EPA recall of 1997 318ti catalytic converters

[Tyler]

Last i knew it was just 98's with the recall.

[L84THSKY]

After all the hype about this recall, I called a year ago and asked. This recall does NOT apply to all 98 models, so he says. He wanted to know my VIN to determine if my car qualifies. My car did not qualify, maybe I should get a second opinion.

Originally Posted by Tyler

Last i knew it was just 98's with the recall.

[bullmand]

I think it only affected a portion of the production run in 1997. My car is a very early '98 and I had mine replaced under the warranty. BMW sent out letters to the owners of affected cars, but that would only apply if you are the original owner.

[Tyler]

My ti was made in 1/98, guess thats why i probally qualified.

[atlanta318ti]

Rather than calling the dealership, I think I'll call BMW directly if possible to find out the specifics. I've got a rattly 97 oem cat that needs replacing and would love to have it done by BMW. The recall says 1997 model year rather than production year and 97 models began production I think around Sept to Oct 1996. So it would be nice to know what logic BMW is using in determining which units are included in the recall.

[Philly]

hmmm... mines an 11/97, i wonder if mine would qaulify...

guess ill be makin a phone call this week to see.

[Synapse]

Originally Posted by roadrash

I called my local dealership. They asked for the last 7 letters/numbers of the VIN and replied "according to our system, your vehicle shows no recalls." It didn't matter that I had the BMW and EPA recall numbers that were on the report.

Oh well.

The reason they show no outstanding recalls is because BMW USA purged the data base back in 2001. Sneaky way of getting out of doing your recall.

[roadrash]

That would seem to be more than just "sneaky"... it sounds more like "illegal" to me. So, inquiries about this issue should be directed to BMW rather than BMW USA?

[Synapse]

From http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cacherhB6VMLVEAJ:www.cleanairforce.info/us/recalls/2001/bmw.htm+recall+01e-a01&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=us
2001 Annual Summary of Emission Related Recalls performed on Light-Duty vehicles and Light-Duty Trucks
BMW
Manufacturer BMW
Manufacturer Recall Number 01E-A01
EPA # Case/ Defect 1572
Record Type V
Date of Owner Notification 3/16/2001
Model Year 1997
Vehicle or Engine Class Z3,318i,318is,318ti,318i Convertible
Engine Families VBM1.9VJGKFK
Number of Vehicles Recalled by engine family 11,015
Emission Problem Due to erosion of the expansion mat (packaging mat) in the 3-way catalytic converter a monolith may become loose, causing an irritating rattling noise. Depending on the degree of deterioration, the Check Engine Light will come on.

Remedy: BMW will replace the catalytic converter with a new, improved version.

Total number of vehicles recalled 11,015
Sales Area 50S

Im going by the dealership tommorow or Thursday and test them. I will let you know what happens.

[Synapse]

No luck, they cant bill BMW for what it doesnt show a active recall. My prior owner gutted the cat anyways I found out today on the lift.

[bigdrews318]

So i called everyone BMW customer care the dealer where my car was first purchased everyone is saying there is not a recall... I know someone who has ahd it fixed when i tried his they still told em no recall but they could see his was fixed free of charge... Anyone who had it fixed if you wouldnt mind could you post or PM me the last 7 of your VIN i have a friend who works for BMW in germany and he is going to look into it for me... He also told me that there records for recalls go back to 1980 when you cal BMWNA so i dont know whats up ill keep you posted on my progress

[bigdrews318]

Ok so my friend needs 2 things if any of you can help me out when i get the paer work from BMW i will pass it along... Anyone who had it fixed AT A BMW DEALER BECAUSE OF THE RECALL...I need to know where and when so he can speak with them... Also he will need the last seven of the VIn he said its 2 letters and 5 numbers... He told me its really wierd i gave him the last seven of a car that had it done and it still showed no open campaign

[hitchhike79]

Well hmmm my cat just failed and i have no time to wait for parts because i have to leave in a day or two so i can report to my next station.
So i am wondering if anyone found anything out about the cat's and the recall? My build was 11/97 and should be covered i hope.

[Synapse]

I got mad and I got a resonator put on at a local muffler shop where the cat was. Its been on there for about 2months and hasnt thrown any codes. Works perfect. Muffler shops stock the part, labor and part was $60 all together.

[Kompact]

Mr. Johnson,
After reviewing the provided information with my managers it appears that your vehicle never had a recall on it. What you mentioned was known as a service bulletin which is different then an actual recall. A
service bulletin will tell us that if the customer complains of a certain
issue then we know what the repair will be. A recall is a BMW recall
that tells us to get the cars in for service and repair the problem on
the vehicle. I am sorry to inform you of this information. If you
have any further questions please feel free to contact me via. e-mail or
at (949) 645-5900. Thank you.
Bryce