*** Calling All Members With Problems With The 320i ***

daviep.sco · 08-26-2011, 10:45 AM

Hi guys

Quick question, has anyone bought the injectors colils sparks etc themself and replaced them themself, I have a feeling mine are on the way out, it was spluttering earlier and the engine management light came on then went off.

I don't mind getting my hands dirty but not sure if anyone has done any fixes themself?

If anyone did where did you get the parts?

Cheers

duke knooby · 08-28-2011, 04:12 PM

hi, mine had the intermittent misfire, usually when under load, numerous engine management lights on then off etc, (drove around the problems for months then decided to try the cheapest option first... ie coil packs.)

there is a pictorial guide showing how to replace them on this site, i just bought one coil, then tried it in each cyl till the misfire disappeared, cyl 2 in my case. cost approx 38 quid plus vat ea from dealers. (about a month later same symtoms... cyl 1 this time)

i havent changed any plugs or injectors, just the coils, mpg back around 37 and cars running good!

hope that helps...

remember these engines have had alot of bad press, but my belief is pretty much all the efficient dynamics petrol engines have suffered... just there is alot more of the 4 cyl engines sold, so they have got lumbered with the poor reputation, and poor resale accordingly.

if you want a trouble free car... dont buy a bm

daviep.sco · 08-28-2011, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I totally agree mine has been fine for the past 6 months just within the past few days it has been playing up.

I haven't found the guide yet but I will have a look, think i will try the coil first like yourslef, might treat it to a new set of spark plugs as well as they are about 4 years old now (still less than 30k miles though).

I presume the coils are relatively easy to replace?

Cheers

duke knooby · 08-28-2011, 07:38 PM

aye, easy enough to replace, just have to dismantle part of the engine bay to gain access, mine is similar to yours, just turned 4 and 29k miles... as i said, i didnt bother with plugs or injectors... i dont think there's any need

guide linky... cheers to the original poster btw!!!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174217

daviep.sco · 09-02-2011, 04:14 PM

Does anyone know how to check what coils are faulty or is it just trial and error, I am tempted to just get 4 coils and replace them all along with the spark plugs to make sure but I don't know if I am just throwing money away?

oab e90 330i se · 09-19-2011, 11:28 AM

Hi Davie,

I had a recent scenario that has now been resolved. I'm running a 330i se, but by the sounds of it - the way the coils are changed are the same for your car...
I had an intemitent missfire, (would go away upon stopping the engine and restarting)
and then return when going over about 3k. rpm
Anyway, I suspected I had a coil out (having read common faults on here)
I rang the dealership who wanted £100...'we will need the car car for the day'!
So I said sod that & rang a mobile diagnostics man in a van, who charged £25 just to read the codes. 'missfire cylinder 4' - 'Coil pack'

So I bought the 1 coil from BMW and I printed out the DIY link above and also bought a set of plugs (they were due in 6k anyway)
I got working on the car, carefully removing the coils one at a time and changing the associate plug, then starting the car up each time to make sure I had done it right. As my 'fault' was not inherent immediatley after starting the engine, I wasnt expecting it to sound any different. Anyhow after changing all the plugs, making sure to replace coil 4, I took the car on a run feeling sweaty but very proud!

That was short lived as the missfire returned that evening, I thought the worst. An injector perhaps. So....feeling very depressed I took the car to a very good local specialist, who plugged it in to his propper BMW diagnostics kit. It was showing a missfire code but also a code relating to a fuel cut off.
Seems as though the car needs resetting after a coil pack replacement as it 'normally or sometimes' shuts down the fuel to that cylinder (experts correct me if I'm wrong). Anyhow since resetting the code the car has been back to its ususal self and all my hard work was not in vain. : )

Short answer, if your doing it yourself. Replace all of the coils and the plugs. At least then (providing you installed corectly) if anything else goes wrong you can be sure it wont be those parts!

oab e90 330i se · 09-19-2011, 11:52 AM

By the way, I still think my car is the nuts.

Previous 1 owner had the car for 6 years with no problems apart from a bulb. So - for me to be replacing a high powered electrical part relating to a cosumable part (the spark plug) after 6 years- Isn't all that bad....My advise is to go to an independant garage to get it diagnosed or a mobile diagnostics. Where you can see the screen for yourself, jot the codes down yourself and then make up your own mind. I appreciate this is a thread for diesel owners where the problems maybe rife, but I thought Id get in there with some positive vibes.
If you need any advice on coil pack changes let me know. Happy to help.

alistairgd · 09-19-2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oab e90 330i se

Seems as though the car needs resetting after a coil pack replacement as it 'normally or sometimes' shuts down the fuel to that cylinder (experts correct me if I'm wrong).

That's what the dealer told me, so yeh, sounds true.

How much was the new coil. i.e how much did you save over just giving it to BMW to fix?

oab e90 330i se · 09-19-2011, 12:34 PM

Yeah, It makes sense. If the coil pack is faulty the there is potentially unburnt fuel going through the exhaust system. The car is clever enought to shut down the fuel to that cylinder. To prevent any damge to more sensitive components like (cat. convertors) Having said that, Id love to learn more about this. (Experts please??)

Anyhow, as for money saved. Parts £45 (genuine coil pack)
£75 plugs (NGK R5's) + Diagnostics £67 (would of been just £25 as the first guy offered to clear down the codes)
So..... £187 in total. Should of been £145

Bimmer quoted around £130 for 6 plugs fitted.
£100 for the diagnostics. (thats £230)
& who knows for a coil pack change.... I suspect at least £100 for 1 fitted.
Total £330 (thats uncanny, thats the model of my car!!

)

So thats....£143 saving with a bit of an estimate in there.

The best part is, you get to learn about your own car....also if you've had bad experiences with dealerships. I dont want numerous amounts of people crawling in and out and around my car. Once you do the job you will realise how physical it is. So much potential for scatching and or denting the body work.
Also (sorry dealerships) but you make your own bed....and I lost trust years ago. It goes like this.
Warranty runs out - parts fail - Dealership wants to replace everything & charges you £coloured ladder to the moon.

DIY will only get you so far, but I'm on board. Choo choo.

COLSEN · 10-03-2011, 12:10 PM

Hi guys, I was one of the first people to post on here about my problems with my 2007, then my 2008 320i. I got so fed up I went and bought a merc (shhhh I know!!) 18 months ago. I'd put all this to the back of my mind until a Polish lorry hit a colleague's M3, as a temporary replacement car he was given a 59 plate 320i MSport - guess what! 20k on the clock and it's hesitating, juddering and showing the occasional engine light - just utter pants!! Sorry to hear that people are still having issues - good luck guys they are still beautiful cars!

E92westy · 10-04-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COLSEN

Hi guys, I was one of the first people to post on here about my problems with my 2007, then my 2008 320i. I got so fed up I went and bought a merc (shhhh I know!!) 18 months ago. I'd put all this to the back of my mind until a Polish lorry hit a colleague's M3, as a temporary replacement car he was given a 59 plate 320i MSport - guess what! 20k on the clock and it's hesitating, juddering and showing the occasional engine light - just utter pants!! Sorry to hear that people are still having issues - good luck guys they are still beautiful cars!

Jeeez....
As this thread had quietened down a bit I actually thought they might have sorted it out.
Wrong.

jotty · 10-07-2011, 10:37 AM

Hi folks, back again (sigh), my car was out of AUC warranty end of July, and today has started to stutter until eventually the orange light came on and the engine as gone into the "help me i'm poorly" mode. I have posted previously about this problem and had the coils etc done under warranty back in March.
My question is should I take it back to the dealers and try and argue its the same problem and they are responsible, or am I stuffed and now facing a large bill.

Miffed off to say the least.

chedixon · 10-07-2011, 12:31 PM

I thought all BMW parts carried a 2 year warranty?
Should be replaced under that shouldn't it if it was only march they were last done?

jotty · 10-07-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chedixon

I thought all BMW parts carried a 2 year warranty?
Should be replaced under that shouldn't it if it was only march they were last done?

Good point, but I have a feeling that they didn't replace them all as first thought and only the one or two that where faulty.
Think I will ring them and test the water.

maggierev · 10-08-2011, 09:42 AM

I have 320i convertible 2007 and had 2 coils replaced. yellow engine light comes on and no power. A third coil went last week. BMW have said they have replaced all 4 coils now and sparkplugs and they are the "new" coils and they dont anticipate me coming back? I was ready to sell the car on departing the garage but would be interested to know if anyone else has the "new" coils and if they resolve the problem or not?

jotty · 10-08-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggierev

I have 320i convertible 2007 and had 2 coils replaced. yellow engine light comes on and no power. A third coil went last week. BMW have said they have replaced all 4 coils now and sparkplugs and they are the "new" coils and they dont anticipate me coming back? I was ready to sell the car on departing the garage but would be interested to know if anyone else has the "new" coils and if they resolve the problem or not?

Exactly the same symptoms as mine.
Been to the dealers this morning, it seems they replaced 2 of the four coils and plugs last April, despite what the receptionist told me at the time, so its going back in on Monday hopefully for the other two.
My question to them is why didn't they just fix all 4 at the time aarghh !

Did they charge you, as I am damned if I'm going to pay anything.

atariboy · 10-08-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggierev

I have 320i convertible 2007 and had 2 coils replaced. yellow engine light comes on and no power. A third coil went last week. BMW have said they have replaced all 4 coils now and sparkplugs and they are the "new" coils and they dont anticipate me coming back? I was ready to sell the car on departing the garage but would be interested to know if anyone else has the "new" coils and if they resolve the problem or not?

Last year, I had the whole lot changed and the car has run perfectly ever since. Its better now than it was when it was new

maggierev · 10-08-2011, 11:40 AM

hi jotty
I didnt pay. they gave me goodwill - i am still awaiting the paperwork from them to check they did actually change all 4 as they said. It took 2 days for the goodwill to come from bmw germany so my car was there for 4 days.
good luck with yours. however my concern is still whether it will happen again. they told me i wouldnt be coming back in with that problem again.
I did say i would lay down with a placard in front of the dealership rather than pay.

maggierev · 10-08-2011, 11:42 AM

hi attiraboy
that sounds hopeful. if you car is running ok now.might rethink about selling mine. why dont they just change the 4 coils in the first place?
thanks maggie

atariboy · 10-08-2011, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggierev

hi attiraboy
that sounds hopeful. if you car is running ok now.might rethink about selling mine. why dont they just change the 4 coils in the first place?
thanks maggie

Well it hasnt missed a beat since being sorted at the first attempt and pulls from any gear at 1500 rpm so yep all is good.
Hope all is good when my 335i arrives lol

Kubamax · 10-09-2011, 07:08 AM

I got BMW E92 320i and have all the same symptoms:

engine warning light pops in, engine shake, lack of power in low revs
and the fuel consumption 28 mpg instead of 37 mpg + very bad oil lick.

The car was in BMW Berry in Cheaswick-London 2 times already and it's there now for the 3 time.

First time they keept the car for two days without knowing what happend and running 50 miles test during the night. They find out that I have faulty injector and the sensor. After they chang it under warrianty the car run ok for a week!

Then the shake came back straight on again. I went to check the car with them after about month and a half and they said the problem is oil lick from the gear box but is not big enough to do it under warrianty. When I did ask why the engine is shakeing they said nothing about last repair of the injectors and the sensor they just said that the oil licks on the electric cables and that couse the problem.. so they send me home with shaking car and oil lick

Now after another month is back again to the BMW garage in Berry Chiswick
and they running some tests for the second day without saing to me what is wrong.

jotty · 10-10-2011, 11:23 AM

Well they have had a look at it and it now needs another full set of coils etc, as a good will getsure I need to stump up the first £200.
I'm afraid I lost my cool slightly as in effect they are replacing the one that got "replaced" in April !.
I am being told that BMW now insist on all 4 being replaced with updated Bosch coils which has only just been decided.
So I am stuffed I have to pay for a car that is 10 weeks out of warranty, when I calmed down I was told that it couldn't be FOC as it would upset all those people wise enough to take out extended warranty.

08-26-2011, 10:45 AM	#925
daviep.sco Private First Class 17 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 2.0d SE Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (1)	Hi guys Quick question, has anyone bought the injectors colils sparks etc themself and replaced them themself, I have a feeling mine are on the way out, it was spluttering earlier and the engine management light came on then went off. I don't mind getting my hands dirty but not sure if anyone has done any fixes themself? If anyone did where did you get the parts? Cheers
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08-28-2011, 04:12 PM	#926
duke knooby New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 325d Join Date: May 2011 Location: belfast iTrader: (0)	hi, mine had the intermittent misfire, usually when under load, numerous engine management lights on then off etc, (drove around the problems for months then decided to try the cheapest option first... ie coil packs.) there is a pictorial guide showing how to replace them on this site, i just bought one coil, then tried it in each cyl till the misfire disappeared, cyl 2 in my case. cost approx 38 quid plus vat ea from dealers. (about a month later same symtoms... cyl 1 this time) i havent changed any plugs or injectors, just the coils, mpg back around 37 and cars running good! hope that helps... remember these engines have had alot of bad press, but my belief is pretty much all the efficient dynamics petrol engines have suffered... just there is alot more of the 4 cyl engines sold, so they have got lumbered with the poor reputation, and poor resale accordingly. if you want a trouble free car... dont buy a bm
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-28-2011, 05:33 PM	#927
daviep.sco Private First Class 17 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 2.0d SE Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the reply. I totally agree mine has been fine for the past 6 months just within the past few days it has been playing up. I haven't found the guide yet but I will have a look, think i will try the coil first like yourslef, might treat it to a new set of spark plugs as well as they are about 4 years old now (still less than 30k miles though). I presume the coils are relatively easy to replace? Cheers
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08-28-2011, 07:38 PM	#928
duke knooby New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 325d Join Date: May 2011 Location: belfast iTrader: (0)	aye, easy enough to replace, just have to dismantle part of the engine bay to gain access, mine is similar to yours, just turned 4 and 29k miles... as i said, i didnt bother with plugs or injectors... i dont think there's any need guide linky... cheers to the original poster btw!!! http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174217
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09-02-2011, 04:14 PM	#929
daviep.sco Private First Class 17 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 2.0d SE Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (1)	Does anyone know how to check what coils are faulty or is it just trial and error, I am tempted to just get 4 coils and replace them all along with the spark plugs to make sure but I don't know if I am just throwing money away?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2011, 11:28 AM	#930
oab e90 330i se Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2005 E90 330i se Manual 52k Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 BMW 330i SE [0.00]	Hi Davie, I had a recent scenario that has now been resolved. I'm running a 330i se, but by the sounds of it - the way the coils are changed are the same for your car... I had an intemitent missfire, (would go away upon stopping the engine and restarting) and then return when going over about 3k. rpm Anyway, I suspected I had a coil out (having read common faults on here) I rang the dealership who wanted £100...'we will need the car car for the day'! So I said sod that & rang a mobile diagnostics man in a van, who charged £25 just to read the codes. 'missfire cylinder 4' - 'Coil pack' So I bought the 1 coil from BMW and I printed out the DIY link above and also bought a set of plugs (they were due in 6k anyway) I got working on the car, carefully removing the coils one at a time and changing the associate plug, then starting the car up each time to make sure I had done it right. As my 'fault' was not inherent immediatley after starting the engine, I wasnt expecting it to sound any different. Anyhow after changing all the plugs, making sure to replace coil 4, I took the car on a run feeling sweaty but very proud! That was short lived as the missfire returned that evening, I thought the worst. An injector perhaps. So....feeling very depressed I took the car to a very good local specialist, who plugged it in to his propper BMW diagnostics kit. It was showing a missfire code but also a code relating to a fuel cut off. Seems as though the car needs resetting after a coil pack replacement as it 'normally or sometimes' shuts down the fuel to that cylinder (experts correct me if I'm wrong). Anyhow since resetting the code the car has been back to its ususal self and all my hard work was not in vain. : ) Short answer, if your doing it yourself. Replace all of the coils and the plugs. At least then (providing you installed corectly) if anything else goes wrong you can be sure it wont be those parts!
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09-19-2011, 11:52 AM	#931
oab e90 330i se Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2005 E90 330i se Manual 52k Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 BMW 330i SE [0.00]	By the way, I still think my car is the nuts. Previous 1 owner had the car for 6 years with no problems apart from a bulb. So - for me to be replacing a high powered electrical part relating to a cosumable part (the spark plug) after 6 years- Isn't all that bad....My advise is to go to an independant garage to get it diagnosed or a mobile diagnostics. Where you can see the screen for yourself, jot the codes down yourself and then make up your own mind. I appreciate this is a thread for diesel owners where the problems maybe rife, but I thought Id get in there with some positive vibes. If you need any advice on coil pack changes let me know. Happy to help.
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09-19-2011, 12:34 PM	#933
oab e90 330i se Enlisted Member 0 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2005 E90 330i se Manual 52k Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 BMW 330i SE [0.00]	Yeah, It makes sense. If the coil pack is faulty the there is potentially unburnt fuel going through the exhaust system. The car is clever enought to shut down the fuel to that cylinder. To prevent any damge to more sensitive components like (cat. convertors) Having said that, Id love to learn more about this. (Experts please??) Anyhow, as for money saved. Parts £45 (genuine coil pack) £75 plugs (NGK R5's) + Diagnostics £67 (would of been just £25 as the first guy offered to clear down the codes) So..... £187 in total. Should of been £145 Bimmer quoted around £130 for 6 plugs fitted. £100 for the diagnostics. (thats £230) & who knows for a coil pack change.... I suspect at least £100 for 1 fitted. Total £330 (thats uncanny, thats the model of my car!! ) So thats....£143 saving with a bit of an estimate in there. The best part is, you get to learn about your own car....also if you've had bad experiences with dealerships. I dont want numerous amounts of people crawling in and out and around my car. Once you do the job you will realise how physical it is. So much potential for scatching and or denting the body work. Also (sorry dealerships) but you make your own bed....and I lost trust years ago. It goes like this. Warranty runs out - parts fail - Dealership wants to replace everything & charges you £coloured ladder to the moon. DIY will only get you so far, but I'm on board. Choo choo.
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10-03-2011, 12:10 PM	#934
COLSEN Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 269 Posts Drives: E92 320i MSport > Merc C220CDI Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North West England iTrader: (0)	Hi guys, I was one of the first people to post on here about my problems with my 2007, then my 2008 320i. I got so fed up I went and bought a merc (shhhh I know!!) 18 months ago. I'd put all this to the back of my mind until a Polish lorry hit a colleague's M3, as a temporary replacement car he was given a 59 plate 320i MSport - guess what! 20k on the clock and it's hesitating, juddering and showing the occasional engine light - just utter pants!! Sorry to hear that people are still having issues - good luck guys they are still beautiful cars! __________________ Sweeeeet
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10-07-2011, 10:37 AM	#936
jotty Private First Class 7 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 320I CONV Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW ENGLAND iTrader: (0)	Hi folks, back again (sigh), my car was out of AUC warranty end of July, and today has started to stutter until eventually the orange light came on and the engine as gone into the "help me i'm poorly" mode. I have posted previously about this problem and had the coils etc done under warranty back in March. My question is should I take it back to the dealers and try and argue its the same problem and they are responsible, or am I stuffed and now facing a large bill. Miffed off to say the least.
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10-07-2011, 12:31 PM	#937
chedixon Lieutenant 64 Rep 438 Posts Drives: F82 YMB Coupe Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (1)	I thought all BMW parts carried a 2 year warranty? Should be replaced under that shouldn't it if it was only march they were last done? __________________ YMB M4 E93 320d Msport - sadly gone to the salvage yard.
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10-08-2011, 09:42 AM	#939
maggierev Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: bmw 320i convertible Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	I have 320i convertible 2007 and had 2 coils replaced. yellow engine light comes on and no power. A third coil went last week. BMW have said they have replaced all 4 coils now and sparkplugs and they are the "new" coils and they dont anticipate me coming back? I was ready to sell the car on departing the garage but would be interested to know if anyone else has the "new" coils and if they resolve the problem or not?
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10-08-2011, 11:40 AM	#942
maggierev Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: bmw 320i convertible Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	hi jotty I didnt pay. they gave me goodwill - i am still awaiting the paperwork from them to check they did actually change all 4 as they said. It took 2 days for the goodwill to come from bmw germany so my car was there for 4 days. good luck with yours. however my concern is still whether it will happen again. they told me i wouldnt be coming back in with that problem again. I did say i would lay down with a placard in front of the dealership rather than pay.
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10-08-2011, 11:42 AM	#943
maggierev Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: bmw 320i convertible Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	hi attiraboy that sounds hopeful. if you car is running ok now.might rethink about selling mine. why dont they just change the 4 coils in the first place? thanks maggie
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10-09-2011, 07:08 AM	#945
Kubamax Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: BMW E92 320i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Many thanks for that thread I got BMW E92 320i and have all the same symptoms: engine warning light pops in, engine shake, lack of power in low revs and the fuel consumption 28 mpg instead of 37 mpg + very bad oil lick. The car was in BMW Berry in Cheaswick-London 2 times already and it's there now for the 3 time. First time they keept the car for two days without knowing what happend and running 50 miles test during the night. They find out that I have faulty injector and the sensor. After they chang it under warrianty the car run ok for a week! Then the shake came back straight on again. I went to check the car with them after about month and a half and they said the problem is oil lick from the gear box but is not big enough to do it under warrianty. When I did ask why the engine is shakeing they said nothing about last repair of the injectors and the sensor they just said that the oil licks on the electric cables and that couse the problem.. so they send me home with shaking car and oil lick Now after another month is back again to the BMW garage in Berry Chiswick and they running some tests for the second day without saing to me what is wrong.
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10-10-2011, 11:23 AM	#946
jotty Private First Class 7 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 320I CONV Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW ENGLAND iTrader: (0)	Well they have had a look at it and it now needs another full set of coils etc, as a good will getsure I need to stump up the first £200. I'm afraid I lost my cool slightly as in effect they are replacing the one that got "replaced" in April !. I am being told that BMW now insist on all 4 being replaced with updated Bosch coils which has only just been decided. So I am stuffed I have to pay for a car that is 10 weeks out of warranty, when I calmed down I was told that it couldn't be FOC as it would upset all those people wise enough to take out extended warranty.
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