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BMW Recalling One Million Vehicles in North America (reuters.com)

Posted by msmash on from the safety-and-concerns dept.

Several readers share a report: BMW said Friday it is recalling about 1 million vehicles in North America for two separate issues involving fire risks and said it may expand the recalls to other countries. One recall covers 670,000 2006-2011 U.S. 3-series vehicles to address a wiring issue for heating and air conditioning system may overheat and could increase the risk of a fire. The second recall covers 740,000 U.S. 2007-2011 vehicles with a valve that could rust and lead to a fire in rare cases. The recall includes some 128i vehicles, 3-series, 5-series and X3, X5 and Z4 vehicles.

70 comments

  1. That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's german engineering for you. you can be burned in a BMW or gassed by a VW. And the krauts get so superior over quality.

    1. Re:That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ZEIG HEIL MOTHERFUCKER!!!

    2. Re:That's german engineering for you by alex67500 · · Score: 0

      Acutally it's sensible. They know there's an issue, and they're doing something about it. Continuous improvement.

    3. Re:That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Car recalls happen all the time. Nothing specific to any brand or country of origin.

    4. Re:That's german engineering for you by TWX · · Score: 0

      What's not sensible is the undeserved smug sense of superiority that is prevalent among German engineers. Even the quality stuff usually isn't so much better to justify the attitude, and there have been many cases in the last few years where their automotive quality in particular has gone downhill compared to the level it used to have.

      --
      Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
    5. Re:That's german engineering for you by geekmux · · Score: 2

      Acutally it's sensible. They know there's an issue, and they're doing something about it. Continuous improvement.

      I'll believe in continuous improvement when we start actually punishing greed and corruption that often creates these problems in the first place.

      That would also include the NHTSA, not just car manufacturers. A damn good example of this would be when NHTSA allowed Takata to continue to install defective airbags well after they fined them $70 million for it.

      Defects will continue in record numbers. Why? Because greed has proven it's worth it.

    6. Re:That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yet German cars are still better than anything else on the market and Germany still leads in automotive innovation.

    7. Re:That's german engineering for you by TWX · · Score: 2

      They're great until the odometer hits 100,000 miles.

      --
      Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
    8. Re: That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And even better after. Nearly all really old cars still in daily use are German. French cars tend to need expensive repairs at some point and Japanese and American brand cars tend to die of structural rust.

    9. Re: That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow - what a fanboy. Don't know where you live but in the USA nobody wants a BMW, Audi, or MB once their warranty ends. Just check the depreciation on a 10+ year old BMW; a 2004 335i that was $48k new is worth less than my 2004 Mach 1 which cost $29k.

      For "great German engineering" from BMW, how about plastic water pumps that frequently fail before 75,000 miles? High pressure fuel pumps that were so bad it took 3 or 4 redesigns to get right. Timing chains driven from the flywheel end of the crank, and therefore expensive to replace, that frequently fail despite being "good for the life of the engine". Main and rod bearings that wear out before 100,000 miles (last N/A M3 and M5). Batteries that must be replaced once a year due to the charging cycle (last gen 5 series). Intake port flaps that break off and damage the engine on diesel models. The list goes on and on...

    10. Re: That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Wow - what a fanboy. Don't know where you live but in the USA nobody wants a BMW, Audi, or MB once their warranty ends.

      Here in Europe German cars are extremely popular as second-hand cars because of their long average lifespans and high reliability. This is also why resale values are higher and why lease rates are lower for a VW than for a similarly priced car from e.g. Renault or Ford.

      Just check the depreciation on a 10+ year old BMW; a 2004 335i that was $48k new is worth less than my 2004 Mach 1 which cost $29k.

      I have no idea what a 2004 Mach 1 is, but only a very rare and expensive-when-new car will be worth more than a few thousand Euros after 13 years. Cars lose most of their value in the first few years and a large part of that when you drive the first kilometres. That's a fact of life, I'm afraid.

      For "great German engineering" from BMW, how about plastic water pumps that frequently fail before 75,000 miles?

      Most ars have plastic water pumps and they are normally replaced along with the timing belt as part of regular maintenance, usually every 100 000 or 120 000 km. I doubt metal would perform much better. You would probably get more contamination in the coolant.

      High pressure fuel pumps that were so bad it took 3 or 4 redesigns to get right. Timing chains driven from the flywheel end of the crank, and therefore expensive to replace, that frequently fail despite being "good for the life of the engine". Main and rod bearings that wear out before 100,000 miles (last N/A M3 and M5). Batteries that must be replaced once a year due to the charging cycle (last gen 5 series). Intake port flaps that break off and damage the engine on diesel models. The list goes on and on...

      Every car has weaknesses and high-strung performance models like BMW M3s and M5s are probably more likely to have engines failures at some point than a simple 316d. However, the fact remains that the most reliable vehicles are mostly German. Skoda and Toyota also do well.

    11. Re: That's german engineering for you by bobschneider8 · · Score: 2

      Gaskets, too! I just got rid of my 2008 5 series with 90K miles I'd owned from new, because of gasket issues. In January I paid $2500 to fix some oil leaks, including one from behind the alternator mounting bracket (a known issue with this engine!). Then in June I paid $2000 to replace two rubber gaskets from the cooling system (these were in the bottom of the V in the V8, and so could be expected to fail, but the intake manifold had to come off to get to them!). And last month I was quoted another $1900 to fix a couple of more minor oil leaks. These quotes were all from a good independent shop, not inflated dealer prices. I passed on the last repair, and dumped the car. I'm driving a Ford now, after 15 years in BMWs. Half the money to buy, still good to drive and lots of safety features. I did go for an 8 year warranty, though, in case it's no better built than the Bimmer.

    12. Re: That's german engineering for you by boudie2 · · Score: 1

      Let's see ... 2004 Ford Mustang ... 6 recalls including one for a leaking fuel filter which could cause a fire, and one for a sticking throttle pedal.
      http://www.fordforumsonline.co...

    13. Re: That's german engineering for you by Type44Q · · Score: 1

      Yeah, no shit... imagine if japanese, Korean or American cars ever required a recall - we'd be up in arms.

    14. Re: That's german engineering for you by Duhavid · · Score: 2

      I'm a fanboy. 1992 E34 ( 525i ) and 2000 E46 ( 328i ).
      Easy to work on ( no, really ), within the era's I have owned.

      BMW has been trying hard to make their later model cars harder to work on, it seems. But the older ones are great, in my opinion.

      To be clear, the water pumps have plastic impellers, they are not made of plastic entirely. And they do tend to fall apart after a while. Get a Graf replacement pump with metal impeller blades ( unless you want to do the Stewart pump at about 200.00 ), remove serp belt, remove 4 bolts, push out with provided threaded eyelets ( coolant will spill, catch it ), Vaseline up the o-ring on the new pump, pull it back in with the 4 bolts, top up with proper coolant ( different than "green", dont buy the premix ), put the serp belt back on, go.
      On the 2000 328, the coolant overflow tank ( different than most, ) will split and fail, if run too long. replace it.

      Few seem to fault Honda for building engines that are interference ( valves will hit pistons if the timing belt gives out ) and electing to use a belt, guaranteeing that you have to service something that requires major disassembly every 60k to 100k miles, or risk your engine being ruined. Ford elected to use plastic for the thermostat cover on a 1996 mustang I owned, which gave way and ruined the engine when it ran itself out of coolant. Ford then turned around on a car that was maybe a year old and few miles and replaced the engine with a rebuilt unit, not a new one. Point being all manufactures have issues.

      Hoping to get an M3/M5 at some point, had the use ( free, for about 2 years ) of a mustang. The one with the coyote motor. Loved the go. It could not corner for anything. Either of my BMW's would have dusted it in any cornering heavy track. And been left waaaaay in the dust on a drag strip... :-) So, the M would have the handling I am used to, with something close to the power level of the mustang.

      --
      emt 377 emt 4
    15. Re: That's german engineering for you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The problem with Fords is not just that they are poorly built, but that they tend to suffer from rust, sometimes already after ten years or sooner. The scrapyards are filled with Fords that are less than 15 years old. You won't find a BMW that young in a scrapyard if it hasn't had a major accident.

  2. That's the difference between software and cars by plopez · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Cars have to be recalled. If there is a serious defect cars get recalled. In software it gets swept under the rug and when a fix is available you have to pay extra for it. "Software Engineering" my ass.

    --
    putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
    1. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

      Off-topic, but the end of your comment made me think there's probably an "Ass engineer" at RealDolls.

      --
      #DeleteFacebook
    2. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by Chrisq · · Score: 1

      Off-topic, but the end of your comment made me think there's probably an "Ass engineer" at RealDolls.

      That job title might make finding another job a little difficult

    3. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by geekmux · · Score: 1

      Off-topic, but the end of your comment made me think there's probably an "Ass engineer" at RealDolls.

      That job title might make finding another job a little difficult

      Especially if you want to get paid an assload of money.

    4. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by plopez · · Score: 1

      The term is buttload. ISO standard buttload.

      --
      putting the 'B' in LGBTQ+
    5. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by froggyjojodaddy · · Score: 1

      I would take it one step further. If there's a serious engineering defect, the manufacturer should be on the hook to recall all vehicles affected by that defect AND re-imburse the owner for costs incurred getting it fixed.

      I have a BMW that's not affected by this recall but has a serious engineering issue. I'll save you the gory details, but there's a seal on the coolant pipe that fails prematurely. When that happens, coolant leaks out of a weep hold on the front. The cost to fix this at the dealer is close to $10,000 CAD. That's not a typo - it's close to 10 grand. Google BMW N62 engine coolant leak for info. Luckily, I found an independent mechanic to fix it, but still cost close to $2,000

      BMW knows it's an issue because they've revised the design of the seal/pipe. Since they know it was due to poor engineering (or more likely due to penny pinching), they should be responsible for incurring all associated costs for fixing it.

      Some things will fail prematurely, sure. Got no problem with that. When you make a million parts, some of them will fail. But when something because a common issue and has been determined to be an oversight, consumers shouldn't be left holding the bill

    6. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by dunkelfalke · · Score: 1

      more like sculptors, actually

      --
      "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" -- David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
    7. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by bobschneider8 · · Score: 1

      I had the same issue in my 2008 550i. It cost me US$2000 to have fixed. That was using an aftermarket coolant pipe designed to be replaced without having to pull the engine. The original factory part can only be replaced by pulling the engine and taking it half apart, just to replace a couple of $2 rubber gaskets. The coolant pipe and gaskets are in the bottom of the V of the V8, so they get hot enough that the rubber has to be expected to fail eventually. It takes superior German engineering to make replacing $2 gaskets a $10,000 job!

    8. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > In software it gets swept under the rug and when a fix is available you have to pay extra for it

      I don't know where you get your patches, but I've never paid a dime for them.

    9. Re:That's the difference between software and cars by geekmux · · Score: 1

      The term is buttload. ISO standard buttload.

      Ah yes. I stand corrected.

  3. My Honda is more exciting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Pfff - a fire in the HVAC system... how droll.

    My Honda Accord shoots burning shrapnel at your face if the airbags deploy.

    Your move, BMW.

    1. Re:My Honda is more exciting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Japanese were always more brutal and efficient than the Germans. The Germans just got the reputation because it happened where the West could see it all.

  4. Did the iPhone break slashdot? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It seems like there is an incompatibility between Apple's single quote character and Slashdot's characterset support.

    * This post was not written on an iPhone.

    1. Re:Did the iPhone break slashdot? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      iOS now uses Unicode for most punctuation marks and /. doesn't know how to deal with it.

      You'll be seeing alot of fucked up posts, for sure.

    2. Re:Did the iPhone break slashdot? by TWX · · Score: 1

      Hmmm. basic code-page 437 punctuation now being handled by unicode?

      That seems pretty stupid.

      --
      Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  5. Turn signals not working? by FerociousFerret · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh, when I saw BMW recalling 1 million cars, I was sure it was going to be because their turn signals didn't work. Because, you know, BMW drivers never freaking use their turn signals.

    1. Re:Turn signals not working? by fisted · · Score: 2

      Oh, when I saw BMW recalling 1 million cars, I was sure it was going to be because their turn signals didn't work.

      Hilarious until here.

      Because, you know, BMW drivers never freaking use their turn signals.

      Ruined it completely by explaining a joke that didn't need explaining.

      --
      CLI paste? paste.pr0.tips!
    2. Re:Turn signals not working? by FerociousFerret · · Score: 1

      Yep. I blew it.

    3. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Compared to Volvo drivers, BMW drivers are saints of blinking.

    4. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Where I live, it's the people in half-tons that disproportionately braindead narcissists behind the wheel.

    5. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      In Boston, blinkahs are a sign of weakness.

    6. Re: Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Twizies and Caterhams? Everything else on sale today or somewhat recently is more than half a tonne.

    7. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's what she said.

    8. Re: Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just the colloquial term for a Class 2 truck.

    9. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I would, but by the time your brain registered my turn signal, I'm already in your lane and a 1/4 mile down the road.

    10. Re:Turn signals not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who? Your mom?

    11. Re:Turn signals not working? by mccalli · · Score: 2

      More po-faced than i should but...I have a 2012-era 5 series estate. I hate the indicators - their soft-touch levers are solving a problem no-one has, and I often find that turning them off again I end up indicating to go the other way. I look like an utter idiot.

  6. It's not so bad, though... by c · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... since the bug only triggers when the driver uses the turning signal.

    --
    Log in or piss off.
    1. Re:It's not so bad, though... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you ever feel your life is pointless. Just remember, you aren't the guy installing turn signals on a BMW.

    2. Re:It's not so bad, though... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obligatory --

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GI4rwSqrEk

  7. Discuss? by mspohr · · Score: 1

    Duh.
    Why is this here for discussion.
    If you have one of these cars get it fixed.
    If not, ignore.
    What's to discuss?
    Stuff happens. They'll fix it.

    --
    I don't read your sig. Why are you reading mine?
  8. I thought it was due to the blinkers working by wardrich86 · · Score: 1

    Huh, fire issues? I thought maybe they'd accidentally built 1 million cars with functional signal lights.

    1. Re:I thought it was due to the blinkers working by 110010001000 · · Score: 1

      I don't get it.

    2. Re:I thought it was due to the blinkers working by wardrich86 · · Score: 1

      Either: A) You drive a BMW, or B) You've never been in a car behind a BMW.

    3. Re:I thought it was due to the blinkers working by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And you've obviously never been in *front* of one! ;-)

    4. Re: I thought it was due to the blinkers working by Type44Q · · Score: 1

      In the mid-90's in the NYC area, Mercedes drivers would consistently fail to signal while Beemer owners, seeming to consist largely of uptight WASP's, would rarely fail to do so. Up here in the mountains of Colorado, the worst - by far - are Land Rover drivers; apparently the marque simply appeals to douches.

  9. Don't make stuff to last anymore by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    As a former automotive tech I realized years ago that automakers even one's who make premium automobiles started cutting corners in obscure places that most people would never know. When you think of how much wiring goes into a automobile these days, its no wonder they try and find ways to reduce its cost. The question is, when something like this happens that you ask yourself why a fuse did not save the wiring before it caused a hazard? As a electrical engineering told me once, if wires get really warm or hot then they are not using the right gauge of wire or connection. Things should not get warm in electrical. That's not a good thing.

    1. Re:Don't make stuff to last anymore by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unless it's a seat warmer, ba-dum-dish!

  10. Why is this "News for Nerds" worthy? by mykepredko · · Score: 2

    This is a pretty standard recall - I imagine that a thousand or so of these notices go out every year from all call manufacturers.

    You make an appointment to take the car into a dealership, they fix it and you're on your way. Easy peasy.

    Somewhere people have gotten the idea that recalls are a primary indicator of poor quality/design when in reality, supplier parts don't meet specification, specifications are wrong and basic mistakes are made.

    The certification process does an excellent job of ensuring the vehicles are safe, recalls generally come out after a few million hours of operation in which something wears out or rusts (which is what happened here).

    So, why is this story worth the bandwidth here?

    --
    Mimetics Inc. Twitter
  11. Joke not working? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Came here to post the exact same joke, but without explaining it. Because, you know, if you need to explain the joke then it wasn't funny.

  12. They should recall the customers by slashmydots · · Score: 2

    You know, since BMW drivers are assholes who can't drive.

    1. Re:They should recall the customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So what color is your 328?

    2. Re:They should recall the customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's fun hearing the same jokes 10 times.

  13. Re: That's the difference between software and car by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    If you're going to compare the two, I'd say it's more like with software, you are on fire every day and the updates just change how you burn. Unlike an automobile where they recall millions of cars on the chance of something happening, instead of 99% of users suffering.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  14. Kudo's to auto by stabiesoft · · Score: 2

    Imagine Apple or Google(well LG, sammy...) fixing a 10 year old phone, or just keeping the software updated.

  15. Not worried by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Meh, I'm not worried about any fire hazards. I always drive with a Kidde fire extinguisher.

  16. I heard... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Apple is buying out BMW. 'tis going to be known as the iBMW for the i-fanboys.

  17. Real Story by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    BMW recalls more cars than Tesla has ever made.

  18. Re: That's the difference between software and car by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Then you have cars where they change a small part because the new one is cheaper and end up causing hundreds of accidents before someone finds out they fudged the part numbers to hide the change. The same managers are in charge in both industries, you just have a different return of investment when you deliver faulty parts so the car industry plays it safer.

  19. Finally the truth comes out. by ChrisMaple · · Score: 1

    BMWs are re-badged Ford Pintos.

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  20. Missing rudeness chip? by WCMI92 · · Score: 1

    A BMW without it's rudeness personality chip won't cut you off without signaling, harming the brand's reputation.

    --
    Corporatism != Free Market
  21. What do I get... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ... If my 2006 3-series already burned up? Is this an apology?

  22. You want to know why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The answer will appear racist, but is true.

    BMW owners are disproportionately Asians and Indians. Hondas are their other favorite.

    Asians and Indians disproportionately fail to use their turn signals.

    And Asians and Indians disproportionately can afford BMWs because they work hard.