"Head's Up" for owners of MY 2012-2014 C650GT and C600 Sport Owners

[JaimeC]

On May 16, 2014 these vehicles were subject to an official recall by the NHTSA, Campaign #14V264000. The recall notes:

Defect Summary:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 C 600 Sport Maxi-Scooter, and C 650 GT Maxi-Scooter motorcycles manufactured August 2, 2012, through February 18, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft chain tensioner may not function properly, resulting in an engine stall.

Consequence Summary:

An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Summary:

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417.

I just wanted to alert everyone here that I HAD this service performed in July of 2014 as soon as I received the notification in the mail. As those of you who saw my "Dead Again" thread in this forum, having this service done didn't do ANYTHING for me. This past Memorial Day, my scooter crapped out about 120 miles from home. Max BMW in Brookfield, CT determined that the timing chain had slipped, the valves contacted the pistons and essentially my engine was "destroyed."

The bike is two years out of warranty and although BMW NA offered to look into the matter, they concluded they aren't going to do anything for me because of the age of the vehicle (Essentially: "Go f*** yourself, Bud. Should've traded in for a newer one"). I was told the repair costs will be around $4,000.00 which is more than the trade-in value of the vehicle.

If you do your own service, pay PARTICULAR attention to your timing chain and tensioner so you don't end up like I did. I'm going to solve my issue by NEVER BUYING ANOTHER GODDAMNED BMW VEHICLE AS LONG AS I LIVE.

 

[TwoPort]

Maybe its a sign of the times. But there are too many things that fail that are expensive and seem to relate to build quality. At the same time extended warranties are becoming a normalized part of the purchase price because I see them popping up everywhere. Manufactures are given a pass too easily.

Its OT (sorry but this issue with Jamie has me thinking too hard) but my $350 Bose QC 35's are 18 months old - 6 months out of warranty and it now has electronic issues where it won't shut off or spontaneously turns on when the switch is on the off position so the battery drains and it is useless. Bose was nice enough to "allow" me to buy a replacement for $250.00. Looking at Amazon I could have gotten a 4-year replacement warranty for $20.92. (but I didn't so I'm screwed)

I just got a GoPro and the $4/month replacement warranty ... because the thing cost $400 and its tiny and might break. I also now consider closely what kinds of things I should buy an extended warranty on. I just got a couple of small air conditioners and paid the Amazon Squaretrade warranty of $6.17 for 3-year replacement coverage. It seemed like a no-brainer mostly because I am leery about things failing that I have to buy again too soon. Sure enough, one of the units had a badly out of balance fan that vibrated. They sent a new one out immediately at no charge and I've got 30-days to return the defective one. And this will last another 3 years.

I'm starting to feel like extended warranties are creeping in as part of the purchase price consideration if you don't want to play the fool on after warranty failures where you're really SOL.

 

[Thom Davis]

There have been other recalls for these scooters. The kickstand switch, for example, could (and did for some unfortunate riders) cut the engine off while riding. The switch for the heaters was also recalled...dunno what that recall was about--but they still have it backwards (heater for grips is above heater for seat; but on the dash display it is vice versa).

 

[BMWBUD]

I understand completely. It is so frustrating to see companies not step up. I know, I know, that legally there is no obligation on BMW's part, but good customer service is rewarded and bad PR in cases like this can have negative results when buyers are considering what to buy. Premium product at a premium price should result in premium customer service.

BMW hates to issue a recall. Their history over failed final drives is a prime example.

Shame on them.

 

[JaimeC]

I am on my third Subaru automobile. I had my first one for thirteen years, and the second one for seventeen years. Never considered an extended warranty and never needed it. Other than the exhaust systems, I never had any issues with either car (rusted exhaust pipe, a problem where you live in high humidity and the cars don't get driven much). When I bought this new one, I definitely sprung for the extended warranty. There's SO damned much technology in modern cars; if this thing ever breaks down on the road there's no way "Goober's Garage" can get it back up and running again!

For two-wheel travel I have to say: Royal Enfield and Ural are looking more and more attractive every day.

 

[JaimeC]

When the oilhead boxers came out, the support forums and letter pages of the enthusiast magazines were awash with people complaining about "surging" issues. BMW denied there was a problem, but it seemed just about EVERYONE with a new oilhead was complaining. One company came out with an electronic module that cured the issue. I remember talking to a rep at a trade show. With a twinkle in his eye, he explained "BMW R bikes DON'T have a surging issue but IF they did, this would be the device you'd want to install."

Years later BMW introduced a twin-plug head to the "R" model bikes. That seemed to resolve the surging issue, but they still stubbornly stuck to their guns that the bikes did NOT have a surging issue, and that the second plug was added for emissions concerns. THAT'S the mentality you have to deal with when dealing with those assholes.

 

[Thom Davis]

Seriously, are you paranoid on all things, or just this one? I had a Subaru (early model years in the US). Head warped and couldn't be milled in this country (aluminum block with opposing cylinders...nobody could figure it out). I also had an early model Toyota when they first arrived on our shores. Main bearing shot. I can't help with your paranoia, but you have to figure that manufacturers (especially those who want a good reputation) will do the best they know how (provided they make a profit). That means that more often than not they will stand behind their product and will design it to perform to spec. Harleys leak oil...in fact, harleys that didn't leak were considered defective. I don't have anything bad to say about the Honda's I've owned/ridden. Bridgestone was a nightmare but BOY, was it fast. Point is, these are NOT cars, they are Recreation Vehicles...if you expect the reliability of a honda, you shouldn't own anything except a honda.

 

[BMWBUD]

Not paranoid. I've owned Beemers since 05. All of the above problems are well documented. I currently have 3 Beemers in the garage.

I wrench my own iron so I don't have to worry about that cost.

I like them, but I'm also a realist. At one time they may have been high quality. They are still priced new as though they are.

The good news is that their resale value drops off after a few years and you can get low mileage examples at a fraction of the new price.

Interesting that Honda can make a reliable motorcycle and other mfgs can not.

 

[Thom Davis]

Interesting that Honda can make a reliable motorcycle and other mfgs can not.

Honda spends a lot of money, time and effort on QA/QC. They were among the first to foster Deming's methods in Japan. It became part of their culture. Remember the 1960's Honda powersports advertisement, "You meet the nicest people on a honda."

 

[JaimeC]

I would point out that I've owned three Buell motorcycles, a brand NOT well known for their reliability. All three had more miles on their odometers than the C650GT. NONE of them EVER left me stranded on the road. They had issues, yes... but NOTHING that made them completely unridable and requiring a tow.

 

[TwoPort]

Seriously, are you paranoid on all things, or just this one?

The list is growing! Remember: [FONT=DDG_ProximaNova]'Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.'[/FONT]