Round 1: dealer, Round 2:even - HELP! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Jessem · 30th October 2002, 03:08

At 33K miles my shifts became softer and I took her in for a clutch look-see. Note; no drag racing, no track days, 40 years of clutch experience etc.

Dealer says its a $1900 expense for me.(It's still under 3yr36K maintenance) Flywheel, pressure plate and clutch. Flywheel and pressure plate show signs of slippage and the clutch is glazed.

I push back and ask that they consult the regional rep. Later they say that BMW will cover parts and I must cover labor($700). I still would like to push further since I don't think I've abused it. First clutch I'm ever having to replace. My last std trans was sold at 180K with original clutch(Supra).

I searched and found Tom S. the M brand mgr in NJ is a person to call. Can anyone else suggest another person at BMW to call tom?

THANKS!

2001's X5/Z8 · 30th October 2002, 03:47

Even if you are responsible for the labor (which you should not be) 700 in labor is a complete rip off.....It should take no more than 1 hour to install a new clutch and test it.......

Where in jersey are you???

c4m5 · 30th October 2002, 03:50

Don't let them push you around, full maintenace or warrenty it's covered. Your dealer is posturing for his own benefit. Be aggressive, why should you have to pay to install the same quality parts that have already failed once? See my post: Caution Steve Thomas BMW. Point out to the dealer that if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your service experience you will give them a very low numerical rating when BMW USA calls to see how your service experience was. When they get low ratings it effects how many of the most desirable model cars they are given to sell. Promise them all 5's when they make you happy.

Teutonaddict · 30th October 2002, 03:59

Quote:

Originally posted by 2001's X5/Z8
It should take no more than 1 hour to install a new clutch and test it.......

I've never heard such a thing. My clutch replacement (at 38K miles, covered 100% under warranty) took an entire day to complete. I think the book was between 8 and 9 hours.

Jessem-

It seems that the more noise you make, the more likely you are to get BMW to cover the replacement. Many of us were rebuffed the first few clutch discussions with the dealerships. I was treated in a condescending fashion by the BMWNA Regional Tech Rep on several occasions. I would make plenty of noise about your competence in driving manual transmission vehicles, and allow them to ride along to take a look-see.

There have been too many experienced performance car drivers that encountered premature clutch failures for their NOT to be some fundamental weaknesses in the M5 clutch. For the longest time, I considered all this clutch talk to be a case of operator misuse or abuse, or simple ESO (Equipment Superior to Operator). Then it happened to me.

In my specific case, the tech found that the Self-Adjusting mechanism had failed, not allowing enough force to be applied to the pressure plate. Because the car was still under the 4/50 warranty, I was covered.

Bottom line: stand your ground, and they will make right.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

2001's X5/Z8 · 30th October 2002, 04:06

Quote:

Originally posted by Teutonaddict

I've never heard such a thing. My clutch replacement (at 38K miles, covered 100% under warranty) took an entire day to complete. I think the book was between 8 and 9 hours.

WELL HELLO!! that's what I'm saying .....They are screwing you.....and many others.....Labor is where they make the money....Maybe I was a little weak on my 1 hour estimate, but it should not take more than 3 hours if they take their sweet time....And 3 hours is the absolute outside, maxed out, extreme.....

Jessem · 30th October 2002, 04:26

I'm in PA not NJ, about 25miles west of Philly.

Jessem · 30th October 2002, 04:34

$700 is to cover about 6-7hrs @ $85/hours plus tax etc.

What really has me wondering, and I've said to them is should I expect to be putting a clutch in it every 30K miles? and at $1900 per?

If I decide to keep my deposit(6 mos with this particular dealer I might add) for the next M5, I'll be asking for more reassurance(written) that the new model will not include clutch problems. SMG would definitely take the " user abuse" issue out of clutch replacements.

Up to now I was a committed BMW customer for life, now I'm not so sure. How quickly they can erase the positive experience of the DE!

BMW NA · 12th November 2002, 16:09

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA National Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon, or if you prefer, you can call us at 800-831-1117.