Yeah, but don't write off 1999-2001 models because of some potential problem that may exist - or not. I'd ask Roger about it. I did a search here and found a couple threads on frame cracking, but more from accidents. Also, what was odd is that one mentioned the two part frame and how each section cost approximately $500. So I don't understand why a bike would bet totaled for a $500 part.

It wasn't the frame that cracked.... it was the tranny case due to the location and design of the frame mount. The labor to split the bike in two and replace the tranny and the mounting bracket would be far more than the $500 you mention.

:eek: :D

that's the best thread ever....

....that's the bReAstest thread ever....

corrected.

Phooey, I can't seem to get to that thread.

You must register over there, Gromit! (It'll be worth it...)

OK, just waiting for my email from that forum so I can complete the registration process.

make sure you don't have any spam filters blocking @bmwforums.net.

If you have an issues, PM me.

OK, now I get it. All works. Makes sense now. Woof.

In a little late to answer the worry about '99s, but my .02 is to say that whether its the luck of the draw or no my '99 has had none of the problems others have had. Besides JDock I would think that any issues with a '99 would be sorted out by now. But the red ones were hand crafted and engineered to perfection.:D

Never too late for advice, this really is just the kind of thing I'm looking for. Maybe its best to avoid a super low-mileage example of a '99? Or just ask the owner the disposition of the frame/trans, whether it was fixed, or whether its an issue on that bike. Is there a way to tell? A series of serial numbers within which those bikes had the issue? Manufacturing stamps on the bad transmissions? Hrmm hrmm.

DDP = engineering perfection. I'll try not to tip off anyone selling one then, or the price will surely increase. ;)

again, haven't really heard diddly about trans issues. i know the later ones are "improved", but to what degree is unclear.
only issue of frames is the mounting tabs for the rear subframe have a history of cracking/breaking in a crash or bad fall down. some have died in parking lot fallovers, others have survived big hits. not an issue that can be avoided- and if one has cracked you'd see it clearly. i'm not worrying.
shannon- do you know of any/many tranny cases that have cracked, other than yours?

there's a dealer affiliate who is a member of this board and has told me his staff has identified and had BMW replaced several trannies and tabs... 3 in 3 weeks one time if I recall correctly. Where the tab is located causes a hairline break in the tranny case itself. And none of these bikes had ever been dropped or spanked according to him.

This is supposed to be one of those unofficial BMW will fix it, but they won't formally acknowledge it kinda things.

He can come forward if he likes, but I'm not going to put him on the spot.

They redesigned the tabs that mount the tranny to the frame.

ya learn sumthin' new everyday.

Interesting. Even out of warranty? That'd be a good thing to know. Thanks again.

Who the hell are you?

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,"'WOO HOO! What a ride!"

Shannon's new years resolution!!
(for those that didn't catch it)

Multiple choice; I am:

A) A displaced "between contracts" East Coaster living in TX, currently using family visit time in NC to research a potential purchase
B) Someone who should very shortly get a windfall, who wants to make sure that his new (to him) BMW isn't going to need immediate, non-trivial work - and if it does, whether BMW will in fact cover it
C) Gromit, with no affiliation to BMW in any way
D) All of the above.

Are you gonna bogart that bong forever or what?