position albeit vague. Couple of questions:
Most importantly for me, has this been fixed on new production? My car arrives this weekend
Will BMW really try and make me keep this car and allow them to try and fix it?
If the "BMWTIS" exists in which BMW tells thier dealerships to replace the bad transmissions why are they doing something else?
They will not get my check for $45K if the car has this problem.
Thanks in advance
![[?|]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_banghead.gif "Bang Head [?|]")
Car_54 said:
Importer is absolutely correct
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and the less than professional way of handling this defect recall campaign. No one is concerned about that while they were taking polls and working with BMW the defective cars were still being delivered. Rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA and the consumer will win in the long run.
No one is talking about a definitive absolute statement from BMW confirming what happened, what corrective action was taken and (this would be nice yet not expected) what has BMW done to keep another widepsread defect from being unleashed on us again. I for one am glad there are some that are willing to stand up and say "This is not acceptable". We all know there are plenty of people appologizing for poor BMW and the less than professional way of handling this defect recall campaign.
No one is concerned about that while they were taking polls and working with BMW the defective cars were still being delivered. Rereading early posts forces one to realize this was a pathetic attempt to shield BMW from ridicule. Win one for their employees that are active on these boards. NHTSA and the consumer will win in the long run.
Most importantly for me, has this been fixed on new production? My car arrives this weekend
Will BMW really try and make me keep this car and allow them to try and fix it?
If the "BMWTIS" exists in which BMW tells thier dealerships to replace the bad transmissions why are they doing something else?
They will not get my check for $45K if the car has this problem.
Thanks in advance
Re: Ok I am listening
After reading the strings you must want to step in front of a bus. Many well intentioned folk trying to offer assistance with a few who simply want to talk about problems versus solving them. Now to your questions:
I) Answer is, I cannot say for certain. BMW has not acted in an upfront responsible fashion regarding the trans defect. As you know from reading first "fix" was a software tweek, then a clutch patch now a completely new transmission. Some dealers have done the clutch pack and then represented to the customer it was a new transmission. General consensus is mid Dec 03 builds forward are not defective. To date there is nothing put out by BMW for public consumption that clearly states "defective transmission" has been resolved.
II) Unfortunately the answer is yes. Dealer will try everything under the sun to have you take possession of the car then try to fix repeatedly. Keep in mind they are losing nothing on these transactions. Warraty repair is quite lucrative for the dealer. BMWNA picks up the tab.
II) The dealerships had no clue what to do when this problem first presented. Engineers were baffled. They knew they had a widespread major safety issue and no solution. While BMW engineers scrambled dealers tried some basic "lets give this a try" approach. It was soon realized the "FIX" was a new transmission. BMWNA covered themselves by putting this information out in a bulletin TSB 24 07 03. By law all safety concerns must be available to the public.
45K does not mean diddly squat to BMWNA it is simply another unit to be sold and then managed. Some have refused delivery. Others have required testing before accepting the car. Truly wish more understood that the longer this goes the more damage is done to the brand that has far reaching implications. Resale is one that comes to mind. How do you think Audi drivers felt several years ago? As other posters have identified the Asian market is producing vehicles that are rock solid without such serious mechanical issues. Lastly, I have not heard nor read of one person getting a guarantee in writing from a dealership. Afterall, it is covered by the warranty right?
Choose wisely
Trading_up_2_330Ci said:
I have spent the past two hours reading these strings. You and a couple others have been consistent in your posts. You seem to have the most credible position albeit vague. Couple of questions:
Most importantly for me, has this been fixed on new production? My car arrives this weekend
Will BMW really try and make me keep this car and to try and fix it?
If the "BMWTIS" exists in which BMW tells thier dealerships to replace the bad transmissions why are they doing something else?
They will not get my check for $45K if the car has this problem.
Thanks in advance
Most importantly for me, has this been fixed on new production? My car arrives this weekend
Will BMW really try and make me keep this car and to try and fix it?
If the "BMWTIS" exists in which BMW tells thier dealerships to replace the bad transmissions why are they doing something else?
They will not get my check for $45K if the car has this problem.
Thanks in advance
I) Answer is, I cannot say for certain. BMW has not acted in an upfront responsible fashion regarding the trans defect. As you know from reading first "fix" was a software tweek, then a clutch patch now a completely new transmission. Some dealers have done the clutch pack and then represented to the customer it was a new transmission. General consensus is mid Dec 03 builds forward are not defective. To date there is nothing put out by BMW for public consumption that clearly states "defective transmission" has been resolved.
II) Unfortunately the answer is yes. Dealer will try everything under the sun to have you take possession of the car then try to fix repeatedly. Keep in mind they are losing nothing on these transactions. Warraty repair is quite lucrative for the dealer. BMWNA picks up the tab.
II) The dealerships had no clue what to do when this problem first presented. Engineers were baffled. They knew they had a widespread major safety issue and no solution. While BMW engineers scrambled dealers tried some basic "lets give this a try" approach. It was soon realized the "FIX" was a new transmission. BMWNA covered themselves by putting this information out in a bulletin TSB 24 07 03. By law all safety concerns must be available to the public.
45K does not mean diddly squat to BMWNA it is simply another unit to be sold and then managed. Some have refused delivery. Others have required testing before accepting the car. Truly wish more understood that the longer this goes the more damage is done to the brand that has far reaching implications. Resale is one that comes to mind. How do you think Audi drivers felt several years ago? As other posters have identified the Asian market is producing vehicles that are rock solid without such serious mechanical issues. Lastly, I have not heard nor read of one person getting a guarantee in writing from a dealership. Afterall, it is covered by the warranty right?
Choose wisely
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Re: Question
Forget it ... you're dreaming. Not gonna happen. How would they construct such a clause from a legal standpoint to protect themselves in case there was actually no problem with the tranny? Who would make the decision as to whether there's a problem or not? The dealer might choose to maintain the "company line" insisting that you don't have a problem tranny. Then for arguments sake, suppose you do have a problem tranny. Who enforces this "clause"? What would happen if there's a "difference of opinion"? You and your dealer would both have to hire attorneys.
Forget it ... you're dreaming. Not gonna happen. How would they construct such a clause from a legal standpoint to protect themselves in case there was actually no problem with the tranny? Who would make the decision as to whether there's a problem or not? The dealer might choose to maintain the "company line" insisting that you don't have a problem tranny. Then for arguments sake, suppose you do have a problem tranny. Who enforces this "clause"? What would happen if there's a "difference of opinion"? You and your dealer would both have to hire attorneys.