BMW of North Americal, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 8 Series Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, Alpine B8 xDrive), 2 Series Coupe (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i xDrive, M2), and 2022-2023 Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. When the digital key is removed from the vehicle, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software may still allow the power windows and sunroof to be closed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
My 2023 BMW M2 6-speed manual suffered a catastrophic clutch/transmission/drivetrain failure at approximately 16,000 miles. The vehicle is stock and was still under BMW warranty/CPO coverage. I purchased the vehicle at approximately 6,000 miles and I am the third owner. The incident occurred in [XXX] on [XXX], on the [XXX] side/westbound area. While driving, the clutch/pressure plate assembly failed and caused major damage to the surrounding drivetrain components, including the transmission/bellhousing area, clutch/flywheel components, wiring/starter area, and related hardware. The vehicle became inoperable and could have created a serious safety risk if it happened in traffic or at highway speed. [XXX] BMW inspected the vehicle and confirmed extensive drivetrain damage. BMW/[XXX] BMW denied warranty coverage and blamed driver misuse. However, BMW has not provided the vehicle computer/EDR data, over-rev data, diagnostic data, clutch temperature data, or other technical proof showing misuse, abuse, burnout, over-rev, or abnormal driving. The repair estimate was approximately $19,555.19. BMW also required approximately $1,770.76 before releasing the vehicle. The damaged transmission, clutch, flywheel, and related parts were returned to me and are preserved and available for inspection. This was not a normal worn clutch issue. This was a catastrophic drivetrain failure at very low mileage that destroyed major surrounding components. I am requesting that NHTSA record this as a potential premature clutch/transmission/drivetrain defect on the 2023 BMW M2 manual transmission platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
No injuries · No fire · No crash