Killed my driveshaft - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

beanboy · 19th January 2002, 01:41

I've killed my driveshaft in my 2000 M5. At first it was thought the problem was simply a bearing in the driveshaft, but it was later discovered that the entire driveshaft needed to be replaced. It had been severely damaged.

They said the reason that the driveshaft broke was because of my tires. I had Bridgestone S03s put on 3 weeks or so prior to the driveshaft problem occuring. They said that the tires are so good that they do not slip enough (they dont slip as much as the stock dunlops/michelins). They said that is what the techs there thought and that is what BMW thought when they talked to them on the phone...

They told me to get rid of my Bridgestones and go back to Dunlops or Michelins...even thought my Bridgestones are practicly new

What do you guys think?

rennen · 19th January 2002, 02:17

Sounds ridiculous to me. The car doesn't generate enough torque to break driveshafts. Zero slippage does put stress on the driveshaft, but not that much. This happens in race cars with huge amounts of power. Sounds to me like they don't want to warranty it, so they blame it on something you put on the car.

PhilSeastrand · 19th January 2002, 02:22

Are they paying for the new drive shaft or are they hitting you up for it?

beanboy · 19th January 2002, 02:28

They paid for it "this time"
The driveshaft did not break in half or anything. The car was driveable if you went like 1/4 throtte, accelerating slowly as to not output any high amounts of torque. The driveshaft was just heavily damage...I don't remember exactly what was wrong with it. It was damaged where it connects to the rear of the car....instead of lining up perfectly straight it could be moved around a lot.

Parker

M5xtc · 19th January 2002, 02:33

That has to be the most asinine explanation I have ever heard. What is the clutch for? to begin with.
I would not accept this explanation.

I'm sorry if the above sounds strongly worded, I just hate to see this type of "cover our ***** " attitude handed to loyal BMW folk.

beanboy · 19th January 2002, 02:40

They said that the tires are great for 1/4 times...but that the M5 "is not a quarter mile car". They said that it is an autobahn car...
I felt like telling them to point me towards the nearest autobahn.

Parker

Wilkie · 19th January 2002, 03:13

No wonder BMW dealers consistenly rate lower than those of other high end automakers. At least they paid for it, this time.

BarryC · 19th January 2002, 03:46

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. I have S03's on my car they (IMHO) do not grip nearly as well as the Pilots on dry pavement. Keep the tires.

Dallas Spikes · 19th January 2002, 03:49

Parker,

What dealership in Dallas gave you this answer?

Chris

beanboy · 19th January 2002, 04:29

Classic BMW
Please do not mention my case in particular to them if you ever talk to them...I don't want our relationship to get worse than it already is. They already ****ed me over by making me buy a clutch when it went out in August.

I sure love BMW excuses:
"The cupholders aren't of good quality because Germans dont ever drink in their cars; they dont need cupholders"
"The driveshaft went out because the tires you put on this car are too good; this is not a street racer, its an autobahn racer"

Argh.
Parker