[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

So I have a negative experience with the SULEV warranty to share...

Car in question is a 2009 328i N51 with ~97k miles. I am the second owner of the car, and have owned it since 2016, bought with 32k miles.

At 40k miles it needed a valve cover and gasket. The cover was cracked. SULEV warranty covered it, but it was a fight to get them to cover it, my car sat at the BMW dealer for 2 weeks before they decided to cover it. In the following years I needed spark plugs and a coil failed, along with a OFHG. I did all that myself simply because the parts weren't that expensive, and much less of a pain to do myself instead of waiting for weeks for the local BMW dealer to "decide" if it was covered. They also conveniently never had any loaners available, which is fine, I mean I didn't buy the car from them so I get it.

Fast forward a few years to ~85k miles and the secondary air pump quits. Checked the wiring and tested the pump and sure enough the pump was dead. It's a fairly pricey part, so figured hey I have another vehicle to drive, it can sit at BMW while they figure it out, should be under SULEV warranty. Weeks go by again, more back and forth, and finally they replace the pump. I think that is the end of it until weeks later I go to replace a headlight bulb, and notice the hack job they did replacing the pump. The pump looked to be out of a different car. It was new, but looked like they did some wire splicing to make it fit along with using self tapping screws since the original studs holding the bracket sheared off.


And now the finale... 92k miles. I get a code for secondary air insufficient flow, but it's obvious the pump is working. I have a local indy shop take a look, and they suggest either the air valve is clogged/inoperable or the cylinder head ports are partially clogged. I replace the valve myself since it is an easy job/cheap part and the old one was pretty gunked up with carbon. Code went away for about a week then returned. Same indy shop told me it was likely the ports in the head being clogged with carbon, and I wouldn't be able to pass emissions (conveniently due this month) with that code. They gave me a quote to clean the ports in the head, which was reasonable, but advised me to go to BMW since it was a SULEV car.

I take it to the BMW dealer, and they have the car for a week before even calling me. They finally call and say it needs a new cylinder head. They don't send the head out for cleaning like the indy shop, they simply replace the entire cylinder head. They told me that it's likely BMW won't cover it, since I am the second owner of the car and would need detailed dealer service records for the entire life of the car. Keep in mind this car was dealer serviced by the PO, I change the oil every 5000 miles with BMW LL-01 oil, and have a stack of maintenance receipts, spreadsheets, and other dated documentation from doing my own meticulous work. In the end the dealer told me to pound sand and instead quoted me $16,000 for a replacement cylinder head.

I ended up going back to the indy which did the cleaning for a fraction of that and I trust their work more anyway.

The bottom line is I wouldn't rely on the SULEV warranty for anything, because it seems like any other manufacturer BMW will try its hardest to get out of covering anything significant, and in the long run the N52 is much cheaper to keep going and less complicated than the N51.

That’s really unfortunate but sounds like your dealer is partially at fault for your misfortune / bad experience (from shoddy work to giving you the run around).

[Boston4]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

That’s really unfortunate but sounds like your dealer is partially at fault for your misfortune / bad experience (from shoddy work to giving you the run around).

Agree that it sounds like the dealer is the problem. Dealer replaced the cats + all four O2 sensors on mine without batting an eye about coverage. No clue how much that would have cost out of warranty but probably a few thousand in parts alone.

[acg2002us]

My DMTL pump went out going to see if SULEV will cover it. 2010 122k

[Grunt1962]

I have a success story ....my 2012 e92 coded bad oxygen sensors.....BMW of New London ( Connecticut) replaced free of charge...no issues ..great service...I'm the 3rd owner too...just mention the SULEV policy and the guy knew about it...took a week to get the parts...made the appointment and done that day...I waited and they even offered a ride to get food if I wanted....just want to say very please.
.

[cuzbmw]

Adding some data points to this thread. I have had 3 different repairs taken care of under the SULEV warranty on my '11 328i:

1. In 2017, I noticed the valve cover gasket had a minor oil seepage. Took the vehicle in and asked if dealer could cover under SULEV warranty. Service advisor immediately said it would be covered and took care of it. I got in and out in about 3 hours. Interestingly, my advisor told me if the cover itself had been leaking, it would not be covered under SULEV. I did not know much about the warranty at the time so I did not ask if it would have been covered if the car started throwing codes; I'm assuming if the car threw a code and failed smog, it would be covered.

2. In 2021, engine developed a pretty gnarly miss-fire. I pulled the codes and got a miss-fire for cylinder number 5. I already did the spark plugs during routine maintenance so I had a sneaking suspicion coil 5 would be bad. Took car in and got all 6 coils and spark plugs replaced. Service advisor mentioned that BMW procedure for replacing coils also called for the spark plugs to be replaced.

3. Earlier this year, the check engine light came on. Pulled the codes and everything pointed to the eccentric shaft sensor so I took the vehicle in. Dealer confirmed that the eccentric shaft sensor had gone bad but for some reason BMW would not let them order a new sensor. Turns out, because of the vanos bolt recall, BMW corporate would not release the part and the dealer had to go through a whole process of sending in pictures of the state of the vanos bolts + the torque specs for the bolts on my vehicle. Eventually though, BMW released the part and the sensor got replaced under SULEV. The entire process took over a week but worth it for the money saved.

After having the car for over 10 years, besides routine maintenance, I have not had to pay for repairs between the CPO warranty and the SULEV warranty. If it were not for the warranties, I would have probably had to have shelled out an additional $10,000 to maintain the car during these last 10 years.

[Takenm3]

Originally Posted by cuzbmw

Adding some data points to this thread. I have had 3 different repairs taken care of under the SULEV warranty on my '11 328i:

1. In 2017, I noticed the valve cover gasket had a minor oil seepage. Took the vehicle in and asked if dealer could cover under SULEV warranty. Service advisor immediately said it would be covered and took care of it. I got in and out in about 3 hours. Interestingly, my advisor told me if the cover itself had been leaking, it would not be covered under SULEV. I did not know much about the warranty at the time so I did not ask if it would have been covered if the car started throwing codes; I'm assuming if the car threw a code and failed smog, it would be covered.

2. In 2021, engine developed a pretty gnarly miss-fire. I pulled the codes and got a miss-fire for cylinder number 5. I already did the spark plugs during routine maintenance so I had a sneaking suspicion coil 5 would be bad. Took car in and got all 6 coils and spark plugs replaced. Service advisor mentioned that BMW procedure for replacing coils also called for the spark plugs to be replaced.

3. Earlier this year, the check engine light came on. Pulled the codes and everything pointed to the eccentric shaft sensor so I took the vehicle in. Dealer confirmed that the eccentric shaft sensor had gone bad but for some reason BMW would not let them order a new sensor. Turns out, because of the vanos bolt recall, BMW corporate would not release the part and the dealer had to go through a whole process of sending in pictures of the state of the vanos bolts + the torque specs for the bolts on my vehicle. Eventually though, BMW released the part and the sensor got replaced under SULEV. The entire process took over a week but worth it for the money saved.

After having the car for over 10 years, besides routine maintenance, I have not had to pay for repairs between the CPO warranty and the SULEV warranty. If it were not for the warranties, I would have probably had to have shelled out an additional $10,000 to maintain the car during these last 10 years.

If only the n54/55 were covered under Sulev lol

[cuzbmw]

Originally Posted by Takenm3

If only the n54/55 were covered under Sulev lol

Agreed. Had my fuel injectors crap out and foul my spark plugs right outside the 8 year/80K emissions warranty on my 14' 535i. Each injector costed me over $500

Interestingly, my SA told me they only do a handful of SULEV warranty work every year and that he has only written up warranty work under the 8 year/80K emissions warranty once in his entire time as a SA so far.

[Bmw1939]

Radiator replaced today. Covered under SULEV.

[fluidicjoy]

Hi everyone, I bought an E90 328i in August 2023 with 135000 miles on the clock, and gradually learnt more about the vehicle, including the SULEV warranty coverage. I've put about 7000 miles on the car till date, and recently went in to BMW of San Diego for an oil change, to request a warranty coverage for a potentially malfunctioning DISA valve. The Service Advisor initially tried to brush it off saying there's no errors, but putting a little pressure on them, led to them diagnosing the issue as the Outer DISA valve. This was fixed under the SULEV warranty. I also tried to ask if the inside FLAP has an issue, but I was shot down for that suggestion.

[ezs9]

any dealer honor SULEV warranty in NYC? or NJ if there isn't any good dealer in NYC

[m_thompson]

Just got the Valve Cover Gasket and Eccentric Shaft Sensor replaced with just four weeks left in the SULEV warranty.

I found a 002C6E code for "Lambda probe downstream of the catalyst 2 Signal" with Carly before I brought it to the dealer. The dealer couldn't find the 002C6E code so they didn't replace Oxygen Sensor . They said that the code was probably caused by the Eccentric Shaft Sensor. That doesn't sound plausible.

At least I got two of the three issues fixed under the SULEV warranty.

[Cal122]

One Vanos Solenoid replaced under SULEV warranty due to SES/stored code.

Was about to replace both solenoids myself as car wasn't running just right but also wasn't triggering any codes. Runs so much better now. Still debating if I should change the other solenoid as preventative and/or check the Vanos filter screens.

[Blvck]

Hoping to get help on this
2011 e92 328 model with the n51 engine. I'm in a SULEV state.

Failed inspection today for a p0420 and a p0492 codes (at the inspection station - I don't have a reader).

I know the 492 is a secondary air pump, which is covered under the warranty on the list of components, but it seems the 0420 is the catalytic converter failing. I can't find it on that list for any e9x model it seems. I have an appointment for this Friday - does anyone have any insight if this would be covered, or more specifically what the 420 code would be? SES light is on, but nothing in the onboard computer.

[Boston4]

Originally Posted by Blvck

Hoping to get help on this
2011 e92 328 model with the n51 engine. I'm in a SULEV state.

Failed inspection today for a p0420 and a p0492 codes (at the inspection station - I don't have a reader).

I know the 492 is a secondary air pump, which is covered under the warranty on the list of components, but it seems the 0420 is the catalytic converter failing. I can't find it on that list for any e9x model it seems. I have an appointment for this Friday - does anyone have any insight if this would be covered, or more specifically what the 420 code would be? SES light is on, but nothing in the onboard computer.

P0420 and P0492 are generic codes that you'd get from a generic reader like at the inspection station. The BMW cat failure codes, 29F4 and 29F5, indicate catalytic converter efficiency is below the threshold for both banks.

I had both 29F4 and 29F5 on my N51 in 2022 at 90k miles, and the dealer (I went to BMW Norwood because the Herb Chambers BMW Boston was backed up at the time) replaced both cats for free.

As long as you're covered by the SULEV warranty then they should cover both issues.

[Blvck]

Originally Posted by Boston4

P0420 and P0492 are generic codes that you'd get from a generic reader like at the inspection station. The BMW cat failure codes, 29F4 and 29F5, indicate catalytic converter efficiency is below the threshold for both banks.

I had both 29F4 and 29F5 on my N51 in 2022 at 90k miles, and the dealer (I went to BMW Norwood because the Herb Chambers BMW Boston was backed up at the time) replaced both cats for free.

As long as you're covered by the SULEV warranty then they should cover both issues.

That is actually super useful to know - it seems the majority of emissions issues are covered under warranty, and your post gives me hope that I'd be all set come Friday. Getting mine done at BMW Boston because they had availability (and hopefully a sweet loaner) - thanks for your input!

[Blvck]

Originally Posted by Boston4

P0420 and P0492 are generic codes that you'd get from a generic reader like at the inspection station. The BMW cat failure codes, 29F4 and 29F5, indicate catalytic converter efficiency is below the threshold for both banks.

I had both 29F4 and 29F5 on my N51 in 2022 at 90k miles, and the dealer (I went to BMW Norwood because the Herb Chambers BMW Boston was backed up at the time) replaced both cats for free.

As long as you're covered by the SULEV warranty then they should cover both issues.

Edit: nvm, they called, and warranty is valid; both cats replaced

[bimmer17]

I just had my DISA valves replaced, as well with the oil pan and gasket, whole new fuel system replaced including fuel pump, tank, lines, and everything included. My valve cover gasket was replaced, as well as coils, and rear main seal.

All of this ended up being free. I basically have a new car now

[bimmer17]

Originally Posted by ezs9

any dealer honor SULEV warranty in NYC? or NJ if there isn't any good dealer in NYC

Many dealers in CT will help you out. I just got a overload of things replaced for free. Including full fuel system.

[Marky Mark]

Originally Posted by Cburch

sadly the fuel injectors arent covered from what i was told as the dealership p.. im not very happy.. dont see how the injectprs would go at 77,000 miles.

I know this is an old post, but fuel injectors ARE covered... BMW calls them "injector valves" and those are listed under the covered parts list, as well as the injector valve o-rings, fuel rail, etc...

[Deuceokfingz]

Hi All,

Long time lurker for years and finally created an account. First and Foremost I just want to thank you all over the years for providing some of the best mechanical literature a DIY'er can ever ask for.

I figured I should make a contribution in my own way.

Let me quickly Prefaced my dad passed away last year, inhertied his N51 SULEV and built the entire front end...not bc i needed to but because i wanted to. At the end of the project I noticed that the car was not accelerating and throwing lean 1 and 2 which like most of you drove me up the wall. Finally folded and took my car to BMW twice, they claimed my Vacuum hoses were compromised and needed to replace and smoke test....done. still rough no difference and 14mpg. second trip Vanos replacements (you know what fine ill do it with the trust that this can be the final piece to the puzzle) right out of the BMW lout SES light came back on.... back to round 3 as i was told to take it back in today 2/3. Got my diagnostics back and sure enough it was my Fuel pressure pump, in which i was informed that gas tank needs to be replaced. so the last 2 trips came out to 6 grand (what was i thinking? I know). My quote for the gas tank job is another 6 grand.

So as im typing im waiting for the service advisor to call me to see if Warranty would be approved as it is within the guidelines of BMW's SULEV warranty. I am willing to eat the last 2 visits which costed 6 grand for the sake of finally fixing this and to psychologically move on. so im hopeful that warranty will be approved and that I can finally let me dad rest. Will keep you all posted and once again Thank you to the entire community who has not only helped me but so many others and Thank you for reading.

Will post updates