BMW EGR cooler recall

madonna123

https://today.rtl.lu/news/business-and-tech/a/1221529.html

GPoint

Serious s##t with burning cars

Grouptherapy

Closer to home.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/enniscorthy-news/we-got-out-but-it-was-a-frightening-experience-couple-lucky-to-escape-after-car-suddenly-burst-into-flames/42375938.html

kanuseeme

Is this a just a diesel engine problem? whats the story with petrol engines?

BraveDonut

I had the EGR cooler replaced this week by Frank Keane in Blackrock under recall. They washed and vacuumed and provided a full vehicle check. Very happy with the service, communication, etc. and that the issue is resolved.

GPoint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121739207#Comment_121739207

Hence the recall program.

Got a sticker under the bonnet when car was in garage last time , warning that if cooler level drops to contact bmw immediately. Waiting for appointment to replace the cooler .

Seth Brundle

Got mine done today in Quinns Athlone. Happy with the treatment and car washed and vacuumed for me.

frozenfrozen

Got my egr done in Conlans in Limerick, very happy with them, handed the car in clean and got it back cleaner I think. Gave me a little random bag with reusable coffee cups and screen wash too on my way out. They did the airbag recall too.

I watched a 520d burst into flames a few months ago so that got me to actually think about booking it in. Still know a fair few people who haven't gone for it yet so if you know people try to nudge them.

mikeecho

I'm getting mine done in kearys soon.

I'm not expecting any free stuff like cups or screen wash.

All I'll get it extra scratches from the dirty stone infested brush they use to 'wash' cars.

adocholiday

Hi all, just came across this thread and I wonder if this is what went wrong in my car. I was overtaking a group of cyclists the other day and the car (181 420d) suddenly lost power when I pushed the accelerator. The ignition cut out and wouldn't start and there were no warnings or lights. I turned the whole lot off completely, let it sit for a few seconds and then was able to restart it. I got it 100m up the road before it cut out again as I pulled into a layby. When I got out of the car I noticed a very strong burning smell but there was no obvious damage and no smoke. The AA man came out about 45 mins later and couldn't find anything but thought the smell might be electrical and said the alternator was very hot, but testing it showed no issues. I drove it home with him following behind and no repeat of the problem. I thought maybe just a strange one off so took the car for a spin and the check engine light came on then with a drive train malfunction message popping up on screen for a few seconds then disappearing. Car is definitely in reduced power mode and gives a strong shake when turned off and the burning smell is still there. Taking it to a local mechanic this morning anyway but wonder might this be the culprit?

Vicxas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122131494#Comment_122131494

Drivetrain error is one of the symptoms i got, and it randomly appeared and disappeared too. Did you get the EGR warning yet on the iDrive?

The cutting out is a new one for me. As is the burning smell. The burning smell i had was from the exhaust smoke and a closed EGR valve.

adocholiday

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122139963#Comment_122139963

Didn't get the EGR warning. Took it to my local mechanic and his code reader is saying there are faults in the mass airflow sensor and the throttle pressure sensor. I don't know enough about any of that to know what it means but he thinks there may have been an electrical short or something and that's what the burning smell was, nothing to do with the EGR valve. He's going to fix it later this week but I think it's unrelated to the recall issue.

adocholiday

So an update on this, my indy mechanic finally got around to inspecting it and the error codes I was seeing were a symptom of the hole that had been burnt through my intake manifold because the EGR cooler failed. BMW arranged pick up but I've been told by the garage that there's a 3 week minimum turn around and BMW won't provide me with a courtesy car. I am absolutely furious with this, I can't be without a car for that long I have a whole load of commitments in the next few weeks. Wondering if anyone has had this work done by an Indy mechanic? At this stage I'd rather pay for the repair than wait that long for it to be done by BMW directly.

sligopaul

potentially could it be cheaper to rent a car and allow the warranty work to be completed, agree poor service from BMW.

djan

Much more cheaper to rent a car for the time period and you get the benefit of a BMW receipt, warranty and would have to go in to get the recall done regardless.

Will make it easier to sell on too.

Seth Brundle

There is no guarrantee that BMW would have the necessary parts available to your indy in time anyhow

adocholiday

Thanks for the input, yeah I suppose it's better to leave with them. I phoned a few other dealerships and they're all looking at 3-4 week backlogs for this. Really puts me in a bind, most of the year I can do without the car but I've a whole load of things coming up in the next few weeks. Also doesn't help that any rental I get will need to be delivered too. Guess I have no choice here though, I've escalated it with BMW to see if they'll do me a favour but for now not looking good. Does anyone know if the repairs associated with the EGR cooler failure are also covered under the recall? I forgot to ask that but I'll need a new intake manifold

prawnsambo

You could always buy a cheap car on DD or at the auctions to tide you over. Like cheaper than a hire car for a few weeks. And you can always sell it on afterwards. Or keep it for emergencies like this.

Anastasia_

Had my car in with Kearys for this a few weeks ago. Came out with a list the length of my arm of other things that were wrong with it, and an estimate of 2k for the work it needed (though I did get a coffee cup and a backpack too 😀). I had NCT booked for last weekend so said I'd put it through that and do any repairs after. Flew through the NCT without as much as an advisory.

adocholiday

Felt it was worth putting an update in here, hopefully anyone on the fence or delaying getting this recall done will think twice if they read it. My car went into BMW 5 weeks ago, I've been chasing them for updates but it's been hard to get in touch with the right people. Eventually got told that the EGR cooler has been replaced but where the plastic manifold melted and then cooled it became really brittle and crumbled and it's likely that some of the plastic got sucked into the engine. It's going to require the engine to be stripped down and cleaned out, and in a worst-case scenario could require an engine replacement. They have to prepare a report for BMW to approve the work and then they can do it. I don't even want to think about a scenario where BMW don't approve the work! But in any case I'm likely to be without a car for another few weeks at least. What should have been a few hours work is turning into 2 months without a car. If you need the recall done, get it done.

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122192231#Comment_122192231

While main dealers are definitely on the upsell you have to remember the nct only tests a small subsection of the cars most safety critical features and is definitely not an indication that the car is is perfect shape.

honda boi

Picked up a 141 520d last week.

Driving yesterday and the drivetrain error popped up but eventually went away.

Saw on the BMW site my car is due the recall and to contact them immediately if this error pops up.

Rang BMW Drogheda and was told the next available date is November!

Gonna try other branches and see what there wait times are like

honda boi

Got a date for September in Colm Quinn athlone.

Noticed today that there is sweet f all coolant left in the coolant tank. No overheating issues or anything.

Seems this is related to the EGR cooler?

Vicxas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326324#Comment_122326324

Yep, same happened me. Car was drinking coolant before the EGR cooler was replaced

honda boi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122328974#Comment_122328974

Any issues arise with the car drinking coolant? Or did you just keep topping up when it was low till it was booked in for the recall?

Car is booked for September.

Was told if i wanted I could get it towed to the dealer for free but I'd be still waiting weeks for them to touch it. So I'd be without a car for weeks. Not very feasible with work and that.

adocholiday

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122340140#Comment_122340140

I would say that you're literally playing with fire to be honest. If it's at the point where the coolant level is leaking heavily then the risk is high. My coolant level was just over the minimum when the manifold melted. If you have any signs of the EGR cooler failing and you're still driving the car you are risking it going on fire.