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ABC News airs big exposé on BMW N54 engine problems, lawsuits [w/video] [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:04:00 EST

ABC News investigates BMW fuel pump problems - Click above to watch video after the jump

ABC News has cottoned on to the story that BMW is in some hot water over the high-pressure fuel pump on its potent twin-turbocharged N54 inline six-cylinder engine. As we first told you about earlier this month, the pump seems to have an abnormally high rate of failure and can cause intermittent stalling, backfiring and loss of power in certain 135, 335, 535 and X6 and Z4 models. But that doesn't mean that BMW has issued a recall to fix the problem just yet. As a result, a number of lawsuits have stacked up against the German automaker including at least one class-action suit in California. After a number of complaints, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration conducted an investigation in 2008 and decided that the pumps did not pose a threat to owner safety.

BMW, meanwhile, says that what drivers are experiencing is a built-in limp mode. It may feel like the vehicle has completely stalled because of a lack of power, but it maintains that afflicted cars and SUVs can still be driven to a safe place. Likewise, the company says that vehicles experiencing the failure don't rapidly decelerate, so there's no danger of being rear-ended should the fuel pump fail. The company also said that it sent a letter to vehicle owners warning of decreased engine performance and has extended the warranty on the fuel pump to 10 years. After being harangued by ABC producers, however, BMW has also reportedly agreed to take major action on the subject in the near future - an action that could come as soon as today.

ABC aired a story segment on this morning's Good Morning America on the issue as well as a full-length piece on tonight's Nightline. Hit the jump to watch today's GMA story. Thanks to Robin for the tip!

*Update: BMW has announced that it is voluntarily recalling 2007-2010 135i models, 2008-2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i models as well as 2009-2010 Z5 Roadster sDrive35i models. Hit the jump to see the press release.

Gallery: BMW N54 Engine and Turbos

[Source: ABC]

Continue reading ABC News airs big exposé on BMW N54 engine problems, lawsuits [w/video] [UPDATE]

ABC News airs big exposé on BMW N54 engine problems, lawsuits [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: Hands on with heat-sensing FLIR-equipped BMW

Chris Tutor — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:18:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Safety, BMW

Click above to view a high-res gallery of photos from FLIR's CES 2009 demo.

Just like we thought, FLIR wasn't on board with our plan to drive their night-vision BMW through the Nevada desert, but we did get to check out the car's in-dash display.

Our demo was indoors only, though we still got a good idea of how it works. Showgoers passing in front of the BMW's heat-sensing camera appeared in nice detail despite the relatively small difference in their temperature and their surroundings. FLIR rep Jay James said the camera can detect a .05 degree difference in temperatures, which translates into many more shades of gray on the monitor.

The system is tuned to look several yards down the road and so was thrown off by the number of pedestrians within inches of its bumper. But whenever someone walked through its danger zone, the system's display indicated a pedestrian by outliing that person with a yellow rectangle.

The demo BMW had been retrofitted with the system, but new BMWs with the factory-installed version flash a yellow triangle in the head-up display to alert drivers to take action.

Gallery: CES 2009: FLIR demos BMW Pedestrian Detection

CES 2009: Hands on with heat-sensing FLIR-equipped BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW recalls 200,000 vehicles over issue with front passenger air bag

Chris Tutor — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, BMW

BMW is recalling 200,000 units of its 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 SUVs to repair potentially faulty air bag sensors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website says the recall campaign covers 2004-2006 5 Series, 2004-2006 X3 and 2006 3 Series vehicles, though only those equipped with sport seats.

Apparently the problem is with the front passenger sport seat that, over time, develops cracks in its covering. An air bag sensor beneath the area can then be damaged so that the car no longer senses the weight of a passenger. That means, of course, the passenger airbag might not be deployed in an accident.

BMW is doing the right thing by quickly addressing the issue even though no accidents or incidents have been reported in relation to the problem. Also, according to NHTSA, the company will extend the warranties of several of BMW models to cover the issue for 10 years with no mileage restriction. A summary of the recall No. 08V384000 is available here from NHTSA.

[Source: Associated Press via CNN]

BMW recalls 200,000 vehicles over issue with front passenger air bag originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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