Problems with SMGII

Problems with SMGII

Author
Discussion

bluesatin

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

279 months

Sunday 21st September 2003
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Has anbody else experienced problems with the SMG. In five manual the diff almost comes through the boot with a load thud. I have already had the diff and drive shaft replaced once. The garaged tried the car yesterday and suggested not to use it.

Tried BMW emergeny service and they insisted that the car be checked by an agent. Agent arrives in his truck and says the car is undrivable (from about 40ft away with no checks). However can't take the car as the dealer is now closed. I arranged for a hire car to find the only car was a 1lt Deawoo. I needed a big car to take people so I have no hire car and an M3 I can't use!

douglasr

1,092 posts

279 months

Sunday 21st September 2003
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Disappointing, but if my experience of BMW customer service is anything to go by, you will be back on the road pretty soon...

domster

8,431 posts

277 months

Monday 22nd September 2003
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A Daewoo 1.0 is just the kind of economical vehicle you need to balance Ultima ownership, Guy

Sorry to hear about SMG probs. Thought they had sorted the bastard out as I know SMG1 had 'issues'.

Big warranty should mean you aren't out of pocket etc.

bluesatin

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

279 months

Sunday 5th October 2003
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Two weeks and stil no car. The dealer in Gerrards Cross has lost the plot. They have changed parts but still don't know if the car is OK. They arranged for somebody from BMW to visit which he did on Friday. On testing the car he found the clutch gone. I also tested the car and agreed that the clutch was slipping in gear. The person from BMW could not believed that they had missed this and that I had been without the car for 2 weeks. Strange this but the clutch was fine two weeks ago.

The only way and SMG clutch can slip that much is if somebody has been doing the programmed launched. So new Clutch (price still to be agreed) and I still do not know if the play in the dif on fast gear change has been resolved. I feel a domster letter to the motoring world may be next!

dazren

22,612 posts

268 months

Sunday 5th October 2003
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About time the garage loaned you an nice M5 during their investigations. This is all under warranty afterall and you are being seriously inconvenienced.

Don

28,377 posts

291 months

Sunday 5th October 2003
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My goodness, Guy. Sorry to hear of your car troubles. I am currently without my Boxster S - and only one week without it so far.

Hope they sort you out soon...

bluesatin

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

279 months

Sunday 5th October 2003
quotequote all
Thanks

They have given me a new shape 520. Very slow but bloody good fun. The active roll bar and other gizmos makes the car handle like a mini M3- amazing for something this big and heavy. Now I wonder what the new M5 V10 will be like with an expected 500bhp!

bluevelvet

2,340 posts

261 months

Monday 6th October 2003
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If they do not sort things out soon,,it sounds like the 520 needs to be assessed down the finest 2 mile straight in leicestershire...

domster

8,431 posts

277 months

Monday 6th October 2003
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...with the BMW dealer principal chained to the back of it



Crazy of Cookham

740 posts

262 months

Monday 6th October 2003
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Hey Blue. How will I know if you are creeping-up on my driveway in that near silent 520. Can you turn up the HIFI or use the Ultima. Maybe its time to buy a real strong brute like a HSV! Never had any problems with my short interlude with the M3. I am seriously doubting my ability to thrash a car properly.

john_p

7,073 posts

257 months

Thursday 9th October 2003
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Hey Bluesatin, sorry to hear of your problems. The dealership is the one I use and they've been OK for me up till now, nothing major to tax them with yet though.

Do you think too many launch controls have been done on your car? The SMG clutch should slip at other times eg. up hill or being held on the handbrake. Seems a bit odd that the clutch should slip after it's been at the dealership for weeks?

There is apparently a software update which removes some of the 'thump' - this might be worth trying? Can't see what else it could be if they've replaced driveshaft and diff - maybe it's time for a new gearbox under warranty?

bluesatin

Original Poster:

3,114 posts

279 months

Thursday 9th October 2003
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The car was returned yesterday and if is much better than before. They have ben very quite about the parts changed this time but whatever they have done it is as it should be. They have also claimed from BM for a new clutch. If they don't pay I will need a domster letter!

John
I have heard of the upgrade to SMG but thought this was for SMG1 but I do have to say that the changes are much better. The person from BMW also mentioned special diff oil to soften the change.

john_p

7,073 posts

257 months

Thursday 9th October 2003
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There's definitely an update. My car (March 03 car) is going in on Wednesday for new software. A couple of other M3 owners who have had it done say it lessens the clunking, especially under hard acceleration. Will try it on my car and let you know.