I am yet another bmw owner reporting valve vmcover gasket issues. Bmw is not being made to recall this part. Aluminum bolts that never should have been used and were later replaced going forward but have not been addressed. This is a serious concern financially for countless owners that have had to get these fixed, and is a safety concern as leaking oil could cause engine fires. Make this right the federal safety agency by holding bmw responsible for this defect that they have been well aware of for ten years.
2006 BMW 325I engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 77, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. While driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The failure occurred constantly. In addition, the contact noticed oil leaking from an unknown source under the hood. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The contact could not provide details of the oil leak failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and assisted in repairs due to a warranty. The failure mileage was 16,000.
Belt tensioner bolt broke off causing serpentine belt to slip off causing engine to fail. Car was being driven when car started to lose power and power steering stopped working. I have no documentation yet because car has just been diagnosed and is in repair shop now. I found online that this has happened to others as well.
Noted vibration with vehicle running in gear when stopped, during inspection noted bolts on right side motor mount broken off flush with the engine block, found bolt head with about 1" of threads laying on top of lower engine cover.
I have 77,000 miles on this car and the water pump has become defective as I began to seach online about this issue I see there are thousands of complaint about the same year and model of my car I beleive this part should be recalled
Please withdraw the recently filed complaint concerning this 2006 bmw from your records. The confirmation number (odi number) is: 10678988. Further research has indicated that the information in the complaint was obtained from an inaccurate source. Therefore, the complaint is being withdrawn. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
There is a clear manufacturing defect concerning the aluminum screws associated with the valve cover gasket and the aluminum head bolts on 2006 bmw 325i's. The federal safety agency has received many complaints regarding this defect. The aluminum screws/bolts have been redesigned since discovering this manufacturing defect. Bmwna have had numerous service issues related to these defective aluminum screws/bolts. They have openly admitted that the screws/bolts in question were defective in nature and production, and that the screws/bolts have been redesigned to avoid future failures. Some of these complaints included, and resulted in, vehicles leaking oil in the engine area, potentially causing fires in the vehicle. The defective screws/bolts pose a serious potential risk to the safety of the owners of these vehicles, as well as to other drivers who share the roadway with them. It is my strong belief that this public safety risk cannot go on any further without proper intervention from the governmental agencies we employ as taxpayers. I respectfully request that bmwna issue a voluntary recall of the bmw 2006 325i's affected by this manufacturing defect. If bmwna declines to issue a voluntary recall, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency issue a mandatory recall for this defect. I have learned that bmw of north america is aware of the defective aluminum screws/bolts, and has issued an internal "technical service bulletin" (tsb) to forewarn dealerships of this manufacturing defect, and the steps to remedy the issue. I have diligently maintained my vehicle as prescribed by the service manuals, as well as the on board computer in the vehicle. My contention is extremely clear; the aluminum bolts are a manufacturing defect and should be fixed at no cost to the consumer!
My wife own a 2006 bmw 325i, we bought it new, and since day one we complaint to our dealer that the engine knocks. We were told that they had similar complaints but can't fix the problem. Thus, they given us a pamphlet on how to start the car in the morning. Over, the years I have taken it back to the dealer but to no avail. We purchased our car at bmw of townson and do all of our services at russell bmw. Both dealers are in the state of maryland. They do have all the records of our services and complaint pertain to engine knocks. Recently, there are lots of recalls which initially car makers would not voluntary do it until it is scrutinize by the federal safety agency. I wonder if you would look into this issue. Thank you very much for your time and attention. I can be reach at [xxx] or my cell [xxx]. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
There is a clear manufacturer defect concerning the aluminum bolts associated with the valve cover gasket on the bmw 2006 325i's. With research that I have been doing from others, I noticed that this is a manufacture defect and bmw does know about the problem. This can be a safety concern if not corrected quick due to the possibility of oil falling on top of the exhaust pipe and may cause a fire.the defective bolts pose a serious potential risk to the safety of the owners of these vehicles, as well as to other drivers who share the roadway with them. I respectfully request that bmw north america issue a voluntary recall of the bmw 2006 325i's affected by this manufacturer defect. I am not privy to what constitutes a vehicle's defective components to reach a "recall status".
Transmission oil leak.
There is a clear manufacturer defect concerning the aluminum bolts associated with the valve cover gasket on the bmw 2006 325i's. The federal safety agency has received several complaints regarding this manufacturer defect. The aluminum bolts have been redesigned since discovering the manufacturer defect. Bmwna have had numerous service issues related to these defective aluminum bolts. They have all openly admitted that the bolts in question were defective in nature and production, and that the bolts have been redesigned to avoid future failures. Some of these complaints included, and resulted in, vehicles leaking oil in the engine area causing fires in the vehicle. The defective bolts pose a serious potential risk to the safety of the owners of these vehicles, as well as to other drivers who share the roadway with them. It is my strong belief that this type of public safety risk cannot go on any further without proper intervention from the governmental agencies we employ as taxpayers. I respectfully request that bmw north america issue a voluntary recall of the bmw 2006 325i's affected by this manufacturer defect. I am not privy to what constitutes a vehicle's defective components to reach a "recall status". I have discovered that bmw of north america is keenly aware of the defective aluminum bolts, and has issued internal memos to their staff called "technical service bulletins" (tsb) to forewarn dealerships of this manufacturer defect, and the steps to remedy the issue. I have requested this information from bmw of north america, as well as several dealerships; and I was refused. I have diligently maintained my vehicle as prescribed by the service manuals, as well as the on board computer in the vehicle. My contention is extremely clear; the aluminum bolts are a manufacturer defect! Fix them all at no cost to the consumer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the low coolant light illuminated as the vehicle over heated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
My car was having an oil leak when I sent my car to get check they found out the bolts are broken which I did my research and I found out is a manufactures defect, because this bolts are place no to be taken off. This leakage has my car going crazzzy when I wash my car and I turn my fog lights on all the lights on my dash go on my engine goes off and smells like is about to burn this is a serious problem.
1. Seat occupancy sensors are broken. The indicator shows up on the dashboard even when the driver and the passenger have their seat belts fasten. 2. Oil leaks from pan gasket due to the aluminum bolts and etc.
I took my car to richmond bmw and they told me they discovered I had broken head gasket bolts ! I've been doing a lot of research and this is a very common manufactures problem ! These make and models should be recalled this is very dangerous !
Car only has 63,000 miles. The aluminum bolts for the valve cover and the head bolts sheared off while driving. Stopped at a red light and car starts to shake, check engine sign lights, oil sign lights, once I gave it gas. Oil is leaking from car. Car is towed and mechanic shows me damage. Broken aluminum bolts fell inside of engine. Bolt is wedged between timing chain and gear. The engine is destroyed. Known defect for 2006 models, but bmw north america will not cover damage. Have called bmw north america three times now. Bmw switched bolt type in following years. Others reporting same problem. Safety hazard. What if I was on a busy highway when my car stopped? Car will never be the same. Bmw needs to admit to their mistake and cover the damages. A recall should be put in place for the bolts. Just ridiculous that a company known for quality will do this to their customers. I hope the dot takes it upon themselves to hold bmw accountable. Others with the same problem, please email me at [xxx]. Looking for a potential resolution. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the engine. The contact diagnosed that multiple cylinder head gasket cover bolts were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 118,197.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the head gasket bolt was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while traveling 55 MPH, the temperature warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnose that the aluminum bolts holding the engine melted and were sucked into the engine. As a result, the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer mentioned that this was a known problem. The failure and current mileage was 144,300...updated 01/30/13 *bf updated 2/5/2013
Water pump and thermostat both quit working at the same time. Causing absolutely no warning on the vehicle until it started overheating and smoking while driving on the highway. Could of caused a serious accident. Needed to immediately pull to shoulder. Note: car has no oil temperature gauge.
Engine bolts have sheered off at three different mileages: 71,369, 115,162 and 134,835. All times they have created oil leaks and possible engine overheating. Also the sheered bolts could of gotten lodged in the drive belt causing loss of steering (although luckily did not happen). All sheered bolts cost upwards of $1000 per repair to replace.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil through the head gasket. In addition, the sun roof cloth detached from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the steptronic transmission gears would not engage in ds or manual, only drive. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Broken head bolts and blown head.
The head bolts are cracked/broken at approximately 70,000 miles.
Bolts for engine block valve cover broke off. Oil started leaking and exhaust smoking. Normal driving, with no auto modifications and regular maintenance. Contacted bmw north america, but received no answer.
Noticed aluminum headbolt had broken off and caused an oil leak close to the front of the head on the oil filter side of the block, causing a burning oil smell as oil found its way to the burning hot exhaust manifold, thankfully, it did not catch on fire but I feel that it easily could while driving and could cause a serious accident should I or someone else panicked as it would have happened, bmw has acknowledged this issue in tsb's and already rectified the issue in the 2007 models of the exact same cars. If bmw does not rectify this issue, my 5th bmw will be my last and I will take my hard earned money to audi, I find it heartbreaking that a company that used to have such a focus on quality is refusing to acknowledge such failure and to right the situation over a 3$ bolt that has not only the potential to cause harm to many but also to alienate what have been long time customers and true fans of the brand.
Heads of head bolts broke off. Normal slow, short commute driving. Exhaust smoking.
Heads of head bolts broke off. Oil leaking & exhaust smoking. Normal driving with no auto modifications and regular maintenance.
There is a clear manufacturer defect concerning the aluminum bolts associated with the valve cover gasket on the bmw 2006 325i's. The federal safety agency has received several complaints regarding this manufacturer defect. The aluminum bolts have been redesigned since discovering the manufacturer defect. Bmwna have had numerous service issues related to these defective aluminum bolts. They have all openly admitted that the bolts in question were defective in nature and production, and that the bolts have been redesigned to avoid future failures. Some of these complaints included, and resulted in, vehicles leaking oil in the engine area causing fires in the vehicle. The defective bolts pose a serious potential risk to the safety of the owners of these vehicles, as well as to other drivers who share the roadway with them. It is my strong belief that this type of public safety risk cannot go on any further without proper intervention from the governmental agencies we employ as taxpayers. I respectfully request that bmw north america issue a voluntary recall of the bmw 2006 325i's affected by this manufacturer defect. I am not privy to what constitutes a vehicle's defective components to reach a "recall status". I have discovered that bmw of north america is keenly aware of the defective aluminum bolts, and has issued internal memos to their staff called "technical service bulletins" (tsb) to forewarn dealerships of this manufacturer defect, and the steps to remedy the issue. I have requested this information from bmw of north america, as well as several dealerships; and I was refused. I have diligently maintained my vehicle as prescribed by the service manuals, as well as the on board computer in the vehicle. My contention is extremely clear; the aluminum bolts are a manufacturer defect! Fix them all at no cost to the consumer.
On my particular vehicle, a 2006 bmw 325, e90 chassis, there was an oil leak found due to a faulty bolt in the engine bay whereby my engine had about 52k miles put on it. I spoke to various owners with the same vehicle, and they too had the same issue with their vehicles as well. It's apparent that bmw has a manufacturing defect and neglected to do anything about it.
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