Quote:
Originally Posted by Oleg
Can someone post a copy? Link maybe?
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Ok, some CliffNotes (the phalanx of lawyers that inform my every decision uniformally recommends against this, but...)
Excerpts from
Bimmer Magazine Feb 2011 Issue #96, author Mike Miller:
- BMW notified the EPA on Oct 27, 2010 of a recall of 130,000 2007-10 cars equiped w/the N54 motor (1, 3, 5 and X models);
- HPFP's in question made by Continental;
- Recall will result in either a new pump and / or software update, depending on vehicle history (nothing new here so far);
- Recall had been in progress before the Good Morning America & Nightline coverage;
- Permission had to be obtained from both the EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) to conduct the recall;
- Per a BMW NA spokesman the latest pump has been available as a replacement part since March 2010 - "part numbers 13 51 7 613 933 and 13 51 7 616 446 both bring the same current-version HPFP". Senior BMW techs report to the magazine that the latest version has not been failing, although they note they have not yet been in service for a full year;
- Continental is not rebuilding pumps removed from customer's cars;
- The BMW spokesman did not know why pumps were failing, although he noted that the N54 was one of the first engines using High Pressure Direct Injection, a "pioneering technology";
- Contrary to some customer reports of lessened engine power after the software update, the update addresses the engine's starting protocol, not its performance.
- Technicians have told Bimmer mag that the HPFP does cause problems, but they're often misdiagnosed. Some techs and SA's appear to be unaware that the N54 spark plug replacement interval is 45,000 miles, and worn out spark plugs produce the same symptoms as a failing HPFP; (emphasis added is mine);
- Confusion has reigned surrounding the issue of who actually manufactures the HPFP: Bosch initially, then Siemens, then Siemens sold that business to Continental. Perhaps accountability is a factor;
- Because turbocharging and direct injection are very much a part of BMW's engines planned for the future, the complany must fully explain the problems to avoid the speculations and misperceptions we presently see.
Rick