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BMW Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Drivetrain Defects in XDrive Models

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A recent class-action lawsuit has cast a shadow over BMW, targeting several of its popular XDrive-equipped models for an alleged drivetrain defect. Owners claim their vehicles exhibit jerking and shuddering, particularly during slow turns or light acceleration, stemming from faulty transfer cases that improperly distribute torque. This legal challenge, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, accuses BMW of North America and its German parent company of selling vehicles with these inherent problems, undermining the brand's reputation for precision engineering and leaving owners with substantial repair costs.

The plaintiffs' case is bolstered by an internal BMW service bulletin from May 2020, which acknowledges complaints of driveline instability in certain XDrive vehicles and suggests issues with transfer case oil quality. This bulletin was reportedly updated in March 2025 to include a wider range of models, further indicating BMW's awareness of the widespread nature of the problem. Despite these internal communications, the lawsuit asserts that BMW continued to market and sell these vehicles without informing consumers of the potential defects. This alleged lack of transparency has resulted in owners bearing the burden of diagnosing the problem and covering costly repairs themselves, often outside of warranty coverage, for what they believed was a maintenance-free component due to BMW's 'lifetime-filled' fluid claims.

The financial implications for affected BMW owners are considerable, with transfer case fluid replacements ranging from $250 to $1,300 and full transfer case replacements potentially costing between $7,000 and $13,000. The lawsuit highlights a critical disparity in warranty coverage, noting that while new vehicles might receive repairs under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles and those under extended service contracts often do not. This situation forces many owners of CPO vehicles, who typically expect factory-level reliability, to pay for repairs out-of-pocket, creating frustration and eroding brand loyalty. As this property damage product liability case proceeds, demanding compensation for repairs, diminished vehicle value, and other damages, BMW faces increasing pressure to address these issues and restore consumer trust.

This ongoing legal battle serves as a crucial reminder for all manufacturers of their ethical obligations to consumers. Maintaining transparency, even in the face of potential design flaws, is paramount for upholding brand integrity and ensuring customer satisfaction. In the automotive industry, where safety and reliability are non-negotiable, proactive communication and genuine commitment to resolving issues, rather than relying on legal defenses, ultimately foster a stronger, more trusting relationship between a brand and its clientele. This case underscores the importance of corporate responsibility and its profound impact on consumer confidence and loyalty in a competitive market.

Rivian's Exclusive Miami Edition SUV: A Blend of Luxury and Power for the Discerning Few
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Rivian's Exclusive Miami Edition SUV: A Blend of Luxury and Power for the Discerning Few

Walmart's 'Robust' Garage Shelving Unit Now 62% Off
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Walmart's 'Robust' Garage Shelving Unit Now 62% Off

Toyota and Lexus Supercars Set for Joint Global Premiere via Livestream Event
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Toyota and Lexus Supercars Set for Joint Global Premiere via Livestream Event

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Phantom Lamborghini Countach's Unattended Journey to Scottish Castle

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A remarkable incident unfolded involving Simon Kidston's cherished 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopio, a vehicle often considered a highlight in his impressive collection. This classic supercar, distinct for its design closer to the original prototype before the addition of extensive aerodynamics, embarked on an unplanned nighttime excursion from its parking spot at a grand Scottish estate. Without any human intervention, the vehicle mysteriously started and moved, a phenomenon that has sparked both bewilderment and amusement. Security footage corroborates Kidston's account, showing the car in motion autonomously.

Fortunately, the unsupervised journey concluded without severe consequences. The Countach gently came to a halt in a bush, nestled against a wall of the residence. This fortunate outcome prevented what could have been a much more damaging scenario, such as a head-on collision with the wall or a perilous descent into a nearby river, narrowly avoiding extensive damage to the vehicle's nose or a complete loss.

Following the peculiar event, the damage to the underside of the car's front was assessed and, thankfully, proved to be minor, with repairs already completed. Kidston, a prominent British car collector and dealer whose family has a rich history with distinguished vehicles, approached the situation with a sense of calm. The mystery surrounding the car's self-propelled movement has been attributed to a more grounded, albeit unusual, cause rather than the supernatural. The prevailing theory suggests that the humid Scottish weather, combined with the car's Italian wiring, led to an electrical short circuit. This malfunction is believed to have engaged the car's gears, causing it to move forward intermittently before stopping.

Kidston shared his thoughts on social media, speculating on the cause. He humorously noted the possibility of a 'Scottish ghost' being responsible, but ultimately leaned towards the electrical fault exacerbated by the high humidity. He also expressed relief at the car's safe resting place, emphasizing that its path could have been far more destructive. The car, apparently in gear when the incident occurred, advanced in stages, suggesting a series of electrical impulses rather than a continuous drive. This unusual episode highlights the unpredictable nature of classic car ownership, where even the most treasured machines can have a mind of their own.

This bizarre event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Countach, even if that spirit manifests as an unexpected nighttime drive. It underscores the passion and occasional quirks associated with owning such a legendary automobile, reinforcing its iconic status in automotive history.

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Essential Vehicle Checks for Holiday Road Trips
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Essential Vehicle Checks for Holiday Road Trips

Rare 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet with Slant Nose Styling Emerges for Sale
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Rare 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet with Slant Nose Styling Emerges for Sale

Walmart Offering Discounted Slsy XL Folding Camping Cot for $50
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Walmart Offering Discounted Slsy XL Folding Camping Cot for $50

Cars

Custom Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior Build Reimagines OEM Excellence

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This article details Kai's exceptional "OEM-plus" customization of a 2007 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior, showcasing his deep understanding of off-road vehicle mechanics and his commitment to achieving superior performance while adhering to factory design principles. Drawing inspiration from Toyota's original Rock Warrior package, Kai transformed a regular cab Tundra into a highly capable off-road machine, a configuration the manufacturer never produced. His build incorporates advanced modifications such as large 37-inch tires, reinforced underbody protection, and enhanced suspension, all executed with remarkable precision. This project not only highlights Kai's impressive engineering skills but also demonstrates how enthusiasts can create highly functional and aesthetically pleasing custom vehicles with a strategic approach and hands-on effort, all within a reasonable budget.

Toyota's Rock Warrior package, introduced in 2009, was a precursor to the popular TRD Pro series, offering a robust off-road full-size truck. Originally available only for Double Cab or CrewMax configurations, it included Bilstein shocks, color-matched body components, a matte-black rear bumper, and coveted TRD 17-inch forged alloy wheels fitted with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. These tires, in particular, have become highly sought after in the aftermarket due to their performance and rarity. While the Rock Warrior was eventually phased out, its legacy of factory-backed off-road capability inspired enthusiasts like Kai.

Kai, a mechanical engineer, shared his personal motivations and philosophy behind the build. His affinity for the Rock Warrior began years before owning a Tundra when he acquired a set of TRD Rock Warrior wheels for his FJ Cruiser. He explains that the "Rock Warrior" concept resonated with his preference for slow, deliberate rock crawling. The official TRD endorsement further solidified his desire to build a true Rock Warrior, especially given his long-standing appreciation for Toyota vehicles. His decision to build a regular cab version stemmed from his belief that its compact size is inherently more suitable for the rigorous off-road challenges he tackles.

The essence of an "OEM-plus" build, according to Kai, lies in elevating a vehicle's performance beyond factory specifications while maintaining the manufacturer's engineering standards and attention to detail. This approach prioritizes reliability, ease of maintenance, and versatility for various applications, ultimately resulting in a vehicle that performs exceptionally well both on and off the road. Kai's Tundra exemplifies this philosophy, offering improved performance without sacrificing the everyday practicality of a daily driver. He meticulously documented his build process on his YouTube channel, Tinkerer’s Adventure, where he shares his journey as a passionate four-wheeler and overlander.

The tangible results of Kai's modifications are evident in his Tundra's imposing stance and superior off-road prowess. Key upgrades include massive 37-inch Nitto Recon tires, significantly enhanced underbody protection to safeguard vital components, redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and a comprehensively upgraded suspension system that provides impressive wheel articulation. Kai not only showcases the finished product but also meticulously explains the technical challenges and solutions involved, such as precisely fitting the large tires and accommodating a full-size spare tire in the under-bed storage area.

The financial aspect of the project is surprisingly accessible. Kai acquired the 2007 Tundra, which had 130,000 miles on the odometer, for $15,000. The additional parts and materials amounted to $6,104, bringing the total investment to $21,104. This remarkably low cost is primarily attributed to Kai's ability to perform all the fabrication and installation himself in his well-equipped home workshop. While such a project might require a higher investment for those who need professional services for tasks like cutting, welding, and advanced fabrication, Kai's endeavor highlights the potential for dedicated DIY enthusiasts to create high-performance custom vehicles without breaking the bank.

Kai's custom Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior stands as a testament to the power of passion, skill, and strategic planning in automotive customization. By building a regular cab version of a factory off-road icon, he not only filled a gap left by Toyota but also created a vehicle that is perfectly suited to his adventurous lifestyle. His dedication to the "OEM-plus" philosophy ensures that the truck is not only highly capable but also reliable and meticulously engineered, offering a blueprint for other enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicles while respecting original design integrity.

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