E46 Recalls

[EPBB]

Hey Everyone!!

I did a few searches, but couldn't find much on a list of E46 recalls. Does anyone know of a website, or should I just ask the dealer, for a list of all the E46 recalls? I have a 2001 325 and my warranty is about to expire. Before it does, I just want to make sure that all recalls (if any) were installed on it before the warranty expires. Any info on this would be great. Thanks!!

~ E

[hugh1850]

Hey Everyone!!

I did a few searches, but couldn't find much on a list of E46 recalls. Does anyone know of a website, or should I just ask the dealer, for a list of all the E46 recalls? I have a 2001 325 and my warranty is about to expire. Before it does, I just want to make sure that all recalls (if any) were installed on it before the warranty expires. Any info on this would be great. Thanks!!

~ E

You don't have to pay for recalls. So don't worry if your warranty runs out. If there is a specific problem that you are experiencing that can be categorized as a defect then take in.

[EPBB]

You don't have to pay for recalls. So don't worry if your warranty runs out. If there is a specific problem that you are experiencing that can be categorized as a defect then take in.

Hugh1850,

Dually Noted... I didn't know that recalls were still covered on post-warranty vehicles. Thanks for the info. I wonder if a dealer would give me crap if I were to take an out of warranty vehicle in for a recall repair...

I'm still curious about whether or not there is a list of all recalls that have been made on E46 BMWs though... Does anyone know of such a list?

[hugh1850]

Hugh1850,

Dually Noted... I didn't know that recalls were still covered on post-warranty vehicles. Thanks for the info. I wonder if a dealer would give me crap if I were to take an out of warranty vehicle in for a recall repair...

I'm still curious about whether or not there is a list of all recalls that have been made on E46 BMWs though... Does anyone know of such a list?

Don't know about a list, you might try NTSB or one of the consumer guide websites :dunno: . Recalls, on average, are issues with safely operating the vehicle. i.e. exploding gas tanks, engine/suspension failures, etc.

If you do a search on this site, you will find some of the common issues, such as window regulators that seem to fail. Unfortunately your dealer will probably not replace these items unless there is something currently not functioning properly.

[Kaz]

I believe there have only been 3 actual recalls; everything else has been a TSB.

The first two only apply to really early cars (a wheel problem and a control arm bushing issue, I think), the 01 MT fan problem, and I'm not sure if the IHKA battery drain or rough idle were ever actually issued recalls.

[Salvator]

Check out www.alldata.com (http://www.alldata.com/) under the Automotive enthusiasts section... You can review recalls, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), etc. by make model and year...

Here, for example, is your car... 2001 325Xi Sedan

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/0106A443.html

[EPBB]

Check out www.alldata.com (http://www.alldata.com/) under the Automotive enthusiasts section... You can review recalls, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), etc. by make model and year...

Here, for example, is your car... 2001 325Xi Sedan

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/06/0106A443.html

Salvator,

Thanks very much.. that link is great!!. What is the dealer's obligation to fix a TSB? I see a couple in there that I have problems with (radio reception, particularly with aM stations, clunking over bumps, etc.). I was planning on bringing her in to have those looked at, but I'm wondering if I bring ammunition of TSBs, what they'll say about it..

[Salvator]

My dealer hates it when I quote TSBs, but I guess the key is to try to be nice about it... I just print out the page and highlight the TSBs that I think apply, and then mention the problem to them and indicate that I think there is a TSB related to the problem. If you are still under warranty, then TSBs should be covered... If not, you'll have to pay...

They won't always step up to the TSB plate, but the fact that you know about it and bring it up means there is a greater chance that they will do something about it, in my experience... I have had dealers tell me that there was no problem at all until I pointed out the TSB... Then it was taken care of... other times, they have claimed that a certain TSB did not apply to my vehicle VIN, or said they could find no issue... It's a crap shoot, but TSBs give you a little more ammo... here is another good source of SIBs, which are related to TSBs but with more detail (basically what they review when you provide them with the TSB number)... Interesting reading!

http://members.roadfly.org/bmw_e46_m3/index.html

Key thing to remember is that most TSBs and SIBs specify "On a customer complaint basis only" so it's up to you bring it to their attention... they may not 'fess up to something unless you push for it... As a local clothing store ad says " An educated consumer is our best customer!" Good luck! :thumbup:

[rgzimmer]

Looks like I got a free oil change per TSB 11 07 03. I took it in last week because my oil light was coming on after turning off the car, but my oil level was fine. My SA said they replaced the oil sensor, but didn't mention replacing the oil, too. According to this, the oil has to be replaced if the sensor is replaced.

[SDFrey]

I believe there have only been 3 actual recalls; everything else has been a TSB.

The first two only apply to really early cars (a wheel problem and a control arm bushing issue, I think), the 01 MT fan problem, and I'm not sure if the IHKA battery drain or rough idle were ever actually issued recalls.


KAZ,
I am wondering about your reference to IHKA battery drain problem.
What does IHKA mean? What is the recall/TSB?

I have a new 2004 325 Ci C and the battery is draining behind the right rear tire. I get a few drips of battery acid on each trip, short or long. It has ruined my high quality car cover.

Thanks
Steven

[Artslinger]

KAZ,
I am wondering about your reference to IHKA battery drain problem.
What does IHKA mean? What is the recall/TSB?

I have a new 2004 325 Ci C and the battery is draining behind the right rear tire. I get a few drips of battery acid on each trip, short or long. It has ruined my high quality car cover.

Thanks
Steven

Your '04 battery is leaking? Take to the dealer and have them take a look at it.

[Artslinger]

IHKA - automatic Heating and A/C