cracked subframe

[Malcolm D]

Hi, been a member for a few years but tend to view and not post. However could do with any help/advice. Car is with Chandlers at present for service etc and they have identified a small crack on each side of the subframe. I have the BMW Insured warranty but they will not approve the repair or make a contribution based on age of vehicle, seem pretty adamant about it as well. Car has full BMW service history etc.

I seem to remember seeing post about a number of cars where this repair was covered, but i'm guessing its all moved on and is no longer covered?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Malcolm D]

Hi, Just been reading the thread of Calcifer, think I have my answer!

[Calcifer]

Sorry to hear that, it's a shame they won't cover a design flaw.

[MisterCorn]

If car manufacturers started covering design flaws for ever and a day they would all be out of business by now. Hope it doesn't cost you too much to get it sorted out.

MC

[shawn 968cs]

I had the same, makes the warranty a bit useless when you are paying the full amount like me.
I must adjust my policy the main mechanicals / drivetrain only

[Calcifer]

If car manufacturers started covering design flaws for ever and a day they would all be out of business by now. Hope it doesn't cost you too much to get it sorted out.

MC

Such as?

Having owned a number of cars. I haven't experienced a major failure as this in the CSL EXCEPT for in my M Coupe. Also BMW!

If a car has been under dealer servicing and upkeep and everything was carried out on schedule by way of maintenance then surely something significant as this ought to be rectified by them.

[JBird]

Yep, as mentioned in the other thread, 10 yr goodwill has unfortunatly come to an end.

Got me wondering if the BMW Insured Warranty that many people have might cover it (I guess it wasn't really a consideration till now as the goodwill was available). The comprehensive policy wording says it covers all "mechanical and electrical" exept for ... [long exclusion list]. In the exlusion list "bodywork" is mentioned.

Personally I would not call an integral part of the chassis like the floorpan in question, "bodywork". Bodywork to me is fenders, bumpers etc. (As an engineer, I would argue the chassis just a large part of the suspension!) So it is a bit grey. The policy clearly covers driveline, and the mounting of the rear driveline to the chassis is the cause of the issue. Conclusion, grey as hell.

If you can't get them to cover it, must you repair it yourself to pass the MOT?

[select]

First of all, you guys in the UK should be happy that you have the option to have a bmw warranty for an car as old as the CSL. In germany they offeryou nothing. Except if you buy a used car from them.. but then its only 2 years and not transferable, so pretty much different story.

If you can't get them to cover it, must you repair it yourself to pass the MOT?

I'd venture and say its definitely a MOT failure.. if its spotted. The issue is, it won't be spotted from the MOT guy unless the whole boot floor is coming apart already.

[JBird]

I should add that I was reading an actual print version of policy book from 2008. It lists bodywork as exception idem that is not covered. The BMW Insured Warranty website actually does not.

[Malcolm D]

Yep, as mentioned in the other thread, 10 yr goodwill has unfortunatly come to an end.

Got me wondering if the BMW Insured Warranty that many people have might cover it (I guess it wasn't really a consideration till now as the goodwill was available). The comprehensive policy wording says it covers all "mechanical and electrical" exept for ... [long exclusion list]. In the exlusion list "bodywork" is mentioned.

Personally I would not call an integral part of the chassis like the floorpan in question, "bodywork". Bodywork to me is fenders, bumpers etc. (As an engineer, I would argue the chassis just a large part of the suspension!) So it is a bit grey. The policy clearly covers driveline, and the mounting of the rear driveline to the chassis is the cause of the issue. Conclusion, grey as hell.

If you can't get them to cover it, must you repair it yourself to pass the MOT?

Yep that's correct, ironically its BMW who have failed it for MOT, so they knew what to look for. But BMW Insured Warranty wont entertain it, not even a contribution towards repair. Just waiting on quote to see how much!

[estoril_csl]

You're better off with a 3rd party repair anyway as all BMW did was replace the cracked floor with another one and fill part of the void (not all of it) with resin. 2nd failures have been seen but are rare, also, the resin is flammable so another repair then becomes far more difficult. 3rd party repair with strengthening plates is (IMO) far better in the long run.

[MisterCorn]

Such as?

Having owned a number of cars. I haven't experienced a major failure as this in the CSL EXCEPT for in my M Coupe. Also BMW!

If a car has been under dealer servicing and upkeep and everything was carried out on schedule by way of maintenance then surely something significant as this ought to be rectified by them.

How about bore scoring and IMS bearing failure in the Porsche M96 engine, Big end bearings wearing out in short order and throttle actuator failures in the V8 M3 engines, EGR issues on Range Rover diesels. These are just off the top of my head, I'm sure there are countless others. All affecting cars under 10 years old, all potentially very expensive, not covered by the manufacturer.

MC

[Chad]

You're better off with a 3rd party repair anyway as all BMW did was replace the cracked floor with another one and fill part of the void (not all of it) with resin. 2nd failures have been seen but are rare, also, the resin is flammable so another repair then becomes far more difficult. 3rd party repair with strengthening plates is (IMO) far better in the long run.

Yes definitely do fail again after a new floor panel,as our other csl did as stated on another post, but to be Fair to BMW it's a fair size panel that's replaced inc other panels where required, I personally saw work that was done, practically take rear end out of car, not just a couple of lines of weld and a couple of plates, saying this second repair done by BMW on this car was only welded, will have to wait to see how that pans out. :whistle:

[GregorFuk]

Get your car to Redish, they will fix it once and for all.

[Malcolm D]

Get your car to Redish, they will fix it once and for all.

Redish are not taking any bookings as they are fully booked out till November:hahaha: