Good Day My Friends:

My 3-month-old transmission (SMG) failed on me with no apparent reason. I just had a normal course of driving, nothing exciting... I parked the car and returned to it in 30 minutes and I could not start the vehicle because the computer stated the transmission had failed and I was unable to move or shift the SMG stick no matter what.

I am just curious if anyone has experienced this before and can explain how this might have happened.

-GMAN

I'm willing to bet it's a computer/software glitch that's causing the problem and NOT your transmission. It seems highly unlikely your trans would expire while sitting parked, especially since it's essentially a brand new car! The fact that your start function and SMG are disabled is most likely a feature of the computerized warning system, but I'll be very, very suprised if this is nothing more than a false reading in the system. And if it turns out your trans is shot, my faith in current BMWs will have been reduced to nil. Good luck and let us know what happens!

I"m with Okartguy on this one - I don't think your tranny is actually shot - I bet it's a bad reading from the computer and a sensor -

I know they've done several software upgrades for the SMg's and other parts of the car's overall Operating system -

Keep us posted on what the dealer says is wrong when they warranty whatever it is...

Hello My Friends:

I have an update. BMW service has informed me that the Tranny is locked (Stuck) in gear and based on their trouble-shooting of the Control Module and passing this information on to Germany, it is recommended that the entire Tranny and Control Module be replaced. WOW and I did not even get to race it! :mad

I was told that it is very likely that the transmission is not bad but the way the Germans built the SMG; the Control Module and the Tranny are one unit. So, it is highly advised that they order a new Control Module-Tranny for replacement. So they gave me a loaner a x3 2.5 litre... Thank GOD for my recent purchase of my 750Li. I'll drive that for now.

Any additional thoughts?

And until my next update (About a week), Happy Performance Driving...

-GMAN :buttrock

Wow. I think I'll hold on to that spare 80 grand I was planning to drop an a new 645... Does *anyone* build a decent reliable car anymore?

Seriously. Too many electrons pushing a 2 ton car. At this point, I'll go back to carbs and relays if it means I can fix it and it won't be running an operating system.

The new 6 series...run by Microsoft Windows :eyecrazy

I'm betting this could have all been avoided if BMW woulda stepped up and used a Mac OS to run their software... :D

Seriously, though... part of the reason I love my 635 (and my 2002 and my VW bus, for that matter) is the ability to "commune" with the underpinnings and to marvel at the effectiveness of the relative simplicity. Sure, my e24 has an OBC and other various electronica, but so far all the stuff on my car still works, so I haven't had to jack with it yet! And considering the car is 18 years old and is pushing 190k, I find it to be a testament to putting conscientous build quality ahead of electronic wizardry. But I suppose that's obvious.

As for our A6Q, it's a lovely car but I don't trust it any farther than I can throw it, mainly because I have no ability to maintain it myself. Plus, it's been in the shop more than once with electrical and "amenity-related" gremlins. Oh, the front diff is leaking at 55k, and (surprise!) it's now out of warranty. I'll let my wife deal with it. :rolleyes

Hello My Friends:

:alright I love the gadgets but I am really getting tired of these software glitches and no backup (fail-over) to ensure a car can be used for its most basic function. :redspot...

I was looking at Audi, specifically the A3 with DSG. What's your take?

I'll touch base with you again later next week. The transmission should be in.

-GMAN

The Audi/Volkswagen/Porsche alliance as a whole has really buggy electronics, even moreso than BMW. My mother used to have a Toureg, and the AC on the things was always wonking out on her. Some of my friends have Audis, and they all have at least three seperate glitches that the dealer can't track down. It is an electron epidemic, afflicting the entire industry. Heck, my father just got a chevy truck and the thing has more electronics than my e34! So, yeah, most new cars will have a glitch. It is virtually a given, which I find wholly unacceptable, I don't know about you guys.

It is virtually a given, which I find wholly unacceptable, I don't know about you guys.

I agree. They just keep loading more crap into these things. A car is for driving. I really don't need alot of the stuff they throw in there and it makes it next to impossible to work on unless you're good with electronics - and just more things to go bad (as if there wasn't already enough to maintain).


I have enough electronics at home anyway!

:lol

Thanks for the Audi feedback. I really have the desire for the 1er but BMW doesn't seem to have an interest in sending it over here... But let me steer this topic back to the 6er so I will not be accused of chatting out of Forum area. :nono

I will keep you guys posted on my 6er status...

Ciao!

-GMAN

Heck yes. I'd love a 1 series, especially a 135d (if only they made it) Now that would be a fast car that got crazy mpg. Heck, the 120d is pretty dang fast, considering it's coke-bottle displacement.

:buttrock

Hello My Friends:

Car has been repaired: New Tranny and a few new computers that were not playing nice... The car drives smoother than before...

I must be Hallucinating or dreaming. I want the car to drive better than it did when I picked it up in Feb... LOL

Now there was one thing wrong when I picked up the car. I turn the car on and it said SERVICE REQUIRED! Go figure, after all of that the Master Tech missed one item. Can you guess what it was?

It was an honest oversight so I am not upset but sometimes you have to walk away and start all over... You know what I mean.

Anyway, the issue I saw was an oil change over due @ 9100 miles... Seems like a counter reset is in order with all the work they did I am sure the new computers required the proper reset and calibration.

Oh well, let the driving BEGIN!

-GMAN :lol

damm, another hit to BMWs rep... I am sure it will sink bmw's ranking

:buttrock

Good Looking car - I like the color.

Hope they've got the computer issues worked out for you.

Sweeet car!

Sweeet car!
sweet garage of cars.

:evil2 Hello My Friends: :evil2

The 645 SMG is back in the shop. I dropped it off last week for what continues to disturb me about BMW putting too much Technology in their vehicles and not having qualified technicians to support them.

Here is the latest... "Service Engine Soon" light bleeped up last week and the details of the issue as defined by the service messages when entering into iDrive is "Increased Emissions!!" What Tha F _ _ K, okay I'll calm down. :nono

To add insult to injury, I drive home from work one day (Last week) and while shifting in to 6th gear (SMG knob) I suddenly hear very abrupt (I can feel it) loud grind. Any MT driver knows or has experienced this before and soon after that the car begins to shimmy producing increased vibrations as I drive. Uh OH!! Somebody made a BIG BOO BOO! :mad

I think, no, I know I will seek the death penalty for this car. I am done, finnito, hasta la vista baby. I have confirmed on more than one occasion that the bigger price to pay when you buy these technological marvels (From other countries) is when they break and they will, you will pay big time and not just in money; Your time and patience my friend.

Well after all that I am at a lost. The technician got back to me on Friday with the following: The drive shaft must not have been put on to it perfect specifications (We will have to double check) the system once more to stop the heavy vibrations. Secondly, the computers are acting up (Not talking); we know what the issue is and we have to repair/diagnose further. We will need the car until the middle of next week.

So my friends this is my story and I await the outcom next week.

Till then,

-GMAN :embarrasm

are you getting a loaner? Take a roadtrip with it.

after dropping that much cash on a car and the repeated trips to the dealer,i'm sure the newness has worn off quickly.it doesn't seem that the problems you're experiencing are minor issues.the new 6 is accumulating many unhappy owners.i heard of one instance when they were introduced,that bmw called customers and told them not to drive it.just inform them where the car was and they'd come pick it up.that's a concern another owner posted,so whether it's true or not,i can't confirm.

are you getting a loaner? Take a roadtrip with it.

Hello My Friends:

Yes, they gave me a 325(05') first and then stepped me up in to a 530(05') :buttrock I am going to do that, a long field trip.

That'll learn ya!

-GMAN :lol

after dropping that much cash on a car and the repeated trips to the dealer,i'm sure the newness has worn off quickly.it doesn't seem that the problems you're experiencing are minor issues.the new 6 is accumulating many unhappy owners.i heard of one instance when they were introduced,that bmw called customers and told them not to drive it.just inform them where the car was and they'd come pick it up.that's a concern another owner posted,so whether it's true or not,i can't confirm.

Hello My Friends:

I must say, the newness is gone. I must purchase something else... At least the 7 is doing well.

-GMAN :)

Hello My Friends:

I am back in business! I am driving the 645Cic once more but some how it seems not so new anymore, not put together as it was direct from Germany. :eyecrazy

You know, I love the car but something is missing... It rattles a little more than it did before the issues. It doesn't drive the same as it did before. It looks fantastic but the driving dynamics are suspect. The car doesn't even start-up like it used too. Tisk-Tisk. :eek:

What should I do? I bet BMW will say it is all mental. It's all in your mind and your emotions are clouding your judgment... :nono

I say it is my emotion that led me to buy this 645Cic! I did not need it. I have two 7's! I want a car that works and gives me what I expect from a name like BMW! :buttrock

I am driving the 6er today yet I feel a whole in my satisfaction. BMW 645Cic is not the "Ultimate Driving Machine" I once felt, experienced and ENJOYED the first 3 months before all this trouble began. I treat the 6er like it's a little baby now hoping it doesn't break.

I do things like:

Make sure it is in 'N' before turning it off, why? (See initial issue above)

Make sure I let the car idle before turning it off, why (Cause it is Quirky)
--> I turned it off the same day I got it back, Tuesday-Aug. 2, 2005, and the stupid car would not turn back on!!! Freak'in battery DIED! (Oh, Gosh)
((ABS)) and Breaking system disabled me to even turn the damn, 'oops' car on so I let the thing sit outside my garage all night. (I never do that!) I obviously got it to turn over after a 14 hour sleep.

Make sure I don't push it too hard...

Enough of my emotional sad story but my wife would not understand so I talk to you my friends for consultation...

Wife says, "Get rid of that piece of junk!" The 7 works fine, he he!

I am coming Aston... :lol

-GMAN

Do the lemon law thing. Those attorneys will take your case for free.

So you are going to get an Aston Martin? YOu've got to show us Pics when you do so we can drool.

Hello My Friends:

I will seek the death penalty for my 6er... Thanks for your feedback and here is a taste of what I will work on getting next.

In some states if you have problems within the first two months, you are allowed by law to request you’re money back or a new car without going through legislation. Mercedes denied my claim so I am going to court.

http://www.autolemonlaws.com/

Hello My Friends:

Here it is Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 3:37PM and still no call from BMWNA. I am sorry to say but this so-called BMWNA person (vatkens) has not lived true to his word. Ref: On another BMW board this so-called rep sent a public message stating BMWNA would contact me! :nono

Anyway, I called BMWNA myself and spoke to a very nice young lady who will address my issues. I have been through enough of these issues from the e64 -- SMG -- 2005 and today of all days it happened again! The Freak'in car will not start. I checked the battery but it would seem that the e64 suffers from a computer virus. It just will not stay up! I think it needs Cialias. :redspot



So... What should a guy do? I can't get no satisfaction with that 645, oh well. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted.

-GMAN

Do the lemon law thing.

Yeah - it's lemon law time IMO -

You've spent Mucho Dinero on this thing - it should work - plain and simple.

Dude - if you already own two 7-Series and then ran out and bought a 6-series, then you have too much excess cash laying around.

I'm not sure why you do not know what to do.... :rolleyes

A) Talk to dealer and discuss with them you'll invoke your lemon law rights (3 strikes and they are out).
B) Get the car fixed and dump it at Carmax or sell it.

Never by 1st year (probably 2nd, and even 3rd year) versions of any cars is a good rule of thumb.

My 2 cents.

:buttrock Hello My Friends :redspot

It's been a while but I am still alive and so is my 6er. I have some news to share with you all. See next thread.


-GMAN

Hello My Friends:

It been a few weeks since my last post and I thought everyone interested should here the resolution BMWNA & the dealership have offered me.

First, to refresh the issue I posted earlier both BMWNA technician and the dealer technician solved the issue (Dead Battery) on Friday the 12th. I came to pick it up and the service group could not drive it to me; why? Oh because the car was dead once more and they were not able to jump the car. The real culprit was or had to be a system or two not shutting down as required so in turn it shut down after discharging the battery.

WOW! The problem seems to cascade one after the other. So that Saturday was shot and I had to wait a few more days before I could pick up my new-new-Problem Child. The service manager from the dealership had no words to explain this anomaly and nor could I!

Another update comes to my attention when someone from BMWNA calls me and says, "Mr. Belton we will make this right!" I can say to you all that these are the words a customer wants to hear and now I await for what that is exactly.

To make a long story short, BMWNA worked out a deal with the dealership to exchange my current 645Cic for anything I wish to have (With-in reason). You know where my mind was going!!! All I had to is talk to the GM of the dealership and hear him out fully and get back to him with my decision. Of course my friends, I can end the contract due to the Lemon Law guidelines but that is if I want something else, right?

Well BMWNA & the Dealership is in the process of doing right on my behalf with a NEW REPLACEMENT ORDER. I really enjoy the 6er so I have provided the GM of the dealership my spec list for a 645Cic (Maxed) with options. Although the only thing my 645Cic did not have was active cruise control.

There you have it folks. I am and forever (That a strong word) will be your friend, "BMW". I will be sure to keep you posted on the journey. I think I will start a new thread though...

What do you think of the whole ordeal?

-GMAN

What a bummer!! When you can no longer trust it, it is time it went down the road. Take the bucks and buy a project and make it yours, then you'll have a real car.