BMW Announces Voluntary N54 Engine (HPFP) and X5 Recall

[RGM135i]

"Based upon the individual service history of the vehicle, the action will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update."

So, I have a 2009 with 4,500 miles and no problems to date...is that my service history?
Not much piece of mind in that type of "recall" language.

[gnat]

Anyone else find it interesting that it was done as an emissions recall rather than safety?

As far as being able to take it in and "demand" a new HPFP. The recall says that the repair will be based on the car's service history. I would read that as you will get the software update if you haven't already and are not otherwise having HPFP issues.

[Mr. Clarkson]

Originally Posted by nordique14

The fact that they were prompted by "bad press" tells me it is more of a marketing fix than an engineering fix.

They take bad press very seriously. My service advisor told me to be quiet when upon picking up my new 135i I announced they should have a flatbed ready on standby for when the fuel pump in my brand new car invariably takes a crap

[RGM135i]

1) Letter to schedule recall visit
2) Ask if any problems/"symptoms"
3) If none - reprogram
4) Go back to number 1 and wait for HPFP failure

Not much of a recall...but, like Mr. Clarkson said, the difference is the letter.

[bryce]

Originally Posted by RGM135i

1) Letter to schedule recall visit
2) Ask if any problems/"symptoms"
3) If none - reprogram
4) Go back to number 1 and wait for HPFP failure

Not much of a recall...but, like Mr. Clarkson said, the difference is the letter.

IMHO, bmw is just trying to save face. we'll still have the hpfp issues, the 933 pump isn't the end all solution. oh well

[RGM135i]

Yeah, it seemed good at first.
But now appears to be offering a solution (for what it's worth) to the problem not the potential problem.
We'll see.

[bryce]

Originally Posted by RGM135i

Yeah, it seemed good at first.
But now appears to be offering a solution (for what it's worth) to the problem not the potential problem.
We'll see.

i already have a 933 pump in my car, no issues yet. i've already prepared myself for another 2 or 3 pumps before i've had enough fun with this car. i guess i was overly optimistic that bmw would fix the problem for good. whatever

[Mikeshot1]

Thanks for posting. Will watch Nightline as well.

[My135]

The recall is only for show and try to avoid future lawsuits; unless BMW can really identify the root cause of the problem and fix it right for good. The success criteria is the new HPFP should last for at least 150,000 miles with a successful rate of 99%.

[scott135i]

This is going to start a slew of 'warranty' issues for those who have modified cars that need 'need' to do a recall on.

Fun...

[hangover]

Originally Posted by nordique14

Unless BMW actually has a fix then this is a waste of time. The fact that they were prompted by "bad press" tells me it is more of a marketing fix than an engineering fix.

Exactly. WHAT IS THE FIX !!!!

[Mr. Clarkson]

Originally Posted by hangover

Exactly. WHAT IS THE FIX !!!!

The letter

[hangover]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clarkson

The letter

A letter is going to fix a faulty vehicle part? What is the part number, model, manufacturer of the REPLACEMENT part?

[Mr. Clarkson]

Originally Posted by hangover

A letter is going to fix a faulty vehicle part? What is the part number, model, manufacturer of the REPLACEMENT part?

There is no "fix". Only more updated fuel pumps / software that will buy you more time. The only "fix" the "recall" did was sending the letter out to make it seem like they're fixing the issue.

[TMR013]

So, how is this different from simply extending the Warrantee??
All this means, is if you have a problem, BMW will fix it.
Which is what they have been doing all along!!!
Why is everybody happy about this? It just means that those of us with no problems will probably get the software update that will reduce our performance

[hangover]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clarkson

There is no "fix". Only more updated fuel pumps / software that will buy you more time. The only "fix" the "recall" did was sending the letter out to make it seem like they're fixing the issue.

That's old news we've already got the "letter". So what exactly did ABC accomplish? Nothing but bad pub for BMW and our cars.

Keeping in touch with:

Stuart Talley
stalley@kcrlegal.com
401 Watt Ave.
Sacramento, California 95864
Phone 1-916-448-9800
Fax 1-916-669-4499
http://www.kcrlegal.com

[Elsabor67]

I already had my pump replaced this summer. I wonder if I will have to go back for another one??

[RPM90]

My 135i had a code for "low fuel rail pressure".
I've already had the software update, the "fix" for long cranks and the fault code.
But, the software update ruined throttle response and greatly increased high rpm turbo lag.
At the time of the fault code and software update, the service tech said that he requested that I get a new pump based on the code thrown. BMW declined.

That's also when he told me the BMW would be doing a recall on the pumps.
I do believe that BMW has been working on a solution, but they are taking much too long to put it in action.

So, my cars "history" shows that I need a new pump.
That's the route I'm taking, and the position I'm taking with my dealer and BMWNA.

I'm going to call my BMW shop and ask for the recall to be done and see what happens.
If that fails then I'll call BMWNA and ask them to approve it.
If that fails then I'll send a letter to ABC, my states attorney office, and the BBB.

Enough of this crafty word play. A "recall" should NOT be implemented like the extended warranty. A "recall" means the vehicle is being "recalled" in order to perform the replacement BEFORE the problem occurs, not after.
If they replace the pump after it fails, then it's a warranty claim not a recall. BIG difference.

I suggest we all hold BMW accountable for an actual "RECALL", before any potential failure comes to fruition.

Good luck out there.

[Bruck]

Do we know if the software update goes "back" to the old programming - or does it reduce our performance?

Maybe the update is 933 + ballsy software.... or is it 933 + weak software....

this is important because now when we go in for service with a no problem/original pump, we have to specifically say not to do a software update - right? I mean the update doesn't fix the problem it just gives us less power?

I'm making some assumptions, i'd love hard data and to be corrected if I am wrong.

[thez99]

Originally Posted by Bruck

Do we know if the software update goes "back" to the old programming - or does it reduce our performance?

Maybe the update is 933 + ballsy software.... or is it 933 + weak software....

this is important because now when we go in for service with a no problem/original pump, we have to specifically say not to do a software update - right? I mean the update doesn't fix the problem it just gives us less power?

I'm making some assumptions, i'd love hard data and to be corrected if I am wrong.

Honestly? If this was the case, id be hard pressed not to go back to my dealer and demand money back for a car that now has less power than when I purchased it all from the factory installed hardware and software.

You cant just update software that reduces power on a car to "fix a problem" and expect that to be okie dokie, sure as shit wouldnt be for me. I bought a 300hp 300tq twin turbo i6, if any software bullshit lowered that, itd basically be like downgrading to a weaker car which would = lesser money. So maybe theres warrant to people doing dyno's right before and after these "fixes" to determine whats really happening to power here. If it was a mount, or suspension piece, or something with body structure itd be a diff story, this is different.

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clarkson

and what of the N55s

What for? Apparently issues with the N55 have been few to none. My car is running like a champ! Most of these issues are n54-related. I wouldn;t want BMW changing parts in my car unnecessarily.

[rsjean]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

What for? Apparently issues with the N55 have been few to none. My car is running like a champ! Most of these issues are n54-related. I wouldn;t want BMW changing parts in my car unnecessarily.

I'm sorry to inform you that the issues are not N54 or N55 issues. They are 933 HPFP issues and your N55 fuel pump is most likely model #13-51-7-613-933. Welcome to the party.