[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by logicators

Just received this:

“Thanks for contacting BMW.

As a follow-up to your conversation with BMW of North America, LLC, this email is to notify you that your case has been forwarded to our case management team. You can expect a call from a Case Management Specialist in approximately one to five business days.

We truly appreciate the time you took to reach out to us and look forward to the opportunity to try and further assist you.


All the best,
BMW of North America“

I did not provide a phone number in my original email so not sure where will they call, but at-least there seems to be a case created. Let’s see where it goes

Still canned, but at least perhaps the beginning of being marginally helpful!

[justanotheruser]

Originally Posted by logicators

I have seen no consistent pattern. Some last 50K miles whereas others fail in a few thousand.

Not great to hear.. But thank you for letting me know!

I'm looking into getting non oem expansion tanks since I just had to replace my sparks.. don't want to do them again lol, any suggestions?

[pbonsalb]

There are only 2 options at present, a billet tank for $750-1000 and a relocated tank kit using a tank from a different BMW for $700.

There is also an encapsulator kit for your stock tank. I think it is $600.

[pmsteinm]

I assume the relocated tank is still placed at the same height so the air will bleed out? It looks like it would actually be a bit lower. And the one pic showed the strut braces removed. The service manual says the car must not be driven without those struts. I assume that is a crash safety statement but it also is possible the body will flex since the shock tower mount has nothing to brace against forward. They wouldn't have made the overly complex intake through the brace if it wasn't necessary.

The Al tank looks interesting as long as the different expansion properties don't cause leaks around fittings, sensors, and the cap.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by logicators

I have seen no consistent pattern. Some last 50K miles whereas others fail in a few thousand.

made on Friday during Oktoberfest in Germany

[logicators]

A lady from BMW NA Customer Service called yesterday. Essentially, no new information (i.e., "unless there is an actual problem with your own car we can't do anything"). I told her that it is not a reasonable answer in this situation, and asked her to escalate on my behalf and get me someone that is actually interested in learning from customers and addressing a critical issue faced by all F90 owners. She claimed that she doesn't have any way to escalate or to involve anyone else "but this conversation and the record will go up and may result in some action".

When I pushed further, she suggested creating a case with NHTSA as that will likely result in some action from BMW.

I would recommend everyone to send an email to the email address I posted before. High frequency may result in getting some attention.

As a next step, I will create a case at https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index

Will share my findings. You all may need to create a case too.

[Steve-Oh]

Originally Posted by logicators

A lady from BMW NA Customer Service called yesterday. Essentially, no new information (i.e., "unless there is an actual problem with your own car we can't do anything"). I told her that it is not a reasonable answer in this situation, and asked her to escalate on my behalf and get me someone that is actually interested in learning from customers and addressing a critical issue faced by all F90 owners. She claimed that she doesn't have any way to escalate or to involve anyone else "but this conversation and the record will go up and may result in some action".

When I pushed further, she suggested creating a case with NHTSA as that will likely result in some action from BMW.

I would recommend everyone to send an email to the email address I posted before. High frequency may result in getting some attention.

As a next step, I will create a case at https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index

Will share my findings. You all may need to create a case too.

My M5 is no longer under warranty and I don't want to worry about this issue and its related problems. I definitely don't want to have to pay $50,000 to replace the engine myself. So, I'm going to escalate this matter.

I'm emailing the following to C-level people at the company, let's see what happens:

Dear BMW Team,

I am writing as a concerned owner of a BMW F90 M5. Many owners, including myself, are facing a recurrent coolant expansion tank leak issue, requiring multiple replacements despite the part revision by BMW.

This issue is more than just a financial burden; the leakage can cause significant damage to essential engine components. Over time, this can lead to severe problems such as engine misfiring, which is both a safety risk and a detriment to the vehicle's performance and longevity.

Despite BMW's efforts to revise the part, the problem persists. Clear communication on how BMW plans to permanently rectify this issue is crucial for restoring our confidence in the brand.

I must stress that without satisfactory action from BMW, the next step will be to report this matter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alongside other affected BMW owners.

Your prompt attention to this grave matter is highly anticipated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Concerned Customer

[imperfectluck]

Sigh, I've been following these threads for a while as I've been looking into picking up an F90 before the hybrid G90 but this really deters me seeing how a revised part didn't fix the problem still.

[pbonsalb]

If you want to be deterred from something, it is not hard to find a reason.

[logicators]

Steve-Oh Please share the email addresses of C-Level execs. I can send them a note as well.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by imperfectluck

Sigh, I've been following these threads for a while as I've been looking into picking up an F90 before the hybrid G90 but this really deters me seeing how a revised part didn't fix the problem still.

That’s a fair point, but since this issue is pretty well known at this point, if you keep an eye on it, you likely won’t have the scenario where it gets to really affecting the car.

I’ve now had two F90s for combined service of nearly 45K miles, and this has never been a problem. I keep a vigilant eye on it because of this forum, and I’m relatively confident that I would see the warnings signs before it gets to the point of affecting injectors and the like.

Don’t lets this one weak spot prevent you from getting a car you otherwise love.

I have yet to see any real data on hookson’s coolant catch pan and if it works, but that’s something you could consider as well as a preventative measure.

Just my (unsolicited) $0.02.

[Steve-Oh]

Originally Posted by logicators

Steve-Oh Please share the email addresses of C-Level execs. I can send them a note as well.

I'm pretty sure this isn't exactly public information, so I'll send you a DM with contacts once I'm able to in 6 days (I have a new account). Though I'm pretty sure the email will get caught in BMWs' spam filters, don't let it deter you from sending a scathing email.

Another effective way at getting the message out would be to have a social media influencer rant about how bad BMW is screwing up on this. We'll instantly get eyes on it from decision makers who will have to do something about it.

Anyone here have a large following on Twitter or YouTube?

[Steve-Oh]

Well, I got a response back on my email to the board members (I will post it below). It's in a different tier of customer support, not sure what board customer care is but it's certainly not the typical channel which also means that the executives got my message. I'll keep you guys posted:

Dear Steve,

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us.

In order for us to accurately allocate and process your request, please provide us with your full name, postal address (country of residence) and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN, also known as chassis number). You can find your VIN in the registration papers.

Usually it looks similar to the following example (17 digits):
WBA1234567JK12345

We kindly thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Kai Rothner
Board Customer Care
BMW Group Customer Service

[pbonsalb]

I’d like to say you are making progress but that would not be honest. If your VIN pulls up an expansion tank replacement under warranty, they will tell you they fixed it. If it does not, they will tell you that you do not have a problem.

[Steve-Oh]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I’d like to say you are making progress but that would not be honest. If your VIN pulls up an expansion tank replacement under warranty, they will tell you they fixed it. If it does not, they will tell you that you do not have a problem.

We'll see, if they try to pull a fast one on me I have no issues continuing to badger the board and c-level execs and escalating to NHTSA and reaching out to content creators to post on their socials and going as far as to start a class action.

We are consumers of relatively expensive vehicles which means diligent consumers for the most part so I hope others will join and support the effort.

[pbonsalb]

NHSTA is your best bet. At BMW, maybe the BOD will push the issue to operations, but the lawyers and accountants will determine that replacing tanks in 50,000 cars costs more than paying for 50 sets of injectors and coils and 5 engines under warranty.

[Namelss]

My car has been at the dealer for the past 4 days getting the tank replaced. 2022 w/ 7,775 mi. It's delayed because they're waiting for the bolts for the tank.

My question is, what drivability issues would I experience if coolant was leaking onto the coils? I only ask because my car seems to hesitate when it's in the "lowest" settings just before it downshifts to a lower gear. It kinda feels like a misfire. I've asked 2 different advisors about this and got 2 different answers saying it's normal in that drive mode. Is it?

[hookson]

Originally Posted by Namelss

My car has been at the dealer for the past 4 days getting the tank replaced. 2022 w/ 7,775 mi. It's delayed because they're waiting for the bolts for the tank.

My question is, what drivability issues would I experience if coolant was leaking onto the coils? I only ask because my car seems to hesitate when it's in the "lowest" settings just before it downshifts to a lower gear. It kinda feels like a misfire. I've asked 2 different advisors about this and got 2 different answers saying it's normal in that drive mode. Is it?

https://1evel.us/blogs/news/bmw-m5-a...p-installation
This article might help with your question

[Jambo1]

Right at about 20K miles, I had my tank replaced for the first time today.

I get the car back m, and after a 40 mile drive or so, the new tank is leaking. It’s not residual from the install, as I cleaned and wiped it all off. After another short drive and waiting an hour or so after, the crusty stuff has reappeared, with coolant getting on my finger at the seam of the tank.

Ridiculous.

[pbonsalb]

Is the tank leaking or did the shop put the old cap on and it is what leaks under pressure?

[Jambo1]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Is the tank leaking or did the shop put the old cap on and it is what leaks under pressure?

It’s the tank that is leaking, and right at the seam on the bottle. They had replaced the cap too yesterday. There was no wetness whatsoever on the surface around the cap.

[AHall]

Originally Posted by Jambo1

It’s the tank that is leaking, and right at the seam on the bottle. They had replaced the cap too yesterday. There was no wetness whatsoever on the surface around the cap.

There is someone modifying their M8 for 1000 hp or something crazy like that. I bring this up because they indicated they are replacing the coolant expansion tank with a custom aluminum tank with a fitting with threads for a level sensor. If they can do this for the M8 it could be the answer to our prayers.