*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 We have a 2005 E90 here at work for repairs and a service. Its an import that has gone through its predelivery in Japan, probably had a sevice in Japan, has been shipped to NZ and gone through compliance and had two WOF's in NZ....... and the car still has the shipping blocks in the front suspension that the BMW factory fit to prevent the vehicle bouncing during shipping. The blocks have started to break up and have destroyed the front shock gators. This could have led to a very serious accident.... no front suspension travel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucan 196 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 WOF's given by?! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30BMA 0 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 whoa thats not cool....makes you wonder what else is out there on our roads. Cant believe it passed compliance like that. Pics?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 WOF's given by?! The current WOF was issued by a small garage in Auckland Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AN E30 Fan 1 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Thats appauling! I can't believe its passed not just one but two warrants! +1 for pics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Thats appauling! I can't believe its passed not just one but two warrants! +1 for pics I've taken them off and the damaged gators to show the owner. Can do pics of the parts tomorrow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nastnas 9 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 well done to you for finding that mate... and it is quite interesting as to how this could happen? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 (edited) Apparently quite a common occurrence Glenn. The newer style shipping blocks sit under the dust boot on the damper itself rather than on the springs, and LOADS of PDIs miss them, only to be discovered when the customer complain about ride quality (I know from first hand experience - yes this happened to me, but I caught it early enough without it causing any damage to the car). Wife once told me about a 2003 mini with 9x,xxxkm on the clock and it still had the shipping blocks in all four corners - NZ new too with multiple owners. This was obviously not the first time it's happened (less noticeable in a Mini apparently given the harsh ride from the factory). Unless you look for it the shipping blocks under the dust boot on the dampers are not that apparent at first sight - well the ride height and quality should give it away, but honestly most just don't know ... Edited April 7, 2010 by M3_Power Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjay 8 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 Lol fellas, it's one car out of hundreds of thousands. It really goes to show though the real BMW specialists that actually pick up on these things aka Glen. Personally, if I had the money for a car of that dollar range, I'm sure I could afford to take it to a trusted BMW specialist or dealer even, and then something like this would be hopefully averted. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 1 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 I'm amazed noone noticed the terrible ride quality? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 So much for PD check sheets that must be signed off Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted April 7, 2010 So much for PD check sheets that must be signed off I think the people that do the PDI checks get into such a routine that it simply becomes a 'tick the box' exercise. Or should I say ever since PDI was taken back by the dealerships it's been going down hill. BMW NZ really should have kept PDI at the head office with a group of technicians doing just that all day long. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ari Gold Report post Posted April 8, 2010 I'm amazed noone noticed the terrible ride quality? I thought it was just really stiff Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 1 Report post Posted April 8, 2010 (edited) I thought it was just really stiff thought that might get a rise out of you Comment still stands, I guess you and the previous owners all figured the same thing. I find it strange that after 5 years no one said anything. That said I havent driven an e90 (with or without suspension) so wouldnt know what to expect either Edited April 8, 2010 by Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted April 8, 2010 These off the L/H side These off the R/H side Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted April 8, 2010 Deja Vu ... hehehe .... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted April 10, 2010 Can you see the blocks from visually inspecting the suspention, or are they under the rubber covers? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3_Power 636 Report post Posted April 10, 2010 Can you see the blocks from visually inspecting the suspention, or are they under the rubber covers? On the new cars they are under the dust boot covers - so you have to lift it to see it (i.e jack up the car and put your hand in there) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted April 10, 2010 Ahh, I see.. I was just wondering how obvious it would be for Mr WOF inspector to notice, if he wasn't looking for them. (or knew of their existance) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greg111 13 Report post Posted April 11, 2010 Did my first PDI on a E90 last week, saw on the sheet about the blocks and lifted the stop boot and removed them, five second job really. Driving it from the groomers to the workshop, you could definitely tell the difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
