[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

M42 Profile Gasket

Frank Schulz quoted me with:
   >rbrowne says
>
>> I say if you are travelling 65 mph on the beltway
>>and gallons of slick coolant comes flying out under your car onto the
>>roadway, thats a safety issue.  Anything we owners can do to bring this to
>>NHTSA's attention?

Then Frank wrote:

>In the july issue of Roundel under 'Die Werkstadt' it states that the
>august issue will have a special article covering the m42 o-ring leak.
>This brings widespread attention to this problem. A coolant leak causing
>the power steering belt to slip could be a safety issue.
>
>- -Frank Schulz  '92 318is 'bimmer me up scotty'

I have received several emails from E36 318 owners who have had to have
there Profile Gasket (M42 o-ring) replaced post warranty, with no
compensation.  At least two have filed formal complaints to NHTSA via
NHTSA's WEB page.  I have not yet had mine go, so I cant file a formal
complaint.  I do plan to file a formal greivance letter with the NHTSA and
will lobby hard for them to put pressure on BMW to call for a recall on this
product problem.  As stated earlier, BMW should really begin to properly
stand behind their products like other marques do.  

In order to do this right, I need some proof and facts.  I need for any/all
M42 engined BMW owners (1991+ 318i/is cars) who have had their profile
gasket fail to email me with the following:
   What year Car.
   VIN #
   Mileage/Approx date of gasket failure
   Car bought new?Used?Approx date of purchase
   Was repair covered under warranty?
   Did BMW assist at all in payment if it was post warranty repair?

If you dont want to participate in this, fine.  To each his own.  Already
had your profile gasket replaced under warranty?  Think the repair was done
using some new method that ensures that it wont fail again, 40,000 miles
later? From what I hear, think again.  Start saving your money....again.

I will gather all emails I get regarding this, include the data in a formal
letter I will present to NHTSA.  Maybe some action will get taken.
Something needs to be done.
I know every single M42 owner that changes their coolant regularly and takes
otherwise proper care of their car is going to be really pissed when that
gasket goes due to no fault of your own, and you have to fork out close to
or over $1000.00.  To add insult to injury, when you go to your dealer and
inquire about it, they will more than likely pretend they dont know its a
widespread problem.  In other words, lie to your face.

Ron
Bowie, MD