3.91 front diff - the rarest thing in the universe

[DaveB]

Having had a brand new transfer box fitted, which in turn stuffed the front diff (which was obviously on is way out anyway) a new diff was ordered about 5 weeks ago.  Apparently the 3.91 ratio diff is peculiar to the 4.8 and 3.0d and there was only one available, in Germany, on a 7 day delivery.

Another expense, but it was promptly ordered. Didn't turn up and still hasn't. Rare as hens teeth it seems. I've had various delivery dates of Oct and Dec. BMW seem to be in a bit of disarray cos they are moving headquarters or something and I'm not getting the same story twice. This isn't good, cos I've got had a driving trip down through France and Italy starting this weekend. Much constructive moaning to BMW customer support. 

However, yesterday I picked up a loaner. Not just any loaner. A brand new 730 ld M Sport, all insured for European travel. being the long wheel base, it's massive and seems to come with every frikkin' toy imaginable including headup display. It's quick and bizarrely doesn't seem to use any fuel as far as I can tell. Running around yesterday I got 52mpg but we'll see how it fairs over the next 2 weeks.

I'm pleased they've helped me out, but I just wonder how long that diff will take to turn up.

[X5Sport]

I've got parts on order for my X6 to replace a door seal and bonnet catch 'box' and as yet the Dealer has no idea when they'll turn up.  Both parts are available but 'in Germany' and have been since July.

I think there are more than a few increasingly annoyed customers and embarrassed dealers in the UK who are wondering just what the h3ll is going on.

Still, you got a decent loaner out of it....

Richard

[X5Sport]

Was talking to the Dealer today and the story they have is that BMW in Germany have 'lost' a trainload of spare parts!  Now how on earth do you 'lose' a complete train?  It's not as if it can sneak off while no one is looking, and they're kinda hard to hide as the occasional signalman might spot it........

He has 4 cars supplied by BMW GB to cover Owners in the event of parts putting a warrantied car off the road.  The irony was that one of these cars has itself now been forced out of action by a stone through the lower rad!  You guessed it, no parts available......

Richard

[Raj]

lol at losing a train load of parts....

I've been quite lucky then as all the items I've needed over the past few weeks have all been in stock or available.

Nice one with the 730Ld. I had one a couple of years ago from the dealer for a few weeks when the X went off the road. Stunning bit of kit and as you say MASSIVE.

[shadrack]

i might get ordering if i can have a brand new 7 series and they can take as long as they like,

i bet a new diffs expensive from bmw

[DaveB]

The front diff is not as expensive as you'd think. £800. It's still a lot of money but it's about £1000 less than I was expecting.

I can report the 730ld is an immense car. It's averaged 47mpg, comfortable, eats up the miles, reasonably fast and fitted with every extra you can imagine - everything apart from a heated steering wheel. The road tax is cheap as well. I checked just in case BMW want to offer me a ridiculously good part-ex. It's a very long car and negotiating small French villages drew quite a few 'what a stupid car to drive around here' looks. The only thing that worries is me is the absolute dependency on the dealer.

I've heard the same story about the chaos on BMW spares and their 'new' parts system. They are also moving their UK headquarters which has caused more issues.

[Steamyrotter]

you try getting a 3.73:1 then...(aka prefacelift manual 3.0D)
They you'll realise what rare is......

lol

But seriously
good luck with your chase of it.