Engine Malfunction #2 Cause Found?

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

We also got this message for the first time with our diesel. We were also driving up a few hills, one was probably 25% and the one we got the engine malfunction was on a 10% hill. We've also been dealing with DEF fluid freezing twice already, stalling issues and squeaky brakes. For a vehicle with only 2000 miles, this is unacceptable.

We have already talked to BMWNA about this. They also don't want to buy back our vehicle but have said something about replacing our diesel when the next big problem arises. We're still thinking about what to do next...

What did your dealer do to resolve the issues? Did they replace any parts?

[MINIz guy]

Originally Posted by ABMW

What did your dealer do to resolve the issues? Did they replace any parts?

We will be getting it back today. Our SA said something about a fuel pump, but I will post what the invoice says once we get it back.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

We will be getting it back today. Our SA said something about a fuel pump, but I will post what the invoice says once we get it back.

BMW has been having problems the past year or so with fuel pumps. I am sure they will be blaming it on the U.S. fuel quality, as they often have tried to do in the past to deflect blame.

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by Penguin

BMW has been having problems the past year or so with fuel pumps. I am sure they will be blaming it on the U.S. fuel quality, as they often have tried to do in the past to deflect blame.

NHTSA complaint filed here w/confirmation #. It takes 3-minutes. Others need to do the same.

There's a hyper level of attention on these issues, as of late given the Toyota debacle and now the Honda Airbag issue.

The Gov. is cracking down, so please take the time, so we can all get on with our lives.

I love my 35d, but this is absurd.

I think BMWNA would have a hard time blaming it on fuel, given that this is taking place across the country. It's not an argument that would pass many legal tests.

It's happening to 35d owners all across the country. It would be difficult for BMWNA to suggest that this is a fuel quality issue.

Now that the NHTSA is aware of this situation, BMWNA is aware via my call (at the very least), and there's records here of others contacting BMWNA, should God Forbid a fatality take place, they're going to be out $150 to $200m in punitive damages at a minimum.

It's very likely Toyota will be out $1-billion in punitive damages alone, which is what they've likely prepared themselves for.

This is not a simple issue of "oh well, I'll pull over to the side of the road."

This is a matter of the vehicle losing all power, at completely random times. It's happened when driving on flat roads with a full tank, and on hills.

It's only a matter of time before we read about a 35d owner who's been injured, when their 35d "decides" to "malfunction" and stall at an inopportune moment.

We all know companies respond to the mighty dollar, and it's a risk vs. reward issue to them, to be sure. Right now, they're getting away with it.

I'd encourage those of you who hare having issues to take to use the avenues that are available to us, to rectify the issue. The most important of which is filing a complaint with the NHTSA.

Please start with filing a complaint at Home | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) | U.S. Department of Transportation It takes but a moment, and it can go miles in solving this problem.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by ABMW

NHTSA complaint filed here w/confirmation #. It takes 3-minutes. Others need to do the same.

If enough people bother to complain, NHTSA will send a letter to BMW NA asking them for warranty and repair data, which will open the issue up for analysis and a potential recall action. If not, BMW NA will just keep fixing them one-by-one as they break and tell no one.

Your complaint appears to the be first NTHSA complaint for stalling made for a 2009 X5.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by ABMW

NHTSA complaint filed here w/confirmation #. It takes 3-minutes. Others need to do the same.

FYI, it looks like NHTSA has now got a couple of copies of your complaint in the public database. Congrats, yours is the first complaint for a 2010 X5. Perhaps more will follow (I suspect most people don't know how to make a complaint, even though it is in the firs few pages of every vehicle Owner's Manual).

It's really too bad, as if more people made these complaints, systemic problems would probably be discovered sooner by NHTSA. But for people with problems, please note, NHTSA is only interest in problems that are a potential safety hazard, e.g., if your stereo isn't working, or the dash is creaking, or there's cosmetic issues, don't waste your time as NHTSA doesn't care.