NHTSA - Complaint on M-DCT Lag issue

aus · 04-02-2009, 09:51 AM

Did you guys all report this issue to the NHTSA? Let the government force them to fix this.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR VIN# or it's meaninglss, per Radiation Joe. Thanks.
It only takes 5 minutes to file a complaint.

If they get a few hundred complaints, then they make take a look at this. They're the reason we go the first fix, otherwise, I'm sure BMW would have called no downshifts during braking, "a design characteristic and normal behavior for the M DCT transmission."

UPDATED:

They're sending out E-mails to get more info, so we may be making some progress on this issue. PLEASE FILE A COMPLAINT!!

Here's a letter I sent. Feel free to copy or make appropriate changes.

Quote:

Dear Emily,

I am VERY happy to see your oranization taking an interest in this issue. It is a VERY dangerous problem with this vehicle that BMWNA is WELL AWARE of, but INSISTS that it is "normal behavior" for my car/transmission. I brought the car into the dealer, and they were able to reproduce it, but they were told by BMW that this was "normal behavior."

The problem occurs when you slow down- like for a turn, but do not come to a complete stop. The DCT transmission seems to have trouble figuring out what gear to select because when you step on the gas to accelerate, there is a very significant delay in the onset of power- up to 2-3 seconds. By this time, the driver is usually really digging into the throttle. The transmission finally picks a gear, which results in the car suddenly lurching forward, sometimes invoking the anti-skip control.

The danger in this behavior occurs when making a turn into on-coming traffic after slowing down to around 10-15 MPH. After the turn, the car is positioned in the traffic lane, but you have NO POWER to accelerate into the flow of traffic. The oncoming cars are now closing in on your car at a fast rate, and you're basically stuck. This situation is most pronounced in the "Auto" mode of the DCT transmission, but also occurs to a lesser degree while in the manual mode when you select second gear in preparation for the turn. It is also very repeatable in both modes.

These problems started occuring after a previous recall on this transmission where the engine would stall under hard braking or not shift under hard braking. The recall fixed that problem, but introduced this problem, which occurs almost every day whereas the previous problem only occured during a specific situation.

Thank you for looking into this dangerous matter.

mkoesel · 04-02-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Did you guys all report this issue to the NHTSA? Let the government force them to fix this.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm

Yes. Please everyone, take the time to do this. PLEASE.

To be blunt, I have not complained to anyone at BMW nor will I waste precious moments of my time doing so. There is a blatant conflict of interest. To me it is literally like asking a thief not to rob you. Your time would be better spent talking to trees or counting carpet fibers.

Just go to the link and complain to NHTSA. They will have absolutely no choice to force a recall once a critical mass of complaints is achieved.

d_dot · 04-02-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Did you guys all report this issue to the NHTSA? Let the government force them to fix this.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm

If they get a few hundred complaints, then they make take a look at this. They're the reason we go the first fix, otherwise, I'm sure BMW would have called no downshifts during braking, "a design characteristic and normal behavior for the M DCT transmission."

just filed mine . Make sure you guys do this.

Radiation Joe · 04-02-2009, 11:09 AM

These postings to the NHTSA must contain the VIN or they are meaningless. I noted several complaints that did not include the VIN.

d_dot · 04-02-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

These postings to the NHTSA must contain the VIN or they are meaningless. I noted several complaints that did not include the VIN.

can i go in there and edit the info or do i have to start from scratch?

lincoln · 04-02-2009, 02:29 PM

Your Complaint Information is successfully submitted.

Your Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10263986

aus · 04-02-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lincoln

Your Complaint Information is successfully submitted.

Your Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10263986

This is what we need more of.

Here's an updated link since the original one seemed to have timed out:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/#vehicles

Just click "Vehicle Complaint" to start the very easy process.

swamp2 · 04-02-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

This is what we need more of.

Here's an updated link since the original one seemed to have timed out:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/#vehicles

Just click "Vehicle Complaint" to start the very easy process.

Only 11 total complaints here. 2 under the category power train and 9 under automatic transmission. Mine has been reported. Keep them coming!

aus · 04-06-2009, 04:11 PM

WHat's the point of bitching to BMW? We already know they're not gong to do anything, so just file a complaint and let the NHTSA do the dirty work.

Here's an updated link since the original one seemed to have timed out:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/#vehicles

Just click "Vehicle Complaint" to start the very easy process. You must include your VIN to make the complaint hold any weight. I can't believe there are less than 20 complaints when these threads go on forever wtih people bitching and not doing anything about it.
You just have to say you have NO Power when you make a right turn and cars at coming at you. That's a clear safety issue.

mkoesel · 04-06-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Just click "Vehicle Complaint" to start the very easy process. You must include your VIN to make the complaint hold any weight. I can't believe there are less than 20 complaints when these threads go on forever wtih people bitching and not doing anything about it.

+ 1000000

Where are all the complaints to NHTSA guys? The issue may never get addressed without them involved. Hey, I don't think the NHTSA is a perfect organization either, but they are all we have. BMW won't do anything if they cannot make a business case for a fix. The NHTSA at least cares about safety first.

P.S. Get the VINs in with those complaints!

P.P.S. Who is the dork mucking up the works with all the 335i complaints in the wrong place?

And someone put an M-DCT complaint in the 3 series category too.

gr8000 · 04-09-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

In the meantime, I suggest people keep filing the complaints with NHTSA. We need more than twenty of them to get any results.

Not even 20 have been registered for the entire USA? No wonder why BMW doesn't take this seriously & doesn't bother to fix the lag...

aus · 04-10-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Sucks Joe, although the update you and nitramsen got (seems to be the same one) suggests that they are at least working on it. Will there ever be a complete fix? Remains to be seen. But at least we are seeing some movement on it now. I suppose we'll have to wait another couple months for the next one, which sucks.

In the meantime, I suggest people keep filing the complaints with NHTSA. We need more than twenty of them to get any results.

It's amazing that 20 people can drag a thread out so many pages.
Is there a similar link for the Canadian brothers wtih the same issue?

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/#vehicles

SenorFunkyPants · 04-10-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

It's amazing that 20 people can drag a thread out so many pages.

It does seem like a small number of people with the problem...is it inconceivable that its not just a technical problem affecting certain cars?

Dannys M3 · 04-12-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8000

Not even 20 have been registered for the entire USA? No wonder why BMW doesn't take this seriously & doesn't bother to fix the lag...

Registered with NHTSA today and yes everyone should register. With the 335i HPFP fiasco I was called by the NHTSA and finally BMW did issue a recall. So I urge everyone who hasn't to register ASAP.
Thanks.

BMW M3 561 · 04-12-2009, 10:23 PM

Link please!

racedoc11 · 04-12-2009, 11:01 PM

I just filled one,
Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10265050
here is the link:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

swamp2 · 04-13-2009, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW M3 561

Link please!

It is posted at least 2 or 3 times in this thread.

GT3 Tim · 04-13-2009, 11:25 AM

Complaint submitted.

ygtbsm94 · 04-14-2009, 01:04 AM

NHTSA safety complaint submitted 24 Mar. I've heard nothing yet!

Cheers
Brad

fabolous · 04-14-2009, 05:34 PM

I submitted for the lag as well as my rear differential grind

Lets stick together!

4u3 · 04-14-2009, 09:09 PM

submitted by complaint to the feds tonight.

Facts are better than dreams. Winston Churchill

Dannys M3 · 04-14-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ygtbsm94

NHTSA safety complaint submitted 24 Mar. I've heard nothing yet!

Cheers
Brad

If your location is Belgium I highly doubt they will be calling you.

04-02-2009, 02:29 PM	#6
lincoln Lieutenant Drives: 2009 Melbourne Red Coupe - DCT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Seattle (Puyallup) Posts: 433 iTrader: (0)	Your Complaint Information is successfully submitted. Your Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10263986 __________________ 2009 Melbourne Red DCT \| Black Interior \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Carbon Fiber Roof \| Cold Weather \| Premium \| Technology \| 19's \| Smartphone Integration \| iPod \|

04-06-2009, 04:11 PM	#9
aus Major General Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 6,221 iTrader: (5)	WHat's the point of bitching to BMW? We already know they're not gong to do anything, so just file a complaint and let the NHTSA do the dirty work. Here's an updated link since the original one seemed to have timed out: https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/#vehicles Just click "Vehicle Complaint" to start the very easy process. You must include your VIN to make the complaint hold any weight. I can't believe there are less than 20 complaints when these threads go on forever wtih people bitching and not doing anything about it. You just have to say you have NO Power when you make a right turn and cars at coming at you. That's a clear safety issue. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires." Last edited by aus; 04-06-2009 at 05:35 PM.

04-13-2009, 11:25 AM	#18
GT3 Tim Moderator Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,883 iTrader: (0)	Complaint submitted. __________________ Tim (apparently likes "3" cars) E90 M3 -- Current ride 2004 GT3 -- Sold 1997 M3/4 -- Sold 1995 M3 -- Sold

04-14-2009, 05:34 PM	#20
fabolous Private First Class Drives: 11 Pan 4s Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington Posts: 115 iTrader: (0)	submitted I submitted for the lag as well as my rear differential grind Lets stick together! __________________ 11 1M /11 Panamera 4s/ 10 S5 cab / 08 Range Rover HSE/10 GTI *sold/08 BMW e93 M3 Melbourne DCTsold* 08 MB S550 Andorite w/AMG *sold* 03 BMW Z4 TitanSilver *sold06 BMW 330 AlpineWhite sold05 Audi A8 SWB sold* 08 RS4 Phantom black w/ exclusivesold

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

04-02-2009, 11:09 AM	#4
Radiation Joe Veni Vidi Vici Drives: '11 JB/BBe-6sp-e90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macungie PA Posts: 2,688 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 RS6 - Sold [0.00] 2011 e90 M3 [4.25] 2009 e90 M3 - Gone [0.00] 2003 M3 SOLD [0.00] old 2002 [5.00]	These postings to the NHTSA must contain the VIN or they are meaningless. I noted several complaints that did not include the VIN.

04-12-2009, 10:23 PM	#15
BMW M3 561 Private Drives: M3 E92 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delray Beach Posts: 77 iTrader: (0)	Link please!

04-12-2009, 11:01 PM	#16
racedoc11 Captain Drives: 2008 335XI CP & 2008 M3 E93 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 911 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 E93 M3 [0.00] 2008 335xi [0.00]	I just filled one, Confirmation number (ODI Number) is: 10265050 here is the link: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

04-14-2009, 01:04 AM	#19
ygtbsm94 Registered Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 4 iTrader: (0)	NHTSA safety complaint submitted 24 Mar. I've heard nothing yet! Cheers Brad

04-14-2009, 09:09 PM	#21
4u3 Private First Class Drives: 09 E92 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Pasadena MD Posts: 105 iTrader: (0)	submitted by complaint to the feds tonight. Facts are better than dreams. Winston Churchill