There have been some minor nagging issues with the GT, but none were serious enough to force a dealer visit. However, with the engine stalling about 50 percent of the time when slowing to a stop there's no avoiding a dealer trip now. The list of services to be performed are:
1. Fuel Filler Tube Replacement: This is almost certainly the cause of the engine stall, as many previous owners have reported the symptom and the repair procedure. Not sure what causes the crack, but it should be easy enough to confirm with a simple vacuum pressure test of the fuel system. The repair will be covered under warranty but requires the removal of most of the front clip.
2. Replace the Windshield: A large star mark was left on the driver's side several months ago from a rock. A "repair" job greatly reduced the size of the chip, but you can still see it. All of the front clip (both fenders, front bumper cover and cargo cover) must be removed to replace the windshield, which means some of the cost should be covered by the warranty work on the fuel nozzle tube.
3. Door Trim Fasteners: A TSB regarding the aluminum door trim exists because the original fasteners for this piece (double-sided tape) proved ineffective at maintaining a secure hold on the trim (surprise!). There is now an official clip fastener for this piece than can replace the tape. The trim on our long-term GT is still in place, but it buzzes occasionally and visibly moves around.
In theory we could have the halfshaft bolts replaced as well, but at 8,700 miles with no problems it seems prudent to leave well enough alone. Most reports of bolt failure occurred within the first 2,500 miles (usually before 1,500), so it seems you either have this problem or you don't, versus it being an inevitable issue. Of course, now that we've said that...
SubyTrojan says:
09:26 AM, 05/29/07
It's good to see the "overlapping labor" from the fuel filler tube replacement will help with the windshield replacement price! It's especially good to see that the dealership isn't going to try to take advantage of you because of that.
For example, let's say replacing the windshield takes about 5 to 5-1/2 hours of labor (a number typical for most BMWs if I remember correctly). I'm not sure how long the fuel filler tube would take to replace, but let's just say 4 hours. So instead of having to pay the full 5 to 5-1/2 hours of labor for the windshield replacement, a person only would have to pay for the correct amount of 1 to 1-1/2 hours of labor since the other job already involves removing the cowl and other things that would already provide the technician with access to the windshield.
editor_karl says:
01:18 PM, 05/29/07
That's the plan. I hope the dealer sees it this way. Don't know why he wouldn't?
mnorm1 says:
01:29 PM, 05/29/07
"Don't know why he wouldn't?"
Money. Money talks and it's persuasive.
That's why no one ever listens to me.
hondacura4 says:
07:24 PM, 05/30/07
Double sided tape on a $150,000+ supercar? Craftsmanship must have taken another route with this car.