Electric Cars

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.

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.