Catalytic converter warranty extension

[jmq318]

Does anyone have a copy of the Service Bulletin that extended the warranty from 8 to 10 years on the catalytic converter? I have a copy of the customer notice that came out in 2002 for '98 and would like to see if my '99 is covered, 9-98 built date...12-98 in service date.

[ATF]

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...erter+warranty

Isn't the warranty on the the cat like 8 years anyways? You might be able to squeak it in under the standard warranty.

[jmq318]

I saw in one of the earlier threads that there was supposedly a notice that went out from BMW referencing an extension to the 8 year 80K mile cat warranty for '98 Ti's, mine is actually a 98 (9/98 build date) but the service center claims that there is no service bulletin or "warranty extension" for my VIN......so I called BMW-NA today and, surprise, surprise, they didn't know anything about it. So at this point my cat issue is my problem....but you'll be happy to know that they insisted that BMW is "totally committed to the highest standards of product excellence"....unless they have to do something...

[pnosker]

Well my process was really easy, I just went to BMW and said "I have a 1998 318ti with a pinging noise coming from the cat. There's a service bulletin by BMW NA to replace it under warranty for 10 years from the date of purchase." They called up BMW NA and two days later it was back to me with a new cat.

I printed out and gave him these documents:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/recall/420b02003.pdf (1997 318tis)
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/recall/420b03015.pdf (1998 318tis)
http://www.318ti.org/forum/attachmen...7&d=1175820178 (Letter from BMW NA)

[jmq318]

BMWNA is claiming that '99 ti (which mine is) doesn't have this warranty extension because it is Model Year '99, though built in '98. Doesn't seem right to me....

[ClutchJones]

I have a '98 and I was able to get a replacement cat, no thanks to BMW-NA. When I called them, they played dumb and said they didn't know anything about it. I even gave them the last 7 digits of my vin# and they couldn't find anything about a warranty extension.
However, when I called Moritz BMW in Arlington, TX, a well-researched Service Writer made a couple of phone calls and found out I was indeed covered by the extension and I got my cat replaced for zero dollars.
Someone (Sorry, I can't remember who) on this forum did send me a copy of the original recall letter, which was helpful when arguing my case. The last 7 digits of the vin # mentioned in that letter and my vin started with the same two letters, KC and was followed by 5 numbers. If your last 7 start with KC, I'd say you have a chance of getting it replaced under warranty.
I am at work and don't have the .pdf of the letter with me, but if you still need it, let me know and I'll get it to you later.
And, if you're still under 80k miles it should still be covered.
Good Luck,
Clutch

[Tyler]

Cat warranty is 100,000 miles or 10 yrs I think. It's in the back of the owners manual.

[pnosker]

Cat was 8/80 but raised to 10/unlimited I think.

[ClutchJones]

zboot actually posted the recall letter in an earlier thread...
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14162

It was originally 8/80k, but was extended to 10/Unlimited for those 98's that were effected. I'm not sure about the '99, but you could argue your point if you have the same piece of equipment, I guess.
Again,
Good Luck...
Clutch

[jmq318]

I found another '99 ti that had the problem in an earlier thread, so I'm trying to see if he got any satisfaction from BMW...so far, I'm getting stonewalled by both BMW-NA and the dealer. Would be great if someone had the service bulletin....since I'm the 2nd owner, I didn't get the letter, but it still is worth pursuing...the EPA notice was pretty strong but said Model Year '98, so maybe that's what they'll hide behind....thanks for all the input so far!

[aceyx]

Originally Posted by ClutchJones

The last 7 digits of the vin # mentioned in that letter and my vin started with the same two letters, KC and was followed by 5 numbers. If your last 7 start with KC, I'd say you have a chance of getting it replaced under warranty.

This is very helpful information. Thanks.

[96cali]

Originally Posted by jmq318

I found another '99 ti that had the problem in an earlier thread, so I'm trying to see if he got any satisfaction from BMW...so far, I'm getting stonewalled by both BMW-NA and the dealer. Would be great if someone had the service bulletin....since I'm the 2nd owner, I didn't get the letter, but it still is worth pursuing...the EPA notice was pretty strong but said Model Year '98, so maybe that's what they'll hide behind....thanks for all the input so far!

Not sure if you are speaking about me but no, not yet. I went back to the seller of my car who is service manager for Patrick BMW in Chicago. He promised a clean, no issues car but what I got was a CEL on the way home that never went out LOL. So far no response from him but I'm hoping. Have not tried the local dealer but here is a reply from a Ti board member with two SIB numbers to reference and the build dates covered by one of them:

hey man whats up. first off sorry it took me so long
to get back to you, but no i cannot get you a copy of
it, unless you want me to print it out and mail it to
you. BUT if you go to the dealership, tell them you
know the bulletin number and its SIB 18 01 02. its a
10 year unlimited mileage replacement. (SIB is just
our lingo), but tell them that and the service writer
can pull it up right in front of you if you want. BUT
with that bulletin its only for 98's with the m44
engine to replace the cat.... SIB 18 01 00 is for
m44's built from 1/97 - 8/97. thats all i can do
man, if it is rattling, (like mine is) you can use
this bulletin also SIB 18 01 99. so there ya go man,
that shoudl take care of you if you have an m44 that
falls into those catergories.

[Mothman]

Thanks so much, I have not heard any rattling going on, but good to know I have 5 months left. With 213k, I may want to drive with the radio not so loud to listen for any rattling.

Thanks,

[jmq318]

96cali....looks like '99's are going to be screwed, when I talked with BMW-NA they didn't accept that mine was a '98 version, but I'm going to continue to pursue...thanks for your post

[Ruste 318ti M-sport]

Hi Guys - have just been reading this thread with interest - seeing as i have just found out i need a new cat! i'm driving a 98 318ti and was wondering if the warranty extension was exclusive to the US or or valid in the UK too?
regards,

Russ