BMW M6 V10 - more problems!

[ss1977]

I was advised by a well known BMW indy that it's not that the flywheel can't be reused following a clutch change, provided its in good condition, more that the computer software that BMW dealers use doesn't allow the re-adaptation process to be completed with the old flywheel, dictating the replacement of both components.

When I had my clutch and release bearing changed, the flywheel was reused as it was in good condition with minimal wear. Gear changes are now much smoother compared to before and no problems in several thousand miles of enthusiastic driving

[longfellow]

So it's possible then?

[Schermerhorn]

Speaking to them today again, it doesn't seem like I'll get it done under warranty "for the age and mileage", 3 owner car (me the third) etc.

Prices up the parts which will come to just under £2000 and labour nearly £500

I'm not prepared to pay £2500 for something I feel should be done under warranty. However, I always knew it was a gamble deep down.

I can get the parts LUK flywheel and VALEO clutch (both SACHS but boxed differently) for £800.00 using my trade discount from Eurocar Parts. I also have a contact at BMW who can do it dirt cheap for me too (virtually cost) as he is a customer of mine.

Labour I can get it for around £80.00 an hour so all in all less than £1200 for the same job BMW charge but using an independent BMW specialist local to me who are all ex BMW technicians.

Car is still with BMW but I'd rather not risk a 50:50 "yes" confirmation re the warranty and HAVE to pay big money and would rather just stump up and pay half the money for the same job by the equally qualified people.

No doubt something else will go wrong so I'll certainly be posting again in the near future!

Edited by Schermerhorn on Friday 29th August 17:24

Edited by Schermerhorn on Friday 29th August 17:42

[Shaoxter]

I think you should still push them, threaten further action etc.

Also does getting the work done at an indy not invalidate your warranty?

[Schermerhorn]

Shaoxter said:

I think you should still push them, threaten further action etc.

Also does getting the work done at an indy not invalidate your warranty?

Not if you are using genuine BMW parts.

It helps if you know people who work within the BMW network who can use their staff discount (ie close to cost price) etc.

The mark up on parts is between 300-500%!!! I suppose they have to pay for their shiny buildings somehow.

If anyone wants my 'contact' details re a clutch feel free to contact me.

Edited by Schermerhorn on Friday 29th August 17:39

[JMBMWM5]

Schermerhorn said:

Not if you are using genuine BMW parts.

It helps if you know people who work within the BMW network who can use their staff discount (ie close to cost price) etc.

The mark up on parts is between 300-500%!!! I suppose they have to pay for their shiny buildings somehow.

If anyone wants my 'contact' details re a clutch feel free to contact me.

Edited by Schermerhorn on Friday 29th August 17:39

Write to this guy:
BMW Group UK
Tim Abbott
Managing Director
Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell RG12 8TA

He should put things right.
email
[e-mail]

[Schermerhorn]

Cheers John!

I love it when we can all come together like this and help each other out as a community. I remember we all did it last year with the 0% deals on the M5 and M6 models too 'forcing' dealers hands on the contracts.

Most excellent and much appreciated!

[gaz1234]

His normally works https://mobile.twitter.com/TimAbbottBMW

[Helicopter123]

If you were to ditch your M6 given its problems, would you take a punt on another given its brilliance?

Genuine question.

[Schermerhorn]

Helicopter123 said:

If you were to ditch your M6 given its problems, would you take a punt on another given its brilliance?

Genuine question.

Only if I had very deep pockets and/or a collection of other cars which meant I did not have the continous aggro.

My first introduction to BMW M car ownership has not been the smoothest. Never meet your heroes and all that Then again I bought the best I could when instead I could have settled some something 'lesser'.

Brilliant car though and utterly epic. Handles like a true sportscar, epic sound and pulls like a train. It is just the clutch issue which I think 90% of people will come across at some point. No getting away from if I'm afraid.

Next car would be an M5 (in Sakhir Orange with 19" wheels).

[jcolley]

ss1977 said:

I was advised by a well known BMW indy that it's not that the flywheel can't be reused following a clutch change, provided its in good condition, more that the computer software that BMW dealers use doesn't allow the re-adaptation process to be completed with the old flywheel, dictating the replacement of both components.

When I had my clutch and release bearing changed, the flywheel was reused as it was in good condition with minimal wear. Gear changes are now much smoother compared to before and no problems in several thousand miles of enthusiastic driving

I have performed the adaptation on numerous SMG S85s reusing the flywheel. If there are no hotspots on the flywheel from the last clutch going out, it's fiscally irresponsible for a tech to deem it a necessary replacement and shows a fundamental lack of understanding of how these transmissions work. The dual mass flywheel can not be resurfaced (without disassembly and reassembly, not practical), but if the flywheel isn't worn, it absolutely can be reused.

INPA, DIS, and ISTA all use the same adaptation program. It's actually built into the SMG module and the diagnostic software is only used to activate it.