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01-17-2006, 03:11 PM

#11

znod

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My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red

Quote:

Originally Posted by UUronL' post='225605

I read so many threads about problem behaviors on this car, largely blamed on the system programming. But, I have to say that I've not experienced any of these things - CD player stops and restarts at the same place, environmental control holds all the settings while the car is off, radio works all the time, MP3s play ok, etc. It is strange to me that there could be so many differences between individual cars. Perhaps the system are so complex that the interaction of all the various options lead to unpredictability. In my business (complex digital integrated circuit development) we identify these types of problems as failures to complete comprehensive validation before product release.

Things might work well for me because I have few options that connect to the cabin computer system... I think the only non-standard item I have are the rear window shade, which only requires the additional operation of one button on the driver's door console and the very common sport package.

Now, to my point - One would guess that BMW validates the basic operations most thoroughly... Do all you owners have a sense that more issues is correlated to more installed options?

Just wondering... Jon.

Yours and mine are similarly optioned and were built at about the same time... mine is also doing great. (knock on wood)
[/quote]
Me too. I've had only one random problem--never heard of anyone else having it.

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01-18-2006, 05:01 AM

#12

cobradav

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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05

Well you can also add to the list of BMW failures of complete and accurate documentation. Yes, there is a manual, but it is sorely lacking in several areas, not the least of which is NAV, Voice Recognition and similar areas. Detailed specifics are not always contained so some ?normal? operation is left to the owner/operators imagination. Some complaints on faults result in finding out more about how BMW intended the function to work which is not clear in the manual. Sometimes we agree with BMW approach, sometimes not. When we are upgraded with new features we do not get errata, or addendum data. For instance, the new ICONS for NAV that came with CIP 16.1. Only new '06 model manuals have those ICONS explained. Now there are new Voice commands that also impact further upgrades to NAV, and these are not provided except by forum members who stumble across them. All in all a very poor process by the systems integrator, BMW, as that is what they are now. They provide specs to the third party vendors, who bid and compete for the right to furnish BMW the products requested. There is a whole litany of steps in the process and procedures a system integrator needs to follow to ensure the end product is working satisfactory. Not the least of which is inspection and quality monitoring of vendors, documentation updates, vigorous testing to list a few in no particular order. While it does not come as a surprise to me that there are
software bugs or issues, I am surprised at the frequency and rate these appear. I am not at all satisfied that they have instituted the correct environment to act as a systems integrator of such a complex system.

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01-18-2006, 07:24 AM

#13

gabman

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My Ride: 2011 F10 535i -Brilliant Graphite/Oyster 2006 E5004matic- I must have been on drugs when I got this car 2004 545i Black Sapphire/Truffle Brown interior

You must also keep in mind that there are now over 20 software revisions for the E60. So depending on which date the car is manufactured dictates which software version has been loaded in any given vehicle.
Add to this the revisions that are done by the dealers after delivery and you are left with what on the outside looks like the same car, however each one is unique by virtue of slightly different software.

We all know that the software upgrades behave differently depending on the options that the cars are equipped with.

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01-18-2006, 07:36 AM

#14

Ray Hull

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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets. First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.

I would say that your build date speaks most to your success. My early model (10/03) seems to be chugging along OK, but I haven't put but 1500 miles on my Dunlop Thumpflats, and it's too old for Bluetooth; so, by default, (thankfully) I'm absolved from all the electronic heartaches and handwringing that comes with iPods etc. Otherwise, it seems to be about right, but thank heavens for the liberal warranty program.

The bottomline quetion is: Who among us could afford to run these things if they only had 2 year warranty?

Cheers,
Ray Hull

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01-18-2006, 07:43 AM

#15

jimhook_uk1

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My Ride: 2005 530d M Sport Auto, Carbon Black, Dakota Leather, Media Pack, Visibility Pack. iPod

I work in the automotive industry designing electronics. The carmakers are generally writers of specifications and are usually detatched from the hardware and software designers and are not even entitled to see the source code or schematics. Plus they use a lot of different suppliers for various parts but BMW does the final sign-offs.
The procedures are generally very rigorous which is why I'm surprised by the glitches and problems that I and other members have experienced.

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01-18-2006, 07:44 AM

#16

ats77

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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on ï¿½116-styleï¿½ rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( ï¿½ 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) ï¿½ ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) ï¿½ ///M pack rear ï¿½ HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: ï¿½real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 ï¿½ CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) ï¿½ Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): ï¿½ Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). ï¿½ Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!

Yes and 14000+ kms, no probs I have like all option except Nav 13 computers no faults yet, mainly battery -dealer said my anti-car-jacking-gps-tracking...- windows-that I just laugh , but true that last time it was jammed at high speed, felt like in a plane., and once I was sleepy and pushed the stick more than D-so in N.

So far satisfied with BMW and feel sorry with those of problems.

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01-18-2006, 08:23 AM

#17

jmdhuse

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My Ride: 2006 530i - Sport - 6spd - Orient Blue with Auburn/Anthracite

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscar' post='225946' date='Jan 18 2006, 09:43 AM

In the past, I've been associated with Automotive electronics from the supplier side - but only in the domain of engine control and suspension dynamics (including anti-lock braking). In those domains, I agree with your observation that there is a very high level of discipline in validation and qualification. This has always been explained in terms of liability - no car company can afford to be sued, for example, because the brakes don't work.

Maybe a second tier of lesser discipline has emerged for the domain of features associated with "comfort and convenience", as opposed to fundamental "performance and safety".

Just a thought...

Jon.

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01-18-2006, 10:58 AM

#18

tachyon

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ipse dixit' post='225543' date='Jan 17 2006, 02:25 PM

1. USER ERROR.
2. SAMPLING BIAS.

Right on, brother.

Other than an easy-to-fix seat rattle and an oil sensor that tells me I have too much oil (which I ignore), this car has been perfect. No odd rattles or creaks.

Just all-around amazing performance and huge grins every day.

When I think about all of the technical gadgetry in this car ... and that it runs so trouble-free .. I'm amazed.

Thank you BMW.

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01-26-2006, 12:58 PM

#19

Nova Invicta

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My Ride: F11 520d white, auto, professional sat-nav with internet, variable damper control, sports steering wheel, extended lighting, retractable tow bar, wing mirrors with dimming & folding, full electric seats with memory & lumber adjustment, etc.

Only had mine since Dec 20th 2005 but so far no problems. Have had third party (Nokia) bluetooth phone fitted with Autoleads mute cable and had no issues with that in connection with car electronics. Sure if I hit a pot-hole the interior vibrates but so do all cars. The only complaint is the Dunlop RF tyres which considering the negative feedback cannot understand why BMW insist on fitting these across so many cars in their range.

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01-26-2006, 04:33 PM

#20

dgjk

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My Ride: 2006 530xi. Deep green with beige interior. 6 speed manual. Premium package.

SAmpling bias - I have 3 friends with e60's - and 04, an 05, and an 06 - and none of them has ever had a single problem
When I ask them about the things I read here on the website they look at me quizically

As for my car - 2600 miles - 6 weeks - no problem except intermittant rattles - but they have all gone away on their own