Problems all related to poor quality rubber
02-03-2014, 10:18 AM
#1
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My Ride: 2008 550i
Model Year: 2008
Problems all related to poor quality rubber
Every single problem I've had so far with my car centers around some rubber component failing. Luckily, this board has helped me fix and repair most of it, because we all seem to have the same problems. 
The first was the windshield washer pump going bad after the internal rubber o-ring disintegrated (at that point the car was just over 3 years old). Replaced the unit, good to go.
Next came the rear windshield rubber seal, which was fine for about 5 years, until it too started crumbling to pieces within a fairly quick timeframe. No problem, that was an easy fix.
At about the same time, the brake vacuum pump starts leaking. I just now finally took it apart and resealed it. Hopefully, it stops making a mess.
Last time I was underneath my car to change the oil, about 6 months ago, all was fine. Now I go under there and the entire lower tray underneath the transmission pan is coated with oil. I remove it and see that the whole trans pan is wet and most likely where the leak is coming from.
I also have what sounds like a water pump going bad, and wouldn't be surprised if an internal rubber seal has failed and allowed coolant to flood the bearings, causing it to make excessive noise.
I see others also notice a slight oil burning smell from the engine compartment or through the cabin vents, which I too have. Probably a leaking valve cover gasket. No surprises there...
Right now, my car is 6 years old, but it started having problems much earlier. After owning an Acura for 8 years, with no rubber components ever failing, AND nothing ever leaking oil or fluids, I find it hard to believe that Germans can't seem to use the same quality rubber in building their parts.
I wonder what's gonna fail next? There any other common problems that I haven't listed yet?
The first was the windshield washer pump going bad after the internal rubber o-ring disintegrated (at that point the car was just over 3 years old). Replaced the unit, good to go.
Next came the rear windshield rubber seal, which was fine for about 5 years, until it too started crumbling to pieces within a fairly quick timeframe. No problem, that was an easy fix.
At about the same time, the brake vacuum pump starts leaking. I just now finally took it apart and resealed it. Hopefully, it stops making a mess.
Last time I was underneath my car to change the oil, about 6 months ago, all was fine. Now I go under there and the entire lower tray underneath the transmission pan is coated with oil. I remove it and see that the whole trans pan is wet and most likely where the leak is coming from.
I also have what sounds like a water pump going bad, and wouldn't be surprised if an internal rubber seal has failed and allowed coolant to flood the bearings, causing it to make excessive noise.
I see others also notice a slight oil burning smell from the engine compartment or through the cabin vents, which I too have. Probably a leaking valve cover gasket. No surprises there...
Right now, my car is 6 years old, but it started having problems much earlier. After owning an Acura for 8 years, with no rubber components ever failing, AND nothing ever leaking oil or fluids, I find it hard to believe that Germans can't seem to use the same quality rubber in building their parts.
I wonder what's gonna fail next? There any other common problems that I haven't listed yet?
02-03-2014, 10:50 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i & 2009 X6 35i
BMW cooling systems are notoriously weak. I've owned three bimmers and two have had a complete cooling system overhauls. The third is still under warranty so i'm sure it'll be fine until it's not lol. When you're replacing the water pump do yourself a favor and change the rest as well (i.e. pump, t-stat, hoses, overflow tank, radiator, coolant temp switches).
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