Steptronic recall campaign will be made voluntarily by BMW - Updated

[Car_54]

perplexing

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.

BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

 

[TIXXdriver]

Re: perplexing

BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

I find myself agreeing with you again. A company as innovative and disciplined as BMW knows what is what. The post purchase survey reveals they are very much interested in the buyers comments and complaints. To think a transmission is not tracked from manufacturer to end user does not make sense. It should be easy for BMW to provide the info to those affected.

 

[LarryE]

Re: perplexing

BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

I agree. Everything you say sounds reasonable. But I have to confess that I have never seen anything like this come from any automobile manufacturer. It boils down to a public broadcast and admission that there is a problem with specifics in terms of VIN #'s affected, and that will never happen. Trust me. A "private" admission in the form of a recall? Absolutely. That may (and probably will) happen.

 

[BMW_Driver22]

BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

You are absolutely correct. BMW knows exactly how many automobiles are affected and where they are today. If BMW can send letters to owners about a defective interior light they can surely do the same for a faulty transmission. Be careful of those that offer only partial truths.

 

[Trading_up_2_330Ci]

Re: Re: perplexing

I find myself agreeing with you again. A company as innovative and disciplined as BMW knows what is what. The post purchase survey reveals they are very much interested in the buyers comments and complaints. To think a transmission is not tracked from manufacturer to end user does not make sense. It should be easy for BMW to provide the info to those affected.

What is a "post purchase survey"? Do others believe BMW knows who has the defects?

 

[Car_54]

BMW knows everything they need to know about this defect to act responsibly. They know when and where defective trans were manufactured, which production runs are involved, VIN #'s, dealerships and yes, they know who bought them, the lowly guy at the bottom you and me. There is no need for discussion, argument or interpretation. To suggest anything other is disingenuous.

One must first come clean and acknowledge the defect. BMW "as of date ../../2004 transmissions with revision level "X" have been tested and are confirmed defect free". Put that information in writing make the purchasers of defective trans whole by replacing them. Begin to repair brand loyalty by ensuring quality control measures. Regardless, this is all fools folly as NHTSA has the case and BMW will comply with another "voluntary recall". And yes, it will be in writing. BMWNA will boast all of their recalls have been voluntary.

Who is Tom Purvis?

 

[BMW_Driver22]

That is an easy one

Who is Tom Purvis?

Tom Purvis is the big cheese of BMW for North America. For those who are interested contact info is as follows:

BMW of North America, LLC.
300 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Telephone : +1 201 307-4000
Telefax : +1 201 307-4095
Web sit : http:\\www.bmwusa.com

Chairman & CEO : Tom Purvis
Exec. V.P., Finance & CFO : Dr.Thomas Wittig
V.P., Marketing : James McDowell
V.P., Aftersales & Engineering : Hans Duenzl
V.P., Operations : Ed Robinson

 

[LarryE]

Re: That is an easy one

Tom Purvis is the big cheese of BMW for North America. For those who are interested contact info is as follows:

BMW of North America, LLC.
300 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Telephone : +1 201 307-4000
Telefax : +1 201 307-4095
Web sit : http:\\www.bmwusa.com

Chairman & CEO : Tom Purvis
Exec. V.P., Finance & CFO : Dr.Thomas Wittig
V.P., Marketing : James McDowell
V.P., Aftersales & Engineering : Hans Duenzl
V.P., Operations : Ed Robinson

This is helpful information for anyone who wishes to write a letter.

 

[IMPORTERofRECORD]

Re: That is an easy one

Tom Purvis is the big cheese of BMW for North America. For those who are interested contact info is as follows:

BMW of North America, LLC.
300 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Telephone : +1 201 307-4000
Telefax : +1 201 307-4095
Web sit : http:\\www.bmwusa.com

Chairman & CEO : Tom Purvis
Exec. V.P., Finance & CFO : Dr.Thomas Wittig
V.P., Marketing : James McDowell
V.P., Aftersales & Engineering : Hans Duenzl
V.P., Operations : Ed Robinson

Thank you for this. I plan on phoning Mr Purvis and his gang to confirm they have stopped shipping automobiles with defective transmissions.

 

[LarryE]

Re: Re: That is an easy one

Thank you for this. I plan on phoning Mr Purvis and his gang to confirm they have stopped shipping automobiles with defective transmissions.

I assume you will post the results of your conversation?

 

[TIXXdriver]

Post Purchase Questionnaire

What is a "post purchase survey"? Do others believe BMW knows who has the defects?

The questionnaire is mailed to the purchaser by one of several independent companies. BMW uses RDA Group www.rdagroup.com one of the largest. BMW uses the data for quality control, dealership feedback and customer satisfaction.

 

[daka]

E46 Steptronic trans

Going from an 89 325 is with no automatic trans problems to a CPO 2000 323cic. How do we know if this car has a problem or had the problem and was fixed (or replaced)?
This is my wifes and I don't ordinarily drive this car, I still have my 89 325ic (203,000mi) 5 speed.

 

[LarryE]

Re: E46 Steptronic trans

Going from an 89 325 is with no automatic trans problems to a CPO 2000 323cic. How do we know if this car has a problem or had the problem and was fixed (or replaced)?
This is my wifes and I don't ordinarily drive this car, I still have my 89 325ic (203,000mi) 5 speed.

Far as I know, the problem affects only '03 or '04 3-series and X-series.

 

[daka]

Well, that is good news. My wife LOVES the E46 convertible. Actually I find it very nice also I find it more "civilized" than the E30. But the E30 is more of a drivers car...more like a 2002 and the E46 more like a (o.m.g.) Mercedes.....
I see that you are in NY, for many years I was the club VP and Editor of the NY chapter newsletter (late 70's and early 80's)
Daniel Kane BMWCCA 12660

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Re: That is an easy one

Tom Purvis is the big cheese of BMW for North America. For those who are interested contact info is as follows:

BMW of North America, LLC.
300 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Telephone : +1 201 307-4000
Telefax : +1 201 307-4095
Web sit : http:\\www.bmwusa.com

Chairman & CEO : Tom Purvis
Exec. V.P., Finance & CFO : Dr.Thomas Wittig
V.P., Marketing : James McDowell
V.P., Aftersales & Engineering : Hans Duenzl
V.P., Operations : Ed Robinson

Thank you, excellent information.

 

[Car_54]

You are incorrect

Far as I know, the problem affects only '03 or '04 3-series and X-series.

SIB 24 07 03 Feb 2004
Automatic Transmissions Service Engineering
_______________________________________________
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SIB24 07 03 dated December 2003

Subject
GM5: Delayed P to D Engagement on Cold Start
Model
E46 with GM5: 325iA, 325xiA, 325xiTA, 330xiA from 09/02 up to 12/03
E46 with GM5: 325CiA, 325CicA, 330iA, 330CiA, 330CicA, 325iTA, from 03/03 up to 12/03
E53 X5 3.0iA with GM5 from 09/02 up to 12/03
E83 X3 3.0iA with GM5 from introduction up to 12/03

Situation
Customer may complain of delayed P to D engagement (2 to 30 seconds) during the first cold start in the morning

Cause
Unfavorable tolerances of C1 clutch housing causing internal transmission pressure leakafter extended (overnight) parking

Correction
ON A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT BASIS ONLY, after verifying the above mentioned situation,
REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH THE IMPROVED UNIT

For transmission replacement procedure refer to RA 24 00 048 found in BMW TIS.

Important
Gm5 automatic transmissions replaced under the terms of this Service Information DO NOT require any technical Hot Line authorization contact number.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
07 12 9 900 047 M12x1.5 self locking nut for output flange 3
24 00 7 515 157 GM5 trans for 325xiA/xiTA from 09/02 up to 03/03 1
24 00 7 523 279 GM5 trans for 325xiA/xiTA from 03/03 1
24 00 7 515 279 GM5 trans for 330xiA from 09/02 up to 03/03 1
24 00 7 523 281 GM5 trans for 330xiA from 03/03; and X3 3.0A 1
===========================

These dates are very simple to comprehend. BMW confirms an existing problem from
September 2002 forward. The correction that BMW mandates is to replace the transmission. The above Service Information Bulletin is provided for your convenience.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Wow it affects the X3 too..... jeebus

 

[archang3l378]

Does this go back to the 2000 models ? I've noticed a few times where my tranny slips from R to D.

 

[Kirby]

Does this go back to the 2000 models ? I've noticed a few times where my tranny slips from R to D.

FWIW, I don't recall anyone esle mentioning it on cars that old....

 

[Kirby]

Re: You are incorrect

Far as I know, the problem affects only '03 or '04 3-series and X-series.

These dates are very simple to comprehend. BMW confirms an existing problem from
September 2002 forward. The correction that BMW mandates is to replace the transmission. The above Service Information Bulletin is provided for your convenience.

You are both correct. A 3 series built in September 2002/forward is a '03 model year.