Quote:
Originally Posted by bond_007
I just got off the phone with Standard Motor Parts tech support.
They claim they get the UF-597 from BMW.
Uhh. That bodes rather poorly if that information is correct.
Made that guy aware that I've now tried two UF-597 and they both have the same problem. Hopefully someone passes the message up the chain and they actually do something about this instead of assuming they are stocking/shipping a working SKU.
I guess I will be ordering an OEM BMW coil from Amazon to try.
I also called NGK corporate tech support (not to be confused with NGK.com, which they acknowledge sells authentic NGK product).
NGK seems to be aware of the issue. I was transferred to "WVE" (the division they acquired that makes them - I believe that this is Wells Vehicle Electronics - https://wellsve.com/) and that support staff gave the most complete answer as of yet which aligns with my research:
These coils are "complicated" and have the ion sensing system and send data back to the ECU after firing. The ECU doesn't see the data and in its absence, shuts down the cylinder. They believe that the microchip in the coil is not right/in spec or otherwise not providing this data back to the ECU which is why they immediately fail.
That would also mean that Wells 5C1699 and anyone who rebrands that part are also affected.
My overall stance was if they know about it, why have they not:
1) Recalled all of them (they don't want to until they determine if it's just one batch or all of them)
2) Put a stop sale on them until further notice so that mechanics are not having to eat billable time themselves or charge it to customers dealing with a known defective product (close to my chest having owned and run an automotive service business)
3) Do #1 or #2 ASAP to save the brand reputation. I have been almost exclusively selecting NGK plugs/O2 sensors/etc. for 25+ years and was shocked to know they have a bad product out and they haven't done the "right thing" |
I have 4 coil packs I ordered from NGK.com back in May. Haven't installed as their part of my track spares kit but sounds like I should just send them back.
Regarding selling with known issues, AIM is also doing this. They're knowingly selling their data loggers and dash systems without the various accelerometer chips that provide the acceleration data (long, Lat, vertical G's). I can appreciate that their supply chain is distrusted, but nothing has changed in their marketing to reflect the absence. They're selling these at full price and make no mention until you reach out o inquire about the missing channels in your data set. I told their support guys it amounts to fraud, but their president and sales VP don't seem concerned. They'll eventually have a solution to have impacted folks send their units for upgrade at some unknown point on the future. Argh…