BMW subframe goodwill coming to an end...?

[Heisenburg]

Guys,

Just a heads-up here...I have been in touch with Elms bodyshop in Stansted about some paintwork and wandered onto the subject of subframe repairs. They told me that BMW will not be 'entertaining' any more claims in the new year. That is, all repairs must be completed and invoiced to BMW before this year is out. Now, I know this can't be fully true because I know some of you guys are booked in for repairs in January and beyond.

Anyone else able to shed some light on this...?

[plumber vic]

Booked in 23rd December

[Neil M]

If it's going in for paint, have it checked out by Gareth and if needed, book it in for the subframe fix!:thumbs: Then it's on the books as a to-do, demand exceeds supply if it comes to arguing the case!

[Heisenburg]

If it's going in for paint, have it checked out by Gareth and if needed, book it in for the subframe fix!:thumbs: Then it's on the books as a to-do, demand exceeds supply if it comes to arguing the case!

Gareth has already had a look at mine and all is good :thumbs: Just wouldn't mind knowing how BMW will continue to deal with this issue.

[LeinsCSL]

Mine was all good too, which is why I got it strengthened as a preventative measure myself

[Figas]

I had mine pulled forward by Elms as BMW now requires the work to be started before the 10 year anniversary.

Originally booked in for the 2nd December it was pulled forward to the beginning of November as a result.

I wouldn't be surprised if they are trying to draw a line under this and limit their liability.

Figas

[Heisenburg]

Mine was all good too, which is why I got it strengthened as a preventative measure myself

I've seen your repair with MProve on here. Looks a tidy job. I'd say I will go down this route eventually...just not on my immediate radar at the moment. Going to see what Elms can offer when I'm in with them next week...otherwise I'll touch base with your guys in the new year.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

So if your car is not 10 years old until next year does that still not get covered. :wink:

[Heisenburg]

So if your car is not 10 years old until next year does that still not get covered. :wink:

That's what I took form what they said. But, then again, I see some repairs are booked in for the new year??

[Bounce]

Not that I've got one,but what about stock E46 M3s,some of these are 06 plates.

[Heisenburg]

Not that I've got one,but what about stock E46 M3s,some of these are 06 plates.

As far as I'm aware, the subframe is only an issue up to 03. I haven't heard of any of the newer E46's needing the repair.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Where not all CSL's built 03 even though some are registered 04 :119:

[DazBlackCSL]

Where not all CSL's built 03 even though some are registered 04 :119:

yep spot on

[Neil M]

As far as I'm aware, the subframe is only an issue up to 03. I haven't heard of any of the newer E46's needing the repair.

All CSLs were built between July and December 03, some were registered 03, others in 04 and 1 or 2 in 05.

All the E46's range suffer from the same inherent design fault, with the exception of the touring.

However it tends to manifest on M3s and the CSL in particular (cardboard weight saving) as they were intended to be driven enthusiastically! Higher torsional stresses, more flex in the structure, hence the cracks. :thumbs:

Some might consider having the cracks a badge of honor, if it ain't got cracks it's never realised its true potential - I remain Crack Free :hahaha:

[shimmy]

If BMW have drawn a line under the period of goodwill, I personally would ignore this and attempt to contact BMW either as a warranty claim under 12 years bodywork OR a 'fit for purpose' claim, ie the car should surely not fall to bits at 10 years.

This is why they gave the 10 years in the first place, and the 10 year arbitrary period is their invention and not subject to any court test, so try them out!

If you put them under pressure you never kow, they might just do it to keep you quiet.

[Pip1968]

It almost makes you sorry that you don't have the crack. I do not have one and have had it checked by ELMs and my local BMW dealership and now I think that perhaps I should just ask for a goodwill job premeditatively. Did not someone on here go down that route with ELMs.

What was the price for a 'just in case job' through BMW?

How many are left without cracks????

Pip
Ps I still have a warranty if that makes any difference.

[Neil M]

It almost makes you sorry that you don't have the crack. I do not have one and have had it checked by ELMs and my local BMW dealership and now I think that perhaps I should just ask for a goodwill job premeditatively. Did not someone on here go down that route with ELMs.

What was the price for a 'just in case job' through BMW?

How many are left without cracks????

Pip
Ps I still have a warranty if that makes any difference.

BMW's liability starts when the cracks appear, rather a head in the sand approach to a known problem, a problem know to exist since they issued a directive to all Dealerships in 03 :banghead: (Copy available if you send me a PM)

I personally would have thought preventative treatment would have been more advantageous, to them as a company rather than the curative remedy, which must cost them K's per individual car. :bigcry:

'LeinsCSL' had the preventative treatment undertaken by a company in Warrington, the cost was about 1K from memory. :)

[Heisenburg]

What was the price for a 'just in case job' through BMW?

I'll be up in Elms sometime next week...will quiz them a bit more on this 'deadline', and will see what they offer in terms of a 'just in case job'.

[Mike R]

All CSLs were built between July and December 03, some were registered 03, others in 04 and 1 or 2 in 05.

All the E46's range suffer from the same inherent design fault, with the exception of the touring.

However it tends to manifest on M3s and the CSL in particular (cardboard weight saving) as they were intended to be driven enthusiastically! Higher torsional stresses, more flex in the structure, hence the cracks. :thumbs:

Some might consider having the cracks a badge of honor, if it ain't got cracks it's never realised its true potential - I remain Crack Free :hahaha:

Mine had no signs of it either (I had it checked within a couple of weeks of buying it) - I then did just three track days and then took it in for Gareth to inspect - thankfully it had cracked and I've just had it back from them with the repairs having been carried out :).

Gareth reckoned that he had seen LOADS that had done so all of a sudden (Trawler's had been in for an MOT and had some just found as I was there). It seems that 10 years brings out the cracks LOL.

[MCSL]

Booked in for 4th Feb 2014 at Elms Bedford for the subframe jobbie...

[shimmy]

Booked in for 4th Feb 2014 at Elms Bedford for the subframe jobbie...

Cool, is your car 2004 registered?

[Rick H]

If BMW have drawn a line under the period of goodwill, I personally would ignore this and attempt to contact BMW either as a warranty claim under 12 years bodywork OR a 'fit for purpose' claim, ie the car should surely not fall to bits at 10 years.

This is why they gave the 10 years in the first place, and the 10 year arbitrary period is their invention and not subject to any court test, so try them out!

If you put them under pressure you never kow, they might just do it to keep you quiet.

I'd agree with Shimmy here. My view is that there are more than enough cases of this potentially dangerous defect to confirm BMW failed in their duty to supply a car fit for purpose. The CSL is a track car and so should do track car things. I doubt any court would agree repairs are "goodwill", and I am surprised all E46s from the affected time period, including non-M3s, have not been recalled irrespective of warranty or service record.

A few years ago, when the extent of the problem was not that well known, "goodwill" may have been an acceptable label for BMW to hide behind but not now.

Just my two penneth :)

[MCSL]

Cool, is your car 2004 registered?

6th July 2004, Shimmy :thumbs:

[Neil M]

BMW knew about the inherent problems with the E46 before they produced the CSL, yet still went ahead with their weight saving exercise on the boot floor - Cavalier, Reckless, Irresponsible, or simply Professionally Negligent.

They were well and truly stuffed in the States, where a mass action was taken by owners against them, they were held to be liable irrespective of the age of the vehicle, as they continued production without addressing the problem which was one of basic design, and having ignored customer feedback and hundreds of complaints. :whistle:

[shimmy]

BMW knew about the inherent problems with the E46 before they produced the CSL, yet still went ahead with their weight saving exercise on the boot floor - Cavalier, Reckless, Irresponsible, or simply Professionally Negligent.
:

What weight saving did they make to the boot floor?

[alexk]

No insulation....

On a serious note. There is a remedy and the remedy is the reinforcement epoxy foam.

[Heisenburg]

Guys,

Just a heads-up here...I have been in touch with Elms bodyshop in Stansted about some paintwork and wandered onto the subject of subframe repairs. They told me that BMW will not be 'entertaining' any more claims in the new year. That is, all repairs must be completed and invoiced to BMW before this year is out. Now, I know this can't be fully true because I know some of you guys are booked in for repairs in January and beyond.

Anyone else able to shed some light on this...?

Just to close this thread...I popped in again a couple of days ago and apparentaly this was the result of some misinformation floating around their bodyshops at the time but has since been put to bed. So please ignore the OP, 10yrs still stands (a hot topic in itself at the minute!).

Apologies if I put the sh1ts up anybody :smt087

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Looks like will have to get mine in for another inspection before 26th March just in case :whistle:

[shimmy]

Might get mine looked at again as well :smokin:

[petery]

I've just had mine checked after 76000 miles and no sign of any cracks or problems. Mines a 54 plate car so will be checking again just before the 10 years are up.

Can't understand why some are fine and others are cracking, mines done track work, driven hard on some pretty awful roads, yet some of the ones with issues are pampered garage cars.

[JBird]

Might get mine looked at again as well :smokin:

You have already had the floor swapped havn't you shimmy? This should be interesting....

[shimmy]

You have already had the floor swapped havn't you shimmy? This should be interesting....

2010 I think.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

2010 I think.

Wonder how many boots Mark has had done having owned 3 CSL's :whistle: