Drivetrain Malfunction... Again!

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by wzj519

Yes man. I totally agree with you. The power of the New cls AMG is awesome, but the looking and techs inside the car are outdated for my taste too. If BMW NA can afford you a good deal on M6GC, it is the way to go. The reason I have mentioned cls AMG instead of m6 GC is the prices of the two are in the different price range in Canada. One Cls AMG s-model is just similar a fully loaded 650GC. Around $140,000 Cdn, but the m6 GC is almost $160,0000 in Canada.
That's my bad. Man. If I am in the states, I am also want to go m6GC for sure.
Anyway, hope BMW NA will give you a good solution. A new 650GC or the 6GC is waiting for you.

The price difference between CLS 63 and M6GC is unimaginable. In States, the price difference is about the same as in Canada. 650i GC fairly loaded price is about the same as CLS 63. However, Mercedes service is way better than BMW in my past experiences, so I might end up with a more satisfying car in the long run if I chose CLS over GC. Anyway, now I am just seeking some justice on my end.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by ipsedixit

RS7

Audi 7 lineup in S and RS outfit are nice. I wasn't impressed with the look of Audi A7, but the S and RS models are very handsome in blue.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by PackerFan

Beware of Benz, the grass isn't always greener, as the saying goes...
Just my personal experience... my last car was a Benz, E550, traded in on my M6GC. During the 4-1/2 years, 93,000 miles that I owned the Benz, that car was in the shop about 2x per year for issues including, cracked gas tank x2, panoramic sunroof motor x2, cam position sensors, x4, air suspension, and a few other minor issues, in total after the factory 50,000 mile warranty was up, about $9,000 in repairs..plus, the wood on the steering wheel cracked, the car was parked indoors day and night, peeling chrome from the plastic door handles inside the car, and un-even tire wear on the front tires, usually cupped on the inside, causing tire noise after about 15,000 miles.

I think manufacturers are just having tough time keeping up the quality. I had so much problem on my 2012 ML Bluetec that finally Mercedes bought it back. However, it took about two months for them to finally come to a conclusion after I have my case opened with case manager at Mercedes. I gave them benefit of doubt since it was 1st year model production with newly revised diesel engine. I picked up an E-Class station wagon after returning the ML, and it has been a solid performer. Anyway, that 2012 ML was a nightmare. It would randomly die when it is hot out, interior was squeaking after 2-3000 miles, keyless entry would randomly stop working, gear would not shift down from 7th gear at red light, etc. In contrast, this replacement station wagon has been rock solid, and I can't complain about anything on it except for the outdated infotainment system. May be I should get rid of both cars and just replace it with one E-Class station wagon AMG model. All my needs will be fulfilled with one car in that AMG wagon. The need to hit slope in winter and haul asses in summer would be all satisfied.

[RiverRunner]

The best quality (trouble free) vehicles that I own and have owned in the past 15 years have been GM products. GMC, Hummer, Cadillac, and Chevy Corvette Z06.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by PackerFan

The best quality (trouble free) vehicles that I own and have owned in the past 15 years have been GM products. GMC, Hummer, Cadillac, and Chevy Corvette Z06.

I heard that the new Z07 will be twin turbo V8. I never pay much attention to GM until the recent announcement of the new Corvette. The new Corvette is quite a looker especially for what they charge.

[wzj519]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

The price difference between CLS 63 and M6GC is unimaginable. In States, the price difference is about the same as in Canada. 650i GC fairly loaded price is about the same as CLS 63. However, Mercedes service is way better than BMW in my past experiences, so I might end up with a more satisfying car in the long run if I chose CLS over GC. Anyway, now I am just seeking some justice on my end.

Yes, the service of MB is far more better than BMW. However, I think you want to get a reliable car now instead of a brand with better customer service. Personally, I wanted to buy a MB ML63 AMG before I purchased my 650GC, but the horrible stories of my friends who own ML, C63, and E350 let me ended up with my GC.
Anyway, BMW should give you a justice as a reputable brand.
Hopefully, everything will become fine.

[RiverRunner]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

I heard that the new Z07 will be twin turbo V8. I never pay much attention to GM until the recent announcement of the new Corvette. The new Corvette is quite a looker especially for what they charge.

I loved my Z06, just not a daily driver.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by wzj519

Yes, the service of MB is far more better than BMW. However, I think you want to get a reliable car now instead of a brand with better customer service. Personally, I wanted to buy a MB ML63 AMG before I purchased my 650GC, but the horrible stories of my friends who own ML, C63, and E350 let me ended up with my GC.
Anyway, BMW should give you a justice as a reputable brand.
Hopefully, everything will become fine.

@wzj519, thanks for your support, I really hope that my favorite brand won't leave me high and dry at the end of the day.

[wzj519]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

@wzj519, thanks for your support, I really hope that my favorite brand won't leave me high and dry at the end of the day.

NP, man. What I am doing just a BMW fan should do.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by wzj519

NP, man. What I am doing just a BMW fan should do.

Thanks!

[wzj519]

Hey neversummer,
I am sorry to say I joined this sad group 2 hrs ago.
When I started my car this evening, strange sound came out, and idrive message drivetrain manulfaction.
I turned it off immediately and the message went away.
Hopefully, it is just due to the sensitivity of BMW sensor and just a false information.
If it will happen again. I think I should bring it to the dealer and directly discuss about this issue.
I did not do spirited driving and rarely put it into sport mode, but it still comes to me. What a sad story.
After read almost all forum posts, I think our 650 do have some problems and the m6 is more reliable.
If it gonna happen again, I should talk to dealer to give me a good deal on the trade in value of my 650 to m6.
How can my 650gc with 6500 kms only and happen this kind of thing.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by wzj519

Hey neversummer,
I am sorry to say I joined this sad group 2 hrs ago.
When I started my car this evening, strange sound came out, and idrive message drivetrain manulfaction.
I turned it off immediately and the message went away.
Hopefully, it is just due to the sensitivity of BMW sensor and just a false information.
If it will happen again. I think I should bring it to the dealer and directly discuss about this issue.
I did not do spirited driving and rarely put it into sport mode, but it still comes to me. What a sad story.
After read almost all forum posts, I think our 650 do have some problems and the m6 is more reliable.
If it gonna happen again, I should talk to dealer to give me a good deal on the trade in value of my 650 to m6.
How can my 650gc with 6500 kms only and happen this kind of thing.

Hi wzj519,

It could be that they have poor production standard for this particular V8 engine model. May be the M model engines were built better, or they simply are just not as common so we hear less about their problems.

I recommend getting photos of the dash with error message together with odometer count whenever you encounter this problem. I believe in good documentation.

Sorry to hear that you are in the same boat, but I do hope that this boat will stay afloat and get to its destination/victory!

Please update your situation. I hope BMW service in Canada is better than BMW USA.

Good luck!!

[wzj519]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

Hi wzj519,

It could be that they have poor production standard for this particular V8 engine model. May be the M model engines were built better, or they simply are just not as common so we hear less about their problems.

I recommend getting photos of the dash with error message together with odometer count whenever you encounter this problem. I believe in good documentation.

Sorry to hear that you are in the same boat, but I do hope that this boat will stay afloat and get to its destination/victory!

Please update your situation. I hope BMW service in Canada is better than BMW USA.

Good luck!!

Hey Neversummer,
Thanks for your reply. BMW service in Canada is far more worse than in States. I have talked with my dealer about this issue yesterday and asked about lemon issues. The vice manager of the store told me lemon issue is only possible in states. You get good lawyer, it is possible for you to get a brand new replacement car. However, in Canada, it will never happen. If we get lemon, we just can taste it.
However, I did not bring it in for service because I really need it in the coming week.
I did contact with my SA who is my personal friend too. His saying really makes me think about trade in again now.
Based on his experience, it is possible that I am on a lemon ship now. I do have the same thoughts. My past two BMWs never had the issue in 6500kms. Come on, this is also my most expensive one.
He asked me about my interests to the 2014 m5 and told me if I trade it in I will get more than 8.5% diacount, so I just need to pay less than 9000.
How do you think the deal? Trade it or not? The car gonna be my DD, and I had never driven a monster power rwd car before.
As for m6GC, I gave up right now. Around 50k is a big amount of money, I prefer to use it in other ways.

[BillCB]

It seems most of the drive train malfunction problems are occurring with models prior to 2014. My 2014 now has 16,000 kms and is running beautifully. I'm on a month-long road trip and will report further when I get home.
Sorry to hear of those who are suffering. It's a bummer.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by wzj519

Hey Neversummer,
Thanks for your reply. BMW service in Canada is far more worse than in States. I have talked with my dealer about this issue yesterday and asked about lemon issues. The vice manager of the store told me lemon issue is only possible in states. You get good lawyer, it is possible for you to get a brand new replacement car. However, in Canada, it will never happen. If we get lemon, we just can taste it.
However, I did not bring it in for service because I really need it in the coming week.
I did contact with my SA who is my personal friend too. His saying really makes me think about trade in again now.
Based on his experience, it is possible that I am on a lemon ship now. I do have the same thoughts. My past two BMWs never had the issue in 6500kms. Come on, this is also my most expensive one.
He asked me about my interests to the 2014 m5 and told me if I trade it in I will get more than 8.5% diacount, so I just need to pay less than 9000.
How do you think the deal? Trade it or not? The car gonna be my DD, and I had never driven a monster power rwd car before.
As for m6GC, I gave up right now. Around 50k is a big amount of money, I prefer to use it in other ways.

I would rather try different avenues to get their attention before trading it in, but that is just me. Plus, the longer you wait, the more you have to pay to trade it in. So, I am not sure what would be the best for your situation. M5 is nice, but it is a 5 series that goes fast. 650i is not M, but the look itself worth a whole lot more. Also, it has plenty of power for everyday use. It comes down to preference. I was offered M5 when shopping for 650i GC for similar money, but I picked 650i in the end for styling reasons.

Anyway, this problem ruined it for me...

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by BillCB

It seems most of the drive train malfunction problems are occurring with models prior to 2014. My 2014 now has 16,000 kms and is running beautifully. I'm on a month-long road trip and will report further when I get home.
Sorry to hear of those who are suffering. It's a bummer.

Thanks BillCB, that probably means that they know what was wrong with 2013 and might be able to fix it. Or, I can just get 2014 if they buy it back, and I can leave this behind me.

[neversummer78]

I got my car back yesterday afternoon from BMW SF. The following were done to the car while in the shop.

Complete compression and leakdown tests
Ignition coils swapped from one bank to other for future diagnostic
Check for engine oil leak
Oil change, drained 7 quartz, refilled 9 quartz
Engine reprogrammed, was told verbally by SA but not in work order

They found reddish coating on all spark plugs due to my use of octane booster after being blamed for low gas quality time after time.

Will have to return after 1000 miles to check for engine oil consumption and have to stop adding octane booster to every tank of gas. However, SA said that this car should consume 1 quart of oil per 1500 - 2000 miles depending on driving style according to BMW USA.

30 miles were put on the car during its stay in the shop, in - 6168 miles, out - 6198 miles which is reasonable for what they have done to it.

I drove it spiritedly today back to LA this morning. The car was a bit shaky in the morning probably due to new engine oil. However, I did not run into any drivetrain malfunction error at all. I was driving it hard whenever there was an opportunity, doubling suggested limit occasionally and there was no problem. Hopefully that the engine reprogramming or whatever else they did outside the work order fixed it. If it is fixed, then I can start looking for some upgrades such as new exhaust and definitely power tailgate. The car was filthy after the drive, and closing the trunk with handle on the inside is a bit tricky.

I was driving through gusty wind, dust storm, rain storm, road debris, etc, and I got "Frontal Collision Warning System" error. Basically, it was politely saying that if you can't see the road ahead of you, then that would make two of us.

[BMWMilan]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

I got my car back yesterday afternoon from BMW SF. The following were done to the car while in the shop.

Complete compression and leakdown tests
Ignition coils swapped from one bank to other for future diagnostic
Check for engine oil leak
Oil change, drained 7 quartz, refilled 9 quartz
Engine reprogrammed, was told verbally by SA but not in work order

They found reddish coating on all spark plugs due to my use of octane booster after being blamed for low gas quality time after time.

Will have to return after 1000 miles to check for engine oil consumption and have to stop adding octane booster to every tank of gas. However, SA said that this car should consume 1 quart of oil per 1500 - 2000 miles depending on driving style according to BMW USA.

30 miles were put on the car during its stay in the shop, in - 6168 miles, out - 6198 miles which is reasonable for what they have done to it.

I drove it spiritedly today back to LA this morning. The car was a bit shaky in the morning probably due to new engine oil. However, I did not run into any drivetrain malfunction error at all. I was driving it hard whenever there was an opportunity, doubling suggested limit occasionally and there was no problem. Hopefully that the engine reprogramming or whatever else they did outside the work order fixed it. If it is fixed, then I can start looking for some upgrades such as new exhaust and definitely power tailgate. The car was filthy after the drive, and closing the trunk with handle on the inside is a bit tricky.

I was driving through gusty wind, dust storm, rain storm, road debris, etc, and I got "Frontal Collision Warning System" error. Basically, it was politely saying that if you can't see the road ahead of you, then that would make two of us.

Good to hear. Hope it continues as a "past issue".

Drive in good health.

[wzj519]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

I got my car back yesterday afternoon from BMW SF. The following were done to the car while in the shop.

Complete compression and leakdown tests
Ignition coils swapped from one bank to other for future diagnostic
Check for engine oil leak
Oil change, drained 7 quartz, refilled 9 quartz
Engine reprogrammed, was told verbally by SA but not in work order

They found reddish coating on all spark plugs due to my use of octane booster after being blamed for low gas quality time after time.

Will have to return after 1000 miles to check for engine oil consumption and have to stop adding octane booster to every tank of gas. However, SA said that this car should consume 1 quart of oil per 1500 - 2000 miles depending on driving style according to BMW USA.

30 miles were put on the car during its stay in the shop, in - 6168 miles, out - 6198 miles which is reasonable for what they have done to it.

I drove it spiritedly today back to LA this morning. The car was a bit shaky in the morning probably due to new engine oil. However, I did not run into any drivetrain malfunction error at all. I was driving it hard whenever there was an opportunity, doubling suggested limit occasionally and there was no problem. Hopefully that the engine reprogramming or whatever else they did outside the work order fixed it. If it is fixed, then I can start looking for some upgrades such as new exhaust and definitely power tailgate. The car was filthy after the drive, and closing the trunk with handle on the inside is a bit tricky.

I was driving through gusty wind, dust storm, rain storm, road debris, etc, and I got "Frontal Collision Warning System" error. Basically, it was politely saying that if you can't see the road ahead of you, then that would make two of us.

Good to hear Neversummer. Hope you can enjoy your car without worries anymore. Congrats.
Mine also works fine now. Only one time drivetrain malfunction warning in 7000kms, and after restart everything went normal. I would say it was just a software glitch.
However, more oberservation is needed. If it can pass this winter without any problem, next spring I gonna give her lots of gifts.

[neversummer78]

Originally Posted by ipsedixit

Good to hear. Hope it continues as a "past issue".

Drive in good health.

Thanks ipsedixit, hopefully that I can finally start doing something fun to it rather getting it fixed.

[neversummer78]

Thanks wzj519, I hope this shrink in SF just fixed my marriage. I might finally have a long term relationship.

Anyway, I really want to get that power tailgate retrofitted if it runs problem free for the next few months.

[wzj519]

Originally Posted by neversummer78

Thanks wzj519, I hope this shrink in SF just fixed my marriage. I might finally have a long term relationship.

Anyway, I really want to get that power tailgate retrofitted if it runs problem free for the next few months.

Yes. Hope you can enjoy your ride and congrats to the reborn of your babym.