MFactory Carbon Driveshaft Issues

[Audi5000s]

Sorry for the long post. I wanted to write about my experience with MFactory/YCW and their carbon driveshaft for my 2010 M3. I ordered the driveshaft back in May 2020 and installed the driveshaft in June 2020. Immediately after installation by my shop, I noticed NVH at highway speeds around 70 mph.

I reached out to MFActory/YCW about this and they said to have several items checked (Guibo, bolts, etc…). I promptly took my vehicle back to my mechanic for further inspection. They checked everything and said it was just typical for a carbon driveshaft.

At low speeds, everything seemed fine and the NVH was only present at highway speeds. I don’t drive on the highway much so decided that this was probably normal and decided to live with it.

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago. I took my vehicle to a different mechanic as I’ve moved in the last year and decided to have my rod bearings done. I picked my car up after having the rod bearings and motor mounts done and drove home noticing an abnormal increased noise from my vehicle.

I took it back to my shop a few days later and they put my car on a lift. While rotating the wheel, the noise would come from the driveshaft region. I took a video and sent it to MFactory/YCW. They said this was not enough to determine if it was the driveshaft.

I took my vehicle back to my shop and on the way to the shop experienced slightly greater NVH. My shop removed the exhaust and heat shielding to completely expose the driveshaft. Again, they rotated the wheel and pinpointed the noise to the driveshaft. I sent the video again to Factory/YCW and they said this was not enough to show it was the driveshaft. My mechanic only works on BMW’s and is pinpointing the cause as the driveshaft.

I have offered to coordinate a call with MFactory/YCW, my mechanic and myself. The response that I got was that the only way this would happen is if we spoke Chinese. The solution they offered up was to ship the driveshaft back to China. The cost varies for shipping the driveshaft, but I can expect it to be several hundred dollars and have been told by MFactory that I will have to cover shipping back if there is no determined issue with the driveshaft.

I decided to replace the carbon driveshaft with a rebuilt OEM driveshaft and that took care of the issue. The car drives great now and I even provided a new video to MFactory showing them that the issue is no longer present. They still say that this does not prove that it’s their driveshaft and they require the carbon driveshaft to be shipped back to them for investigation.

The point of my posting is to warn others to proceed with caution. My situation may be an anomaly but understand that if you do have an issue with their product, you probably won’t have a timely or cost effective solution for getting your car back on the road. I’d rather not post about my situation on a public forum and I’d prefer to work it out with MFactory/YCW privately, but there has not been a reasonable solution from MFactory.

I have had my car back to my shop multiple times to pinpoint the issue. I have offered up phone calls several times and not been taken up on this offer. The communication with MFactory/YCW has been spotty at best and I feel obligated to warn others about my experience.

Caveat Emptor.

UPDATE


Sorry for the silence. I’ve been trying to work out a solution with YCW and have recently got over a bout with COVID. Here is my update.
I took the driveshaft to an independent driveshaft specialist for their opinion in October. I’ll attach the picture of their findings. I asked them if this an improper install or something from the factory. Without a doubt, they said this is a defective driveshaft from the factory and it could not have been caused by improper installation.

YCW agreed to ship the driveshaft to China for their review back in November. I just heard from them that they are considering it an improper install. I had an Indy shop install it.

So, that’s that. Case closed. I lose out on an expensive carbon driveshaft. Just wanted to update the group. Hope it helps someone out there. Don’t make an expensive mistake.

[Exclusivs]

Damn shame. Another bad review from mfactory cf driveshaft…

Thanks for posting. Shame nobody produces a problem free CF ds.

[omgzirra_exe]

sorry that this happened.

my question to you is if all the bolts were replaced when installing the new drive shaft? as all those bolts/nuts have to be replaced as they are one time use. as well a final 90* turn to get a final torque.

[Throatpunch]

This is part of the understanding of using a Chinese brand. I don't know if you just expect them to ship you a new one?
They already have issues supplying new driveshaft to customers so they won't be just shipping driveshafts

[neilum]

Thanks for sharing OP.


And yes I would expect any reputable company to take care of their customers if the issue is proven to be their fault.

Modding always has risks and this is an extreme case but thanks for sharing and sorry, that sounds like a real pain in the a$$...

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by Throatpunch

This is part of the understanding of using a Chinese brand. I don't know if you just expect them to ship you a new one?
They already have issues supplying new driveshaft to customers so they won't be just shipping driveshafts

Not so much that, just helping with diagnosing the issue. They put it all on me and my mechanic. There was no suggestion about bolts, greasing the bearings, replacing the guibo, etc... It was basically to ship the driveshaft back and that was it.

Out of my ignorance, I saw MFactory on this forum as having a San Dimas, CA location. That's completely on me for not researching more.

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

sorry that this happened.

my question to you is if all the bolts were replaced when installing the new drive shaft? as all those bolts/nuts have to be replaced as they are one time use. as well a final 90* turn to get a final torque.

I'm not sure. I wish MFactory would have suggested something like this as I would've tried it before completely replacing the driveshaft.

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by neilum

Thanks for sharing OP.


And yes I would expect any reputable company to take care of their customers if the issue is proven to be their fault.

Modding always has risks and this is an extreme case but thanks for sharing and sorry, that sounds like a real pain in the a$$...

A big expensive pain. I'm just glad to have my car back and in good working order.

[drrust]

I had a similar issue but it would be worst around 75 to 80 mph. I had my old driveshaft remanufactured. Still had the vibration when old shaft was put in. Turns out BMW 'balances' the driveshaft-differential assembly. Some years add special washers, other years use bolts with more threads cut into them.

The differentials that need balancing have markings, but likely the best way to figure it out is to keep track of the bolts that are pulled out and if the have any extra washer or different color/thread cut.

Unfortunately one really can't get a good look at the differential-drive shaft connection with the heat shield in place. Even removing the screws and bolts holding it in doesn't give much room. So if one needs to order special hardware it's hard to tell ahead of time.

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by MFactory

As always, the OP has their side of the story, and we have our side of the story.

However, in the interest of not blowing this up further on a forum, if anyone actually wants our side of the story, you are free to PM me.

If you are not interested in both sides of the story though, then there is nothing that I can do unfortunately. As mentioned, I will not discuss this matter further on an open forum.

If I've misstated something, please correct me. My point to other E9X owners is to purchase after doing your due diligence. You will not have an easy solution if there is an issue with your driveshaft. It's an expensive mistake on my side.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by MFactory

As always, the OP has their side of the story, and we have our side of the story.

However, in the interest of not blowing this up further on a forum, if anyone actually wants our side of the story, you are free to PM me.

If you are not interested in both sides of the story though, then there is nothing that I can do unfortunately. As mentioned, I will not discuss this matter further on an open forum.

Seems like a pretty ignorant answer.

If there is a vibration issue with these driveshafts. Others would like to know how it is handled.

The fact that this is a possibility and you are choosing not to address it publicly won't give future buyers any comfort.

[pbonsalb]

MFactory has no response, which is disappointing. Buyer beware. Looks to me like the OP did everything reasonably possible to inspect and diagnose and MFactory gave him the finger.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by Audi5000s

I'm not sure. I wish MFactory would have suggested something like this as I would've tried it before completely replacing the driveshaft.

to be honest that's not on mfactory, almost every bolt that is under the car is one time use only. so if you did work your self on the car, such as upgraded arms or diff removal, etc etc.. you wouldn't know either unless you had prior knowledge.

althought Mfactory response is kinda sad, i would just let it all out here not have us hunt for it.

[drrust]

Originally Posted by MFactory

As always, the OP has their side of the story, and we have our side of the story.

However, in the interest of not blowing this up further on a forum, if anyone actually wants our side of the story, you are free to PM me.

If you are not interested in both sides of the story though, then there is nothing that I can do unfortunately. As mentioned, I will not discuss this matter further on an open forum.

Unfortunately with the current cost of shipping MFactory has no way for a customer to verify the shaft is within specification. A customer would have to pay a considerable amount just to get it checked. Perhaps they should get a US based shop to verify the performance/balance of their product.

Also the directions need to specify possible issues with the balance of the differential/drive shaft. Many mechanics and DIYers are unaware of the subtleties of the assembly.

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by MFactory

Just to add (for those who may think that we don't look after our customers), we recently had 2 warranty cases which we resolved with a brand new replacement at no cost to the customer

Neither of those costumers had to ship their driveshaft back to us. Why? Because their mechanic was willing to cooperate with what was asked of them to satisfy our engineers request for further details.

things get juicy. at this point just expose what was requested from your end. i mean who cares at this point. you can either save face here or just let people assume otherwise.

[slcook54]

@mfactory

You're being way too vague. I don't know how individually responding to PM's is helpful. This was going to be part of my future build and I'll now be hard pressed to move forward. You garnered interest for your GB via this forum, you should address the issue here so others can discern for themselves.

[Fezza]

Just got mfactory's side of the story via PM and if it's all true and factual then I find their position fair and reasonable. I find Audi's info was missing some detail and a little vague.

The question I had before PMing Mfactory was if someone is buying such an expensive part, what is another couple of hundred to ship it back when it's been checked to be defective by a mechanic and there's a high certainty that there is an issue with it and equal certainty a new one will be shipped back without charge.

[amrazM]

FWIW I have been running an MFactory shaft going on 2+ years now without an issue. Good brand and a great company

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by MFactory

Just to add (for those who may think that we don't look after our customers), we recently had 2 warranty cases which we resolved with a brand new replacement at no cost to the customer

Neither of those costumers had to ship their driveshaft back to us. Why? Because their mechanic was willing to cooperate with what was asked of them to satisfy our engineers request for further details.

I offered to have a phone call with you, myself, and my mechanic to explain the situation multiple times and this was never accepted. You told me I need to speak Chinese to have a phone call. What more were you looking for? I made three additional trips to my mechanic to diagnose the issue and I even provided multiple videos to you. The only part replaced was the driveshaft and that fixed the NVH and the noise. What else could it be?

I'm happy to hear you have treated other customers well, but I don't think I've been given the same treatment.

[Audi5000s]

Originally Posted by Fezza

Just got mfactory's side of the story via PM and if it's all true and factual then I find their position fair and reasonable. I find Audi's info was missing some detail and a little vague.

The question I had before PMing Mfactory was if someone is buying such an expensive part, what is another couple of hundred to ship it back when it's been checked to be defective by a mechanic and there's a high certainty that there is an issue with it and equal certainty a new one will be shipped back without charge.

Not sure how I'm being vague. The problem with this is the additional downtime with my car when I could replace with an OEM driveshaft and not deal with issues any further, which I did and everything is fine now. Also, the cost involved for shipping one way comes pretty close to the cost of a rebuilt OEM driveshaft. I made several trips to my mechanic for them to determine that it's a driveshaft issue. I tried to coordinate a call with MFactory and my mechanic so my mechanic could give a better explanation, that was not accepted.

Also, finding out their side of the story via PM doesn't seem very fair to the situation. How do I know what they're saying is factual. Two sides to every story. You've heard mine...

[tdott]

Originally Posted by Audi5000s

Also, finding out their side of the story via PM doesn't seem very fair to the situation. How do I know what they're saying is factual. Two sides to every story. You've heard mine...

Agreed, it looks like they are saying you didn't provide information they were asking for?

At the same time they aren't saying what information they are asking for. It could be unreasonable or it could be reasonable. But they are choosing to dance around the topic and not address it.

For example what if they wanted you to prove it is out of balance? Even a shop will not have tools to check this. It's a DS.... aside from using the wrong bolts or bad hardware how can it be installed wrong? Changes are it could have been fine when it left the factory, but something happened during shipping. So you provide pictures of it installed and the condition it is in, it would be pretty clear if they installed the flexdisc in the wrong place or something?

Instead it sounds like they are choosing not to stand behind their product and put the burden on the customer to prove something unreasonable.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by MFactory

Again, in the interest of not wanting to blow this thread up (which only serves to confuse potential customers further), if you have questions or concerns, please PM me. This is not ingnorance

In terms of public relations, it's a pretty ignorant move.

It won't "blow up" the thread up if you provided a reasonable side to the story. It will probably be blown up and can have negative consequences on the product/business if you choose not to and can be viewed as a company that doesn't stand behind it's products.