A fix is offered by BMW

[Michael]

Details at Mac's site

[Wldeyefoto]

The following statement from BMW was sent to the BMW Z8 Club in Germany on March 10, 2006.

"Based on the request of Z8 Club members and customers BMW will be offering a performance package for the Z8.

It increases the stiffness in the front end of the vehicle and counteracts body deformation effects caused by ambitious sporty driving on bad road surfaces.

The package does not enhance vehicle performance during normal driving use.

It will consist of a strut tower brace and reinforcement parts for the suspension strut mounts. The performance package will be priced at appr. $4900 (inclusively of installation) and will be available to customers in summer 2006."

Best Regards, Michael Blabst

BMW Group
Head of Technology Communication

phone: +49-89-382-24697
Fax: +49-89-382-23927
mailto: Michael.Blabst@bmw.deGrease Monkey

[Z8Bob]

BMW NA letter RE Z8 Performance Package

I am sure many will be upset by the price tag of the package. There may well be ways to reduce or eliminate the costs. That is between each Z8 owner and their dealer/BMW.

I do think that failure to have the "upgrade" installed and then subsequently suffering damage, may serve to limit BMW's liability, since the owner failed to mitigate his/her damages. I've already directed my dealer to install the package as soon as its available.

JMHO

Bob

[Z8Bob]

[johnsonr]

Pull the engine? $4900? Maybe the cure is worse than the disease! Since I already have the Dinan castor plates, which may provide some of the shock tower reinforcement that the bmw fix does, perhaps just adding a good Dinan (or other) designed strut brace is a viable alternative? Since there is no warranty with the bmw fix, should we start looking for alternatives? Rjay

[Wldeyefoto]

Grease Monkey

[Z8Bob]

[Z8Eldred a.k.a. The Mudman]

see. The automobile has a tendency?? to deform the shock towers if you strike a pothole at speed (supposedly).

BMW has not confirmed or eliminated the existence of the deficiency, but has stated that based on requests by some owners a performance package upgrade is available?

What gives?? Is there a problem with the car or not? If so, why should the owners pay for rectifying a defect?

I don't get it, maybe I am too right brained :))).

[Michael]

Does anyone know if the "fix" goes under the engine? Will I have a problem clearing my Dinan headers?

[Wldeyefoto]

I think we need to wait for more details to be released. In the mean time, I'm curious as to why you think the engine needs to be pulled to install the upgrade kit? Did BMW provide this information? Grease Monkey

[Wldeyefoto]

Grease Monkey

[rjay]

others have speculated about the need to pull the engine based on 35 hours of labor quoted in germany to do the fix. Don't know if that is the case or not. That's why the question mark. I agree we need to know alot more before deciding on possible courses of action.

[GregJ]

Bob,

I have the same problem and need another source for the letter.

Thanks,
Greg
GregJ

[Z8Bob]

to your MSN.com account

[C. V. Stancampiano 72 tii touring, 91 M5]

and, NO, I don't want a Passport account.

[metzger]

For what it's worth, I checked with the sales rep at my dealer (Dreyer & Reinbold in Indy), a guy I tend to trust. He talked to their service manager, who said he'd heard nothing about this, so called someone at BMW NA (presumably in service) who also claimed to have hear nothing.

[Z8Bob]

the loop yet. Until the "upgrade" is available, most dealers will not be informed about it. Remember that BMW AG/NA is taking the position that this is an upgrade not a recall. Actions inconsistent with that position are not likely, No?

Even after the "upgrade" is available, it is unlikely that most dealers' service departments will be aware of this unless prodded by an owner seeking the installation. I suggest working through BMW NA in conjunction with your dealer to achieve a timely upgrade at the right "price".

JMHO

[Z8Bob]

Please don't say harsh things to sensitive ol' me.