BIG smoke

I know we are all crazy passionate car people. So here goes my Big Smoke public service announcement. If you have 2011-2014 x5 x6, get it in to BMW and get the driveshaft replaced. Mine let go Monday. Mrs Smoke almost crashed the car after dropping off the kids. It was low speed, maybe 4okph, and it was all she could do to pull over safely. She is still teary. I believe, it's mostly that all 4SMokes were just on the 4oo the night before doing 100+kph. Well maybe not me too, but I'm hopeful.
There is now a recall #268117rc from a previous SI B26 01 14 (service inspection).
My imminent fear of death aside. BMW Canada shows march 23rd in their system as their recall date. They would not, or could not tell me if a letter of notification had been sent out to me.
I can confirm that I have not been notified by mail, email or phone call. My notification came from @36" and 10 lbs of rotating steel gently knocking from the transmission tunnel, at 10,000 rpm in an uncontrollable manner. It will be getting messy and I'm not handling it well.
Dealership has just confirmed broken front driveshaft and cracked transmission pan. I'm not trying to be chicken little, but I personally feel this is dangerous situation, and I don't want to in a future position of, "I should have said something..."

- Recall means, BMW is responsible for the repair and any collateral damage.

- Service inspection - means, they look at it, deem it ok, and owner is later responsible for broken drive shaft and any damage outside of warranty time or millage.
... " from what I was told from the questions that I asked".

Now that it is a recall, and if you had spent your money on a repair. You may be able to claim it back.

http://www.autoblog.com/buy/2011-BMW-X5/recalls/

Turbodan

glad your family is safe.
Unfortunately BMW is having lots of problems with their products. Its too bad as they have nice vehicles.

StanThePorscheFan

Thanks for the heads up. I will forward it to a few friends.

Look, I get your frastration, but what matters is that everyone is ok. So save your nervous system, you'll need it as the kids grow up.

Good luck.

Dan, is it really that bad? I have had a few BMW's in 99 and 05. Loved them. No issues at all back then.

Jamie140

When there's more than two of us, we take the X5M. It just got back from two days in the shop doing recalls (not sure what) and they're still awaiting parts to do further recalls.

BIG smoke

I agree this is all stuff, and everyone is ok.
What is unconscionable is BMW USA/Canada lack of communication. Sure it happened to me, and I guess that gets me out of my seat and onto my soap box. As my car was off the road and in the shop for over 103 day last year (2016), these last four days has stirred my inner bear.
Hey - I can be fun. I sent my car balloons last year for it's 99 day anniversary in the shop. Oddly the German's did not get my point.

Premium Car, Premium Expectations.
My best car? 2001 ford explorer. Bought it for $2oo with 29o,ooo kms.
Gave it to a friend up north. She rolled another 1ook on it, with wear items, tires / brakes, and a used muffler for 2o bucks. No expectations, over delivery.

Tim_Perley

Parts are back ordered until at least July. I've been on a waiting list for weeks. Don't even get me started on the airbag recall from over 2 years ago....

StanThePorscheFan

Lol @balloons. Nor surprized they did not find it funny.

BIG smoke

I knew nothing of this recall until Monday's failure. Here are my pictures of the damage and carnage. This was 40 kph, between two spot signs. Imagine what it would have done at 100+kph? Back ordered until july? That is unacceptable in my broken driveshaft victim's opinion. Have you asked the dealer to inspect you drive shaft right now? I guess july is only 2 weeks away. Perhaps you should ask for a loaner until the part arrives? Big Smoke the safety bear.
To others - don't follow a 2011-14 x5/x6 for a while. Only 122,000-134,000 vehicles effected, 12,072 here in Canada. But that number seems to vary between google searches.
#BreakMyWindshield

red996

It's still on warranty? If it is i would dump it when it's done. Might only get worst. Sorry for your issues.

BIG smoke

300 eyes on my post. My job is done. I hope I have informed and educated, perhaps those that were not aware. Even one person is worth it. Knocked on my neighbors door last night. She had no idea.
My car is fixed. I will attempt to sheepishly sneak it home and try and convince Mrs Smoke that she should trust this car for her cargo. I will stop at the beer store on the way home. That will help.

Gregster

You are lucky it wasn't at highspeed , it would have taken out the trans. The part is pricey at BMW, I've had a few rebuilt. There was a time when BMW built quality cars... however now they focus on inventing market segments to sell more units.

Designed in Germany, Manufactured in China and assembled in USA

boman993

Thanks for the heads up! We have a '13 diesel. Will give them a call tomorrow to see if my car is affected. I think there is also an open campaign for some airbag recall on most BMW models... oh joy....

Nala

I got this error after the recall for my 2011 BMW X5M. And the service person told me it's my fault for pressing the DSC off button . I'm SOOO done with BMW , especially town and country BMW, worst dealer ever.

any suggestions for a SUV? I don't think I want another Porsche ( enough of them at home) . Is G wagon any good ?

Imo000

I'm sure it made one heck of a racket but why did she almost crash the car? The shaft was bouncing around but how did that effect the steering or brakes?

BIG smoke

Mrs Smoke was driving. It was very difficult to get a full understanding through the hysterical crying.
The universal came completely apart from the driveshaft. I would suspect it did not effect steering or brakes. I never suggested there were steering or brake issues. Scaring the crap out of somebody can distract a driver enough to cause an incident. Every had two screaming kids in the back seat?
This is simply a public service announcement.
Do note - there is a missing sharp 2 inch "C" piece of universal ready to attack your $5oo tires somewhere around yonge york mills. I looked for it, can't find it.