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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

5349 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 322 of 535

#3210 of 5349 Speedometer Error by idoc2

Feb 14, 2007 (11:59 am)

I need some advice from some of you BMW afficianados. I recently purchased a 2007 328xi (Xenons, Premium and Cold Weather packages). I have noticed that the speedometer reads about 3mph high at 30mph and 5mph high at 60 etc... when compared to either of two portable Garmin GPS (models i2 and 530) units. My other two cars, my wife's 2005 Honda Odyssey and my old 1998 Maxima have speedometers which read essentially exactly the same as either GPS. My conclusion is that the BMW speedometer is not calibrated correctly and reads higher than actual speed.
 
The service manager at my dealer was doubtful about this issue. When I pointed out that this might effect the accuracy of the odometer and consequently the life of the warranty he was simply dismisive. As some of you may know this issue has been posted on other discussion groups. Some respondents have said that the speedometer may read high but the odometer is accurate. This seems unlikely as these two must be coupled in some way. In addition a class action law suit has been settled against Honda for an identical issue. As a result miles for warranties and leases were extended.
 
Any thoughts on this issue?

#3211 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [idoc2] by shipo

Feb 14, 2007 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: idoc2 (Feb 14, 2007 11:59 am)
I don't remember the specifics, however, it has long been known that virtually every BMW sold in the U.S. registers a slightly higher MPH than is actual. That said, as a rule the odometers are spot on, and as such, there is no basis for a class action suit.
 
Your error vis-à-vis your GPS unit sounds just about dead on with the typical speedo error. Have you checked the registered miles on the odometer? I'd be interested to hear what you find.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#3212 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [idoc2] by dhanley

Feb 14, 2007 (12:08 pm)

Replying to: idoc2 (Feb 14, 2007 11:59 am)
1) It's well-known that BMW speedos read high. Have for a long long time. People speculate about the reason, perhaps it's to cut down on tickets and therefore BMW insurance rates?
 
2) It doesn't affect the odometer( they work via a different mechanism ). If you want, you can cruise at a fixed speed and reset the "average speed" on your trip computer, then see your spot-on speed. This is what's used to determine "arrival time", "miles to empty" and your odometer readings.

#3213 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [shipo] by idoc2

Feb 14, 2007 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Feb 14, 2007 12:04 pm)
Shipo,
 
What do you mean when you refer to checking the "registered miles on the odometer."
 
Idoc2

#3214 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [idoc2] by shipo

Feb 14, 2007 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: idoc2 (Feb 14, 2007 12:57 pm)
Many GPS units have what amounts to a "Trip Odometer" feature whereby the GPS will tell you the exact distance you've actually traveled. What I'm suggesting is to compare that against your odometer and see if there is any difference. FWIW, I compared both of my BMWs against highway mileage posts and they were dead on balls accurate.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#3215 of 5349 Rear coil spring broken at 35,000 miles by rhmass

Feb 17, 2007 (2:26 pm)

I took my 2002 325 xiT Wagon in for annual service today and got a call from the service advisor informing that the left rear coil spring was broken and that they had to replaced both. While the car is now out of warranty at almost five year, but the mileage is certainly low enough for such a problem. The advisor explained, upon my questioning, that the suspension is very tight and it could break because of the bumpy icy roads in New England. Do you think the coil springs can break so easily? We don't carry heavy stuff and the primary use of the wagon has been to bring trash to the town dump. I do have extended maintenance till 08, so that was the reason I took the car in to the dealer for maintenance service. The coil springs replacement set me back for $575, a totally unexpected expense for this problem.

#3216 of 5349 Re: Rear coil spring broken at 35,000 miles [rhmass] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 17, 2007 (3:15 pm)

Replying to: rhmass (Feb 17, 2007 2:26 pm)
Common problem on the E46 chassis, which is what I think yours is. You wouldn't be the first BMW owner to experience this. I bet it broke about 1/2" from the top.

#3217 of 5349 Re: My car radio. [thehuac] by kabrams

Feb 17, 2007 (10:31 pm)

Replying to: thehuac (Feb 06, 2006 6:49 am)
Having the same problem, with a 2006 325 with Navi. Same exact issue - about 6 seconds or so, doesn't matter if car is moving. Doesn't happen while playing CDs though. If anyone can help, it'd be appreciated.

#3218 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [shipo] by idoc2

Feb 18, 2007 (6:43 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Feb 14, 2007 1:38 pm)
Shipo,
 
Here is the answer to your question about about the accuracy of the odometer on my 2007 328xi when compared to the "trip odometer" on my Garmin C530 GPS navigation unit. Over a relatively straight stretch of Interstate, while the car's speedometer was consistently 7% higher than the Garmin's indicated speed, the car's odometer measured only 0.66% greater. Car's odometer = 61.0 miles vs. Garmin 60.6 miles.
 
Frankly, I am surprised and puzzled that this discrepancy exists.

#3219 of 5349 Re: Speedometer Error [idoc2] by shipo

Feb 18, 2007 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: idoc2 (Feb 18, 2007 6:43 pm)
Okay, so your car is operating exactly as most other BMWs here in North America. That's good news item #1. Good news item #2 is that the mileage you are accruing on your car is within allowable norms and as such, you aren't going to rack up way more miles than you actually drove.
 
As for your speedometer, I've never heard a satisfactory explanation as to why our BMWs register high. I will say this though; the ONLY two cars I've ever owned where I didn't get even a single speeding ticket were my two BMWs. Hmmm.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Messages Page 322 of 535

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