M3/M4 Not good: BMW Recalling 2,500 M3s Over Double Clutch Gearbox Glitch

[PanterroR]

There's a saying, with each new piece of technology, there will be new and improved glitches. In BMW's case, the glitch has to do with its first ever double-clutch transmission called DCT that was introduced in the latest generation M3 models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a transmission software problem can lead to multistage downshifting of the 7-speed double clutch gearbox under rapid declaration. In conjunction with the V8 engine's fuel cutoff at low vehicle speeds, there is a possibility for the engine to stall.

To deal will the problem, BMW's dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission electronic control unit with updated software free of charge. NHTSA said that the recall is expected to begin during November 2008. However concerned M3 owners in the U.S. may contact the Bavarian firm at 1-800-831-1117.


Source: BMW Recalling 2,500 M3s Over Double Clutch Gearbox Glitch - Carscoop

 

[Merc1]

LOL...I didn't post this one because I didn't want the BMW faithful to think anything.

M

 

[PanterroR]

LOL...I didn't post this one because I didn't want the BMW faithful to think anything.

M

These kind of things MUST be posted!

 

[Zafiro]

I know two swedish M3 owners that recently upDATED their M3 DCT. One of them were happy with the result, the other one said it got worse.

 

[LaArtist]

This kinda sucks..
Proves that you should really not buy brand new cars...

Didnt the previous M3´s have probs with engines?

I belive M needs a couple of years before they get things down completly..

 

[PanterroR]

I know two swedish M3 owners that recently upDATED their M3 DCT. One of them were happy with the result, the other one said it got worse.

Why did they update it? Someone told 'em to do so or they did it just so?

Anyways, i think with just released M cars, one should wait at least 1 year before going for it.

 

[Zafiro]

This kinda sucks..
Proves that you should really not buy brand new cars...

Didnt the previous M3´s have probs with engines?

I belive M needs a couple of years before they get things down completly..

There are no recalls for M3 V8 with manual gearbox. In this case its only the M3's equipped with DCT.
It's not the engine thats a problem on the current M3.

 

[Zafiro]

Why did they update it? Someone told 'em to do so or they did it just so?

They got a letter from BMW Sweden. the guy who isnt satisfied said the gearbox got jerkier in auto mode when you change down a gear and push the gas pedal. The other guys said the gearbox got better and feels faster so he is satisified with the result.

 

[Centurion]

These are the problems they arise when a manufacturer loses focus............like BMW are doing right now.

 

[Tarek]

MB should sell it's in-house made MCT to BMW

Seriously M3's should be bought with a manual IMO.

 

[martinbo]

Or just buy a darned manual!

This over-emphasis on automated gearshifting being the be-all and end-all to performance motoring needs a little reality check now and then...

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

These are the problems they arise when a manufacturer loses focus............like BMW are doing right now.

You seem quite upset with BMW as of late Luw. I do understand where you are coming from.

But at least they gave us the 1-coupe and 3 door!

I don't see how they got the DCT wrong. Audi/VW have been doing it for years. Surely it was just a matter of benchmarking and working from there.