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2006 BMW 525i (N52) possible wide spread defect

23 messages,  Last post on Apr 01, 2013 at 5:20 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 3

#6 of 23 2006 BMW 525i (N52) possible wide spread defect by hchi

Oct 01, 2011 (4:50 pm)

The aluminum bolts are stretch bolts. They are torqued to a specific amount and turned an additional 90 to 180 degrees to properly torque/stretch the bolts. The N52 aluminum head boats required another 90 degrees after the torque values. (BMW repair recommendation) I did not stretch my bolts and I think they were 15 or 10 nms??? About 88 inch pound of torque if I remember correctly. I never recovered one on the sheared aluminum heads and it is still caught up some where in the oil pan. Good Luck

#7 of 23 Re: 2006 BMW 525i (N52) possible wide spread defect [hchi] by bdthornton

Oct 04, 2011 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: hchi (Oct 01, 2011 4:50 pm)
I started with the local BMW dealer and got confirmation that THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM with N52 engines. Next I connected with customer service at BMW North America. I worked my way up from first level customer service rep to manager --- same result --- acknowledged that this is a known problem. BMW will cover repairs if under warranty or, in some cases, will cover under "customer goodwill" if recently out of warranty.
 
Here is my gripe; BMW knows that this is a design problem (versus a maintenance issue) but refuses to repair. If repaired at a BMW dealer shop, it is a $3,000 to $4,000 repair. OUCH!!

#8 of 23 2006 BMW 525i (N52) possible wide spread by hchi

Oct 04, 2011 (8:51 pm)

My car was out of warranty and I purchased the car new. I did not buy the extended warranty. I was about 25,000 miles over and when I called BMWNA, they stated there was not much they would do. If I had the CPO warranty or if I was close to the 40K warranty??? Who knows. A known defect, but bmw refusses to repair or correct it. I find it a little disturbing that they would not recall the problem. I guess 50K buyers are small fish. Are they going to repair it for you at no cost?? Good luck and let me know what happens.

#10 of 23 Re: 2006 BMW 525i (N52) possible wide spread [hchi] by bdthornton

Dec 05, 2011 (7:24 pm)

Replying to: hchi (Oct 04, 2011 8:51 pm)
Update - completed repairs a couple weeks ago. Like you, I had to "invest" about $2,000 in parts, speciality tools, etc. Based on BMW dealer estimate, this was about half the cost of dealer repair. All 4 aluminum head bolts were broken off -- the heads popped off. I dismantled the valve chain guide and other parts in search of the bolt heads, however, no luck. I suspect they are in the oil pan. However, I do not have the ability to remove front frame section and lift engine to pull the oil pan! What a pain! Before this, I would have recommended BMW to others, but not now. My ownership experience with Mercedes Benz was much better. I suppose this kind of issue also fuels the recent Audi sales pitch. On the bright side, I am now discussing options with an investigative legal firm.

#11 of 23 BMW wide spread defect by hchi

Dec 05, 2011 (7:55 pm)

Some legal firm did contact me about a class action law suit. If there is enough people maybe BMWNA will take some action. I looked at a new 5 series, but I am a little concerned about some of BMW's shady business practices about known defects and soft recalls!
 
Now you have experience as I do to do your own repairs. Glad you got it running!!!

#12 of 23 Re: update [hchi] by wwilliams3

Dec 14, 2011 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: hchi (Jul 28, 2011 1:27 pm)
Today I found out the my 2006 525I bolt head is missing. Funny thing is I just had the car in for service in August and was in service 6 weeks before that. And none of the service people mentioned that it could be a possibility or checked it. My warranty just expired Oct 2011 in august they never said nothing to me. I told the man this is a scam. A car that was sold over 30 or even 25K that is less than 7 years old should not have broken metal bolts. Bolts are suppose to be strong. I am driving the thinking this thing is going to fall apart. I have had all kind of things repaired on this car. I want to speak to a lawyer.

#13 of 23 I want to start class action suit again BMW for 525i head bold scam by wwilliams3

Dec 14, 2011 (7:45 pm)

Like alot of people, we find out after our warranty is over that our head bolts have broken. how Convenient is that. After reading the blog. I think BMW is pulling a scam and perhaps that is why they discounted the model but did not inform the public that the bolts are faulty.

#14 of 23 Re: update [hchi] by wwilliams3

Dec 14, 2011 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: hchi (Jul 28, 2011 1:27 pm)
Please let me know the law firm's name.

#15 of 23 Re: update [wwilliams3] by rwmck

Mar 22, 2012 (9:39 am)

Replying to: wwilliams3 (Dec 14, 2011 7:46 pm)
I have an '06 530i and I was just told i have the same problem. i've contacted BMWNA and am escalating currently. any updates from earlier posts?

Messages Page 2 of 3

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