I have had an emission-related air pump and valve replaced on my 2002 BMW 325I five times since I purchased it new in June of 2002. The first four times it failed were within the first year of ownership and the most recent time it failed was in December, when the car had 77,000 miles on it. Each time it failed the check engine light came on. The only purpose for these components is to provide fresh oxygen to the catalytic converter upon startup in order to prevent the premature demise of the catalytic converter. Despite this, bmwna does not consider this an emissions related component covered under us law up to 80,000 miles. The last time the component was replaced it cost me $700 after the dealer reduced the bill. Additionally, BMW told me two weeks ago that I would be receiving an additional check for half the remaining cost of the repair. They have also promised that someone would contact me and explain why it isn't an emissions related part covered under us law. To date, I have not received a check or an explanation. My contention is that: - it is an emissions-related part and should be fully covered to 80,000 miles - the fact that five have failed on my automobile indicate that it is a defective design - the individual I spoke to at BMW acknowledged that there were some issues with this component, especially in cold weather (all my failures occurred during the winter months in Minnesota).

- Igh, MN, USA