Stop complainng about steptronic and...

kumafa124 · Feb 18, 2004

Section 8 .... I'm from so. cal. I began realizing it in Dec. when it did get a little bit colder and its been slipping constant ever since.

E46_Driver ... I noticed that you seem to be in large debate with many other 'slipping' car owners. I starting read that 25+ page post about 'slipping' when I placed my order in Sept. 03. Just want to say thanks for providing other methods to try to resolve this issue than just through the company or SA. I just want to get this matter resolved asap and be able to enjoy my car the way its meant to be and actually enjoy my 'vacation/personal' days off work. Afterall, we are all in the same boat .....

Car_54 · Feb 18, 2004

Section_8 said:

==========

NHTSA is the way to proceed. This warrants a formal complaint and for an authority with some sting in their punch to get answers. Clearly it is in everyones best interest to resolve this transmission problem sooner than later. The individual trying the one on one, with the dealer and/or BMWNA approach, based on messages on this board has not been successful. Glad someone had a solid pair to up the ante. Thanks E46_driver [thumb]

Let the insults begin!

E46_Driver · Feb 18, 2004

Thank you

kumafa124 said:

----------------------------------------------------

Agreed and thank you. Reading same old same old was very frustrating. Made me think of psych class from school days (paraphrasing) "One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result" Complaining on here is an outlet yet was not getting the result most of us desire. Tust that results oriented individuals understood my motives to be genuine.

Signed,
STILL a BMW fan!

Car_54 · Feb 19, 2004

NHTSA

For those of you who have filled out a complaint with NHTSA I can confirm there is a delay of approx 2 days from making complaint online and being able to view your complaint online. I was encouraged by the representative on the phone confirming that it is not a condemnation of BMW to file a complaint. Rather it is an aware consumer exercising good judgement.

TIXXdriver · Feb 20, 2004

"I do agree that lawsuits is not the best way of solving issues in general. It only enriches the lawyers. However, I find it troubling that BMW dealerships continue to sell cars known to be defective without notifying the buyer of the potential problem. Where is the full disclosure?"

(quoted from achuang)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think this sums up the frustration that people are feeling very well. Where is the disclosure? If not lawsuits....then what? I think we are all just tired of the run around and have been pushed to this extreme. I have learned a great deal from reading this board and appreciate the passion exhibited about our common issue. Trying to "shut down" or silence someone who offers up a solution (even if it is not one I would pursue) seems counter productive to /our/ goal. If we strip away the emotion of all of the postings, there seems to be real value in providing additional avenues for complaint if one is not receiving satisfaction from the dealer or BMWNA. I see no value in trying to stop people from offering these options. Regardless, I continue to hope that all affected parties find satisfaction through whatever channel they deem fit, and we can get back to DRIVING our cars

my $.02

Akiko · Feb 22, 2004

hey guys... i'm kinda new at this...
i have this 2001 320i and its been having so many problems with the transmission, fuel gauge, a/c, computer... i see u guys have this site for complaints but its for the us, i'm in canada... anyone know where i can turn to here?

E46_Driver · Feb 23, 2004

Hard to believe yet true

TIXXdriver said:

"I do agree that lawsuits is not the best way of solving issues in general. It only enriches the lawyers. However, I find it troubling that BMW dealerships continue to sell cars known to be defective without notifying the buyer of the potential problem. Where is the full disclosure?"

(quoted from achuang)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think this sums up the frustration that people are feeling very well. Where is the disclosure? If not lawsuits....then what? I think we are all just tired of the run around and have been pushed to this extreme. I have learned a great deal from reading this board and appreciate the passion exhibited about our common issue. Trying to "shut down" or silence someone who offers up a solution (even if it is not one I would pursue) seems counter productive to /our/ goal. If we strip away the emotion of all of the postings, there seems to be real value in providing additional avenues for complaint if one is not receiving satisfaction from the dealer or BMWNA. I see no value in trying to stop people from offering these options. Regardless, I continue to hope that all affected parties find satisfaction through whatever channel they deem fit, and we can get back to DRIVING our cars
my $.02

===================================

With some further searching I was able to determine this problem has been known since early 2003!

Go here http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm
and search prior years.

Car_54 · Feb 23, 2004

Google is the answer to lifes questions

Akiko said:

=======================================

simple google seach resulted in the following: http://www.tc.gc.ca/road/menu.htm [thumb]

Piggy · Feb 23, 2004

I have the cold start problem, but it only happened a few times. I brought my car to the dealership this morning for my first scheduled maintenence (it's been a year--8K miles) and informed them of this. They said they are aware of this problem and will check my car.

When I called about the status of my car at 5:00 the service guy told me they are giving me a new transmission and it should be ready tomorrow.

I hope that everything will be okay....I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

E46_Driver · Feb 24, 2004

Bet you wish BMWNA had contacted you

Piggy said:

========================

Sorry to learn of another victim of this common known defect.

Questions for your service advisor:
How much engine damage during the 8K miles from over revving and slipping?
What reason do they give for not contacting you regarding this "known" problem?
What does BMWNA have to say?

My questions:
How many more owners will suffer your fate before a FORMAL complaint is deemed worthy?
How many new victims before BMWNA formerly addresses this defect?
How would a poll have prevented this occurance?
How is a poll relevant to preventing this from happening again?
How will a poll help her now?

Sincerely and with all due respect, those of us who want not only a positive resolution for ourselves but also want to help others before they find themselves in our situation must, in all good conscience, file a complaint

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/tsbsearch.cfm

Responsible comments appreciated.

E46_Driver · Feb 25, 2004

WOW

I appreciate all the support via personal messages but.... it would be much more helpful and productive if you guys would respond to the thread and share your comments for all to read.

Again, thanks [thumb]

IMPORTERofRECORD · Feb 25, 2004

H e l p please

Do you guys know if NHTSA has opened a case regarding the steptronic transmissions? Do you know if they have fixed whatever was causing the slipping? My car is scheduled to arrive tomorrow so my build date is close to others who already confirm slipping is present in their new cars. [paranoid]

Thanks

E46_Driver · Feb 25, 2004

Re: H e l p please

IMPORTERofRECORD said:

The situation you find yourself in is the exact reason I lobbied fellow members to exercise the NHTSA option. (saw your other post) Members sharing experiences on here does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get BMW to correct the problem. I understand this board is a nice place to exchange thoughts, ideas and concerns. It also could be used as an effective tool to pool resources and take action when there is a clear problem affecting so many. The impotent non-effective way a couple have chosen to proceed with their individual concerns has been myopic in realizing and addressing the greater problem.

To answer your question, YES! Based on a friends conversation, the increased filings has forced NHTSA to open a "jacket" regarding unsafe steptronic. Now it is only a matter of time before NHTSA formally calls BMW on the carpet. Genuinely wish you did not have to deal with something that I and so many others went through over six months ago.

Decide wisely.
CAVEAT EMPTOR!

Bmw 325i 7803 · Feb 25, 2004

I support E46 driver completely, the guy is right and with this replacement transmission I currently have I feel ready to dump the car. The engine is a few degrees elevated up front and not in right, not to mention the car feels extremely slow.

KEITH · Feb 26, 2004

Re: Re: H e l p please

E46_Driver said:

The situation you find yourself in is the exact reason I lobbied fellow members to exercise the NHTSA option. (saw your other post) Members sharing experiences on here does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get BMW to correct the problem. I understand this board is a nice place to exchange thoughts, ideas and concerns. It also could be used as an effective tool to pool resources and take action when there is a clear problem affecting so many. The impotent non-effective way a couple have chosen to proceed with their individual concerns has been myopic in realizing and addressing the greater problem.[QUOTE}

I respectfully disagree. The information posted here was of tremendous assistance to me when talking with my SA and BMWNA. In both instances I was very confident since I had this information, and they were very understanding and accomodating. Also based on the info posted here, it is quite clear that BMW has taken the high road when it comes to the repair. They could have had customers wait until they could train techs to do some bench work on the trannies. Instead they are replacing the entire unit to ensure the job is done right. "The impotent non-effective...myopic" way I approached this problem was to gather information and seek a cooperative solution. Guess what... 2 days in the shop and I'm done. You could spend longer trying to get a rattle romoved.

BMW IS one of the world's premier auto builders, but they are just people. Things happen. It IS a shame it took so long to identify the problem as wide-spread and firm-up the absolute fix, but I have seen absolutely NOTHING indicating BMW turned a cold sholder on the customers with the problems. BMW didn't become the company they are by failing to address "the greater problem". ALL machines have problems. BMWs have FAR FEWER than most; and when they do have one IT GETS FIXED. THAT'S WHY WE DRIVE THEM!!!!!

Piggy · Feb 26, 2004

Update on my car

The service technician called to tell me my car was ready. I was surprised that I was getting a new transmission, and asked him exactly what was wrong with my car.

He told me he has seen this happen to other cars before and thinks it is either the pressure regulator or a cylinder. The problem is an internal transmission defect so they have to replace them. He said BMW is aware of this problem and he received a bulletin regarding this. On my paperwork it says, “Referred to SI B 24 07 03”, but I don’t know what that means.

Our conversation then went something like this:

Me: Can you tell me more about this bulletin that you have regarding the tranny problem?

Service Technican: There’s a bad bunch of trannys out there.

Me: So, if I never mentioned the slipping, even if it only happened 1-2 times, what would happen if I kept driving with the old tranny?

Service Technician: The problem would definitely get worse.

Me: And I would have never found out about this bad batch?

Service Technician: Yes.

He was surprised BMW didn’t send a notice to their customers, and said I should be fine with the tranny they just put in. My car runs well and so far things are good.

E46_Driver · Feb 26, 2004

Appologists

KEITH said:

E46_Driver said:

The situation you find yourself in is the exact reason I lobbied fellow members to exercise the NHTSA option. (saw your other post) Members sharing experiences on here does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get BMW to correct the problem. I understand this board is a nice place to exchange thoughts, ideas and concerns. It also could be used as an effective tool to pool resources and take action when there is a clear problem affecting so many. The impotent non-effective way a couple have chosen to proceed with their individual concerns has been myopic in realizing and addressing the greater problem.[QUOTE}

I respectfully disagree. The information posted here was of tremendous assistance to me when talking with my SA and BMWNA. In both instances I was very confident since I had this information, and they were very understanding and accomodating. Also based on the info posted here, it is quite clear that BMW has taken the high road when it comes to the repair. They could have had customers wait until they could train techs to do some bench work on the trannies. Instead they are replacing the entire unit to ensure the job is done right. "The impotent non-effective...myopic" way I approached this problem was to gather information and seek a cooperative solution. Guess what... 2 days in the shop and I'm done. You could spend longer trying to get a rattle romoved.

BMW IS one of the world's premier auto builders, but they are just people. Things happen. It IS a shame it took so long to identify the problem as wide-spread and firm-up the absolute fix, but I have seen absolutely NOTHING indicating BMW turned a cold sholder on the customers with the problems. BMW didn't become the company they are by failing to address "the greater problem". ALL machines have problems. BMWs have FAR FEWER than most; and when they do have one IT GETS FIXED. THAT'S WHY WE DRIVE THEM!!!!!

Click to expand...

Are you speaking on or off the record for BMW? [wave]

KEITH · Feb 26, 2004

Re: Appologists

E46_Driver said:

ON THE RECORD... but not for BMW... just for me.

BTW, why DO you drive a BMW?

Car_54 · Feb 26, 2004

Thumbs up for E46_Driver

Bmw 325i 7803 said:

E46 DRIVER has my support also. Based on his postings he experienced months ago all of the problems I recently encountered. I agree no one should jump to a legal position without exhausting all avenues. As best I can tell he said nothing about lawsuits only suggested filing a complaint with NHTSA. If someone has a better idea speak up please. I would feel like sh!t if this continues to go on knowing I did nothing. I for one am glad he spoke up. [thumb]

IMHO

Kirby · Feb 26, 2004

Re: Re: H e l p please

E46_Driver said:

It's really unfortunate that you make these assumptions and statements without knowing the facts.

"Members sharing experiences on here does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to get BMW to correct the problem. "

This is how the first 5 or 6 of us found out that it was not "just me". By sharing these experiences we realized it was a wide spread problem.

It also could be used as an effective tool to pool resources and take action when there is a clear problem affecting so many.

This is in fact what we have been doing since September. Myself, several others who check in here, and several others who don't check in here have been communicating by personal EMail for months, taking actions that we DID NOT post here for various personal choice reasons. Our dealers have in several cases contacted each other to discuss the problem.

If you read back through the entire thread, you will find that my car as well as several others were used by BMWNA for software patch tests, clutch pack replacements, etc. Our transmissions were sent back for "autopsies" and used to determine the source of the problem. We were working WITH BMW NA so that they could solve the problem FOR EVERYONE, not just our 5 or 6 cars. We agreed on a plan, took action, worked with BMW, and got the resolution that everyone is looking for - the problem is fixed by everyone's experience in the past 3 to 4 weeks.

I have received more EMails than you could possibly imagine from Steptronic owners, thanking us for identifying the problem and giving them the information to get their problems addressed. Results. End of discussion.

As for your on going derogatory comments - "impotent" "non-effective" "myopic" - about those who have helped get the problem identified and resolved, I find that many times people attack others based on their insecurity about their own shortcomings and failures.

Stop complainng about steptronic and...

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

New Member

Member

Member

New Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

1000 Post Club

New Member

New Member

Member

New Member

Member

2