I agree with iceman on this one. We know what are problems with the older models. The newer models are not old enough to start failing yet. But that aftermarket pipe is just the begining of non dealer repairs as more the more of these cars are driven. There were a ton of them produced, there will be a repair aftermarket soon enough for them.

 

If it's time related, most 2004/2005 V8 E60s should have this problem showing up. But I don't see the problem that common based on board messages.

If its mileage related, newer models should experience this problem also.

 

It is time related and I have found about 100 posts on different message boards already.
And then think about how many owners are on message boards and how many aren't...
It is a huge problem.
And the fact that someone already constructed the replacement pipe, shown in the links in this thread, shows how many cars are experiencing this problem. Or do you think this company would have made this pipe after just one car with this problem? I don't think so.

In the end, everyone should know about this huge problem and there is nothing to expect from BMW unless you call them like five times and complain heavily... then you might get 50%. But only once, not in every case...
So, be aware that you are driving a car which needs a repair every five to six years that will cost you up to 9000 $, or, if you are lucky enough to be somewhere near that shop in SoCal, 1600 $. But even 1600 $ is waaaaaay too much, espacially because this problem should have never existed if BMW would have done their job correctly!!!

I can not tell anyone that BMW engines are good after that.
And I will definately never ever buy a V8 from BMW again.
No other car maker has had this issue so far. It can only be found on the BMW V8 engines.
Quality of BMW engines has gone down the toilet.
It is not the only problem, btw....
My engine has been taken apart several times...
I know of a handful major problems the V8 has...
The cars are great, driving them is fun and the engines performance is amazing...
All up to that point where you have to bring your car to the dealer with a major engine problem... and then get told it's normal, or your fault, in any way, nothing BMW covers.

Good job BMW.


I am silent partner of a security company where we just decided to buy armored MB's instead of BMW's, worth 2.5 million USD.
My next car? Probably that disease called AUDI.

 

Hmm.. thats quite a message to pass, coming from a moderator of the forum too..

 

If my car ends up leaking there, I will do the fix on my own in my own shop for around $800 in parts. It is really easy to do the repair. Hell, I may not even wait. I like the idea of a better quality seal. The company did say that they made the seal out of a different material. Viton I beleive which is a much better suited for this place in the engine. For the record, BMW used Viton in many other places thoughout the car without problems.

 

I suspect the fact that BMW hasn't changed the design on the pipe/seal (it wouldn't be a hard redesign to use different material for the seal) may indicate that coolant formula may be the cause. That would make sense to me because it has to be the coolant that wears the seal out.

I think BMW changed coolant formula in 2003. Previous design of coolant requires coolant change every 4 years to preserve anti-corrosion characteristics, while new formula lasts life time. That means coolant formula between old and new are very different.

If what I suspected is true, newer cars that never topped/changed with non-BMW/old-BMW coolant may have a chance. Only time will tell.

 

welcome and i am sure you will do fine

 

I was thinking of doing this next month when I have a week off. I plan on buying that pipe and doing this DIY at home before it goes out. Looks like I can do it with no major concerns.

 

worst car you'll ever own...man, did you ever make a mistake. No warranty.....pfft might as well start throwing $100 bills out your car's wondows ...assuming they still go down (and damn is that's an expensive repair...ouch). You're a crazy mofo for buying a turd like this without warranty.....hahaha...what a tool. Man are you fucked.....oh my head hurts from laughing at your expense......hehehe, he bought a BMW and went online and found nothing but bad comments.....quick, sell it and buy an Accord

 

If you have the time and resources to make a step by step DIY with photos, you will be a lifesaver, AND HERO, to many on this board and other V8 owners, myself included.