From: Peter Linton [peter@medialink.co.uk]
Sent: Friday, April 09, 1999 4:51 AM
To: I_am_mad_too@bmwlemon.com
Subject: Check coolant level? Cylender linings?

Hi

First off, I should say I am overall very pleased with my 1996 728i, and
have just ordered a new 535i, but thought I would share my problems. The
728i is leased, and the dealer has done all the work I asked. I live in the
UK.

My first problem was with the coolant.
After 7000 miles I got the "Check coolant level" message. I had the car into
the dealer, and they replaced "a faulty sender unit".
Another 7000 miles after the first service (16000) the same thing happened.
This time they replaced the head gasket (2 days).
Another 7000 miles after the second service (26000) the same thing happened.
This time they pressure tested the coolant system and identified a leaking
hose.
I'm just coming up to 7000 since the last service, so fingers crossed.

More worrying has been the cylinder lining problem. At about 35000 miles the
car started to drink oil. It turns out that BMW has had problems with all
its 2800cc 6-cyl engines built 1996-1998. The cylinder linings corrode,
causing excessive oil consumption and reduction in power. This is in all the
3- 5- and 7-series models.

Once again, the dealer has prompted fixed this under warranty.

Talking  with friends, the problem is rife. One has a 328i, another a 728i.
Both have had the engine rebuilt under warranty. BMW describes the problem
as minimal, with just a few cars needing work. They cite the problem of
Sulphur in the petrol which is causing corrosion, particularly petrol on
sale in the North of England. I live in the South, as do my friends.

I have also had problems with the alarm, which activates occasionally when I
return to the car and unlock the doors. The alarm control unit has been
replaced under warranty.

I have also experienced unusual behaviour of the centre console display: in
goes dim for a few seconds, randomly but infrequently. This has not been
looked at by BMW.

Finally, the electric seat memory appears to be playing up. I notice the
drivers' seat back has reclined by a few degrees every now and then. I don't
perceive it happening, only that I am laying back in my seat. To fix it I
must incline the seat, and store the new position in memory again. My wife
experiences the same thing on her setting. The dealer "replaced a faulty
seat switch", which I didn't believe would sort out the problem - and it
didn't.

Peter Linton
Pangbourne, Berkshire, England.