This text is from a recently released US BMW service bulletin. Apparently BMW NA is preparing a letter to all owners of affected vehicles.
I don´t know if they will do this recall in other countries, but I post it for everyones information.
David
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SI B72 05 03
Safety Restraint Systems October 2003
Service Engineering
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if there has been a recall campaign, dealers must assure that all new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are free of safety defects and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards at the time of delivery to the consumer. This means that dealers may not deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers unless the safety defect or noncompliance has been remedied before delivery.
SUBJECT
Recall Campaign 03V-421: Airbag Control Module
MODEL
E39 (5 Series)
SITUATION
In isolated cases, when placing the key in the ignition ON position, or when starting the vehicle, the vehicle's airbags, safety belt pretensioners, or the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) may activate.
Customers have been advised that if they experience this problem, or are in any way concerned with operating the vehicle, then they should contact an Authorized BMW center immediately to have the vehicle brought in for servicing and repair. In this case, the BMW center should get the necessary customer and vehicle information, then call Roadside Assistance on the owner's behalf to have the vehicle towed.
Cars affected by this recall campaign should be returned to the customer, cleaned inside and out and with a full tank of gas. Reimbursement information for the vehicle fueling costs can be found in the Warranty Information section of this bulletin.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This recall involves E39 vehicles which were produced from January 1, 2001 to August 31, 2001.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed below are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
Model
Chassis Number Range
M5
BZ98432 – BZ99697
530i
CE90589 – CE91967
530Ia
CF05077 – CF14866
540i
GC96776 – GC98567
525iT
GD50124 – GD50261
525iTA
GD85129 – GD86220
525i
GF40575 – GF41556
525iA
GF59905 – GF59999
540iA
GM71263 – GM74050
540iAT
GN91714 – GN91975
525iA
GX20000 – GX27857
CORRECTION
Replace and code the airbag control unit
PROCEDURE
Replace the airbag control unit (Refer to repair instruction RA 65 77 519 "Replacing the airbag control unit").
Using DISPlus/GT1:
Select Coding/Programming / ZCS/FA Coding / E39 Series / Recoding / Airbag / Recode control unit.
Answer "No" to the question "Is the original airbag control unit still fitted".
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the coding process.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number
Description
Quantity
65 77 6 919 789
Airbag control unit
1
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This recall has been assigned code number 377. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-215) and:
emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
punch out code number 377 printed on the label (2) and,
affix the label to the B pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this recall will be via Campaign Entry.
Defect Code
00 65 77 01 00
Work Package #1:
Replace airbag control unit
Labor Operation:
00 54 189
Labor Allowance:
8 FRU (Sedan, excl M5)
9 FRU (M5, Sport Wagon)
Parts Allowance:
65 77 6 919 789
Airbag Control Unit
Qty (1)
REFUELING COST
BMW of North America, LLC, will provide reimbursement to have the gas tank topped off once as required, for each vehicle affected by this recall campaign. Attach the appropriate receipt to the work order.
Defect Code
85 99 00 66 NA
Labor Operation:
Refuel vehicle
Sublet:
Actual cost to top off the fuel tank
Sublet code:
4
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DRAFT
November xx, 2003
Recall Campaign No. 03V-XXX: Airbag Control Module
Dear BMW Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
BMW AG has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2001 Model Year BMW 5 Series vehicles. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT
The defect involves the airbag control module of your car. A microprocessor in this module could cause one or more airbags to deploy when placing the key in the ignition ON position, or when starting the vehicle.
In this case, unexpected deployment of the airbag(s) could cause serious injury if an occupant is to close to the deploying airbag(s).
In addition, the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.
PRECAUTIONS
1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
2. When placing the key in the ignition ON position, or when starting the vehicle, occupants should NOT be in close proximity to the driver or front passenger airbag, or the side airbags (including Head Protection System (HPS)). Drivers should not place themselves near the airbag cover located on the steering wheel, and front passengers should not place themselves near the airbag cover located on the instrument panel above the glove box. Occupants should be sitting upright against the back of their seat.
3. In addition, when placing the key in the ignition ON position, or when starting the vehicle, never let an occupant’s head rest near any side airbag. Do not lean towards or against a door with a side airbag.
4. Refer to the appropriate safety information in your Owner’s Manual, and observe the warnings contained in the airbag warning labels on your car.
2 5. If you experience this problem, or are in any way concerned with operating the vehicle, contact an Authorized BMW center immediately to have the vehicle brought in for servicing and repair.
6. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.
DESCRIPTION OF REPAIR
The repair will consist of replacing the airbag control module.
The repair will require approximately two hours. This work will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW center. Additional time may be required depending on the BMW center’s scheduling and processing.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle, we would appreciate you furnishing us with the name and address of the new owner, using the enclosed postage-paid card.
If you are a lessor of this vehicle, Federal Regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee.
If you have already had this repair performed at your own expense, please see the attachment regarding possible eligibility for reimbursement.
Should you have any questions about this campaign, please contact your Authorized BMW center.
We appreciate your confidence in our product, and we wish to do everything we can to retain your confidence. Should you need additional assistance, you may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.
If the BMW center is unable to remedy the defect without charge or within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
BMW will recall MY 2001 5-series cars for Airbag problems
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