Re: Never heard of a central d-base, but ..(more) (archive)

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members of this forum report on the problems seen with their cars. From a regualr visit here you will quickly learn what is common. I have the TIS CD ROM with the official BMW NA service information bulletins on it. Here are a few of the issues to look out for:
1. Radiator neck snaps off at top drivers side. not a BMW service bulletin but if you watch for any source of leaks early detection is the key, it can be replaced under warranty.
2. Pixels in the Instrument display go out. This is a know problem in both the central display and on the computer MID. A known failure and dealers wil replace the display.
3. HVAC system makes a clicking or ticking noise (needs new stepper motors and new IHKA controller and software to epliminate this noise) warranty on customer comlpaint.
4. Sunroof is very noisy when sun shade is retracted. New gaskets or sunroofs sometimes help but this issue has not been solved by BMW yet. My dealer tried a trick to thread a cord through a new gasket, and this worked pretty well.
5. The Radio / DSP system occasionally won't operate, needs new radio and software. Some issues are the rado and some are the amp. There is a new amp with updated software but I never had this issue.
6. The power seat/steering wheel memory gets confused and looses function or memories or both. needs new seat controller.
7. Suspension in the front gets noisy after a while, especially over slow speed bumps or driveway aprons etc.. New center tie rod offered as fix with improved ball joints.
8. Catylic converters go bad early (warranty up to 80K miles by BMW) Listen for a rattling sound outside the car when running. Some have said it is like marbles or stones inside a can sound.
9. Gurgling in AC system on hot days. needs a modification to drain system.
10. The lower window stops fail and the glass will clunk or bang at the bottom of travel, needs updated stops.
11. Parking brake cable rattles or squeeks, needs new rubber grommit and cable ass'y.

Don't let this list scare you, the E38 is a great automobile, but being a technically advanced system, it has some bugs to be worked out. Armed with knowledge, the dealer will fix most of these problmes under warranty, although be prepared to demand repairs on some things, as even the dealers seem to not know the service bulletins BMW NA published on the E38.
John

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