Recalls are a hassle, but when one recall leads to another recall, that’s when things get annoying. Unfortunately, that’s the predicament certain owners of the BMW M2 Coupe, M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe, and M4 Convertible are now facing after BMW North America announced a new round of recalls for 2015 to 2017 model years of the aforementioned models, all because BMW dealerships messed up on a repair involving the rear differential during a previous recall last January 2016.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW dealers used the same rear sub-frame bolts to replace the rear differential on the M cars. The problem with that is that these bolts were designed to be used only as one-time-use fasteners, as per the automaker’s own vehicle assembly process. If they’re used more than once, there’s a good chance that the “clamp force may not be achieved when torquing down the bolts,” resulting in the possibility of them loosening as they wear out. When that happens, the car’s handling and control could be compromised, which could then lead to the possibility of a crash taking place.
All told, 66 units are potentially affected by the new recall, including five M2 Coupe made from May 31 to June 20, 2016; 32 M3 Sedans manufactured from June 17, 2014 to June 13, 2016; 26 M4 Coupes built from May 2, 2014 to June 14, 2016; and three M4 Convertibles assembled from May 29, 2015 to May 27, 2016. Fortunately, no incidents have been reported concerning the condition of the affected models.
It must be said though that the NHTSA has absolved BMW dealerships of any blame for the fresh round of recalls. Apparently, BMW didn’t give specific instructions to use new rear sub-frame bolts, which could’ve led to dealership engineers using the same bolts to replace the differential.
The recall is expected to begin on October 24, 2016. In the days leading up to it, BMW will be notifying affected owners and certain dealerships of the impending recall. The latter is expected to replace the affected rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts without owners incurring any costs.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2dicbG3
No comments:
Post a Comment