Nov 20th, 2008
According to the NHTSA, BMW will be instituting a recall campaign on 2500 ///M3s equipped with the DCT double clutch transmission. It affects cars built before Sept 10, 2008. Covering 2008 and 2009 model year cars.
The issue is that when the car is rapidly slowing the transmission software may trigger a mulit-stage downshift. At low speeds this may cause the engine to stall; increasing the possibility of a crash.
To rectify this issue customers will have the engine and transmission software updated free of charge as part of the recall.
This process has reportedly begun and owner’s of ///M3s with the DCT option can call BMWNA at 1-800-831-1117 with any questions.
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Thanks Tim!
Nov 18th, 2008
We have confirmed the following with BMWNA and is in fact an official response to complaints about turbo lag. Models affected are the 135i, 335i/xi, 535i/xi and the X6 xDrive35i.
The turbo lag is not overwhelming for most and to some it is not noticeable. The cause of the lag is due to a change in the engine software; some were built with the new software while others obtained it through an update at the dealer. The reason BMW was updating the software was because of certain noise concerns and the by-product of the update was the increase in lag and the desired decrease in noise.
For some time the lag was denounced and was never officially acknowledged; this statement changes all of that. It also indicated engines may be updated with software that does not cause lag but may cause this “noise”. We would think most enthusiasts would welcome the noise over the lag but for certain others it may be the other way around. You apparently will have a choice. continued →
Aug 14th, 2008
BMWNA Statement on voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on U.S.A. model BMWs
08/13/2008
Today, BMW announced a voluntary recall regarding the front passenger air bag seat sensor mat involving approximately 200,000 Model Year 2004-06 vehicles. Affected are certain Model Year 2006 3-Series, Model Year 2004-06 5-Series, and Model Year 2004-06 X3 vehicles, depending upon seat type. BMW has found that the sensor mat may become damaged during vehicle usage depending upon the manner and frequency of the front passenger’s entry and exit.
BMW will begin sending customer letters in late September 2008. Affected owners may continue to drive their vehicles; however, customers should contact their BMW Center if the air bag warning lamp, and the passenger air bag “on-off” lamp are illuminated simultaneously. In this situation, BMW recommends customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately. At the present time, we are unaware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue.
Aug 13th, 2008
This just in from CNN:
The German automaker says the recall involves the 2006 3 Series, the 2004-2006 5 Series, and the 2004-2006 X3 compact sport utility vehicle. continued →
