BMW System 5 - the timebomb

A few months ago I posted on an issue with the system 5 helmet. From extended use (1.5 years for me) the pulley cable operating the flip-up on either side may fail. This is due to a bad design where the end of the cable is crimped and the cable rubs against the housing causing the cable (think pedal bike wire) to fracture.

Mine failed 6 months ago. I did a temporary repair while I tried to get a part and it failed again last week. If it fails while the lid is down you may need a trip to the local fire station as it's not going to come off your head easily!

After speaking to a BMW dealership I found out that only two parts for the helmet are available. You can order the entire front, at £150, or spare cushions.

I didn't feel like spending £150 on a 4inch steel wire, so I rang BMW customer services up yesterday to get a final answer. Spoke to Miriam, who rang the dealership back, who then rang me. The excuses were as follows:

1. the helmet is sub-contracted and economies of scale don't make it viable for BMW to hold parts.

2. it's a safety issue, they can't decide who is qualified to fit the parts.

3. the labor is too extensive (it takes me 5mins to swap and put together).

Buy a £280 helmet and when the moving part fails it's new helmet time. Pathetic!

Isn't the warranty for 2 years on BMW clothing/part?

I got a warranty claim on my system 5 .. different problem but BMW customer service eventually came round to my thinking (after haggling politely )

maybe you can do the same.

I remember when my system 4 had a failed part .. the dealer did a straigt swap.