M3 Warranty Concerns

[M3neubie]

I just received notification last week that BMW would not warranty my 2009 M3’s warped front brake rotors claiming that the wheel studs I had installed caused the warping. The studs were installed long before I had experienced any problems with steering wheel shake during moderate braking. The shake didn't start until after I had attended a BMWCCA driving school last month. I've contacted the dealer's service manager and BMW customer service but they claim they have no authority to overturn the regional field engineer's decision. Since it’s obvious that the studs didn’t cause the warping, it’s my opinion that BMW does not stand behind their equipment if you try and use it as aggressively as it's been advertized. I have spoken to several other BMW owners who have experienced similar issues with their warranty coverage.

Beware BMWCCA members. If you attend a sanctioned performance driving school, autocross or similar event, BMW may choose not honor their warranty – or they might find some lame excuse not to as in my case.

[redline9001]

it is unlikely that any car company would warranty rotors, and beside that you wrecked them on the track....

[crabman]

You sure you just don't have deposits from the track? It happpens. Would go away after a few weeks in my vette.

[CanAutM3]

I'm with crabman. Most likely your rotors are not warped. The rotors on the M3 are pretty robust and need a hell of an abuse to warp.

With most street pads, you will end-up with pad deposits on the discs after a track day. These deposits will cause the same vibration feeling as warped rotors.

I get that brake shudder after every track event and it does go away after a few weeks. You can accelerate the disc clean-up by installing a very aggressive track pad (read very abrasive) on the street for a few days (Don't leave them too long, or you'll machine your discs away ).

You can also minimize the impact by using precautionary measures while at the track. Like ensuring your pads have been properly bedded and ensuring that you properly cool down your brakes before applying them when the car is stopped.

[DBH]

I'm surprised they denied warranty coverage due to wheel studs. To my knowledge, the only way the bolts can warp a rotor is if they are improperly torqued and this can even happen during BMW service. There must be something else involved here. I'd ask for a more detailed explanation. BMW will sometimes deny coverage if it is OBVIOUS that there has been excessive wear and tear due to hard track use. Cars are NOT warrantied for track use.

[auggiem3]

Wait - doesn't hpds, even with bmwcca, void the warranty? I always just assumed any track day crushed the deal....if not, just another benefit of BMW backing the brand.

[Justin(OKC)]

I think this would totally depend on the dealership you happen to take the car to. Some would cover it, some would not. That being said, I had the same issue after the DE I did and it went away after a few weeks. The car would shudder so bad you would think the front end of the car was going to come apart. Just as I was about to take it in, it got better and not long after was completely gone.

[jimboair]

Several years ago I had a x5 and the rotors became warped on 3 occasions. They asked me if I stepped on the brakes while going through a puddle??? After some arguing the rotors were replaced. Maybe just an x5 problem but it was chronic. As far as tracking goes???

[immiketoo]

I had the same issue after a track day. Give it a few weeks and see if it dissipates.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by auggiem3

Wait - doesn't hpds, even with bmwcca, void the warranty? I always just assumed any track day crushed the deal....if not, just another benefit of BMW backing the brand.

According to the warranty manual:

This warranty shall be null and void if... ...the vehicle has been used for racing, timed or lapped, or used in any competitive event.

HPDE are driving schools, not a race or a competitive event. Therefore, by principle, warranty is still valid. However, to avoid arguments with the dealer, I don't advertise my time spent on the track .

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by crabman

You sure you just don't have deposits from the track? It happpens. Would go away after a few weeks in my vette.

+1