Description:
If your cap has a bump in it, it's probably the old kind that doesn't release pressure...

Subject: Rad Cap Recall TSB 170198
TSB 170198 was issued in October 1998.


SUBJECT: Radiator Cap Recall - No. 98V-178

MODEL: E31, E32, E34 and E36

Situation: BMW of North America, Inc. has voluntarily initiated a safety recall campaign that involves the coolant system of the affected vehicles. The coolant system is composed of a number of components that are exposed to continuous thermal and mechanical loading. The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.
If the indications (e.g., movement of coolant temperature gauge needle into red zone) of such a critical overheating condition are not heeded by the driver, and if, in addition, the vehicle is operated under high-load conditions such that the elevated pressure cannot be adequately relieved, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled. In some cases, the coolant could contact an occupant and cause skin injury.
Also, coolant expelled from the heater core as vapor could cause fogging of the interior surfaces of the windows, reducing visibility and the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
To minimize the likelihood that any coolant system malfunction could lead to damage to the heater core end piece, a new design radiator cap will help control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Affected Vehicles: The procedure given in this bulletin must be performed on all affected vehicles identified on DCS. (A copy of the letter which will be sent to all affected customers is attached to this S.I.)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 on the attached chart are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor. The affected vehicles are limited to vehicles within these ranges but not all of these vehicles are affected by the recall. The final decision is the DCS inquiry.
Correction: The radiator cap must be replaced with the redesigned cap on all affected vehicles.
Procedure: The redesigned radiator cap should be installed on all affected vehicles in the customer drive area by a qualified service adviser or technician.
Caution: The radiator cap must be opened slowly when the engine is at operating temperature to avoid possible scalding. On vehicles with a hot engine, check the coolant temperature gauge reading before removing the radiator cap. This can be done while retrieving the vehicles mileage with the ignition switched on.
DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP ON OVERHEATING VEHICLES.
(If the coolant temperature gauge indicator is past the center line of the scale allow the engine to cool down before removing the radiator cap.)
Parts Information: Due to limited availability of parts for this Recall Campaign, BMW center parts order quantities
will be restricted. The campaign control system will be used to screen BMW center orders for excessive quantities. A DCS message will be sent out indicating how many pieces per week a BMW center will be allowed to draw from BMW NA. Please place orders using only the logical part numbers. Ordering of the individual part numbers or any quantities ordered above the maximum weekly allotment will automatically be backordered and canceled. Should there be any questions, please contact the Parts Consultant Group at 1-800-272-0202.

An initial quantity will be shipped to each BMW center starting on October 30, 1998.
Below is a listing of the logical part numbers which should be ordered to support the Recall Campaign.
Description Part Number
Radiator Cap (all engines except M20) 50 50 5 022 222 Logical part number 17 11 1 742 231
Radiator Cap (M20 engine only) 50 50 5 033 333 Logical part number 17 11 1 742 232
Radiator cap identification:
Part Number 17 11 1 742 231 All except M20 - 2.0 bar "200" designation on cap.
Note: Cap insert (arrow) with "200" and part number designation is black in color.
Top View Part Number 17 11 1 742 232 M20 only - 1.4 bar "140" designation on cap.
Note: Cap insert (arrow) with "140" and part number designation is yellow or black in color.
NOTE: Vehicles produced after 11/94 which are not affected by this recall may have radiator
caps installed without the "140" or "200" designation on top of the cap.
These caps are the redesigned style and should not be replaced due to the "missing" designation number.
DCS inquiry is the final decision if a vehicle is affected by this recall.
Recall Campaign
Label Instructions:
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 228. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-090) and:
a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b) punch out code number 228 printed on the label and,
c) 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 Campaign will be provided through Campaign Entry.
Special Defect Code: 00 17 05 01 00
Work Package #1 Replace radiator cap.
Labor Operation: 00 51 398
Labor Allowance: 1 FRU
Parts Allowance:
(Reference to
Logical Part Numbers)
All except M20 M20 only
50 50 5 022 222 50 50 5 033 333
17 11 1 742 231 17 11 1 742 232
Quantity 1 1
Model Type Engine Chassis Number Range Model Prod. Range
525i E34 M20 1518003 - 1519170 4/88 - 1/89
525i E34 M20 BC89002 - BC93621 1/89 - 8/90
525iA E34 M20 2081003 - 2086548 5/88 - 1/89
525iA E34 M20 BE19000 - BE31999 1/89 - 3/90
525iA E34 M20 GB21000 - GB25580 3/90 - 8/90
535i E34 M30 2173003 - 2174313 4/88 - 1/89
535i E34 M30 BF08002 - BF13162 1/89 - 12/92
535iA E34 M30 2090001 - 2094985 1/88 - 1/89
535iA E34 M30 BF61000 - BF75064 1/89 - 1/93
735i E32 M30 1630001 - 1630922 9/86 - 1/89
735i E32 M30 DB28001 - DB28146 2/89 - 8/90
735iA E32 M30 1640001 - 1644999 9/86 - 5/87
735iA E32 M30 3200001 - 3214128 5/87 - 1/89
735iA E32 M30 DB61000 - DB72069 1/89 - 6/92
735iL A E32 M30 3315001 - 3319335 1/88 - 12/88
735iL A E32 M30 DC23006 - DC31766 1/89 - 7/92
318i/2 E36 M42 JA00000 - JA11269 11/91 - 11/94
318i/2 A E36 M42 JC10013 - JC17629 12/92 - 11/94
318i/4 E36 M42 FG00000 - FG13601 11/91 - 11/94
318i/4 E36 M42 LA00000 - LA00237 11/94
318i/4 A E36 M42 FK58003 - FK69861 10/92 - 11/94
318i/4 A E36 M42 LA07000 - LA07267 7/94 - 11/94
318iC E36 M42 EC82005 - EC84142 1/94 - 11/94
318iC A E36 M42 ED15001 - ED17065 11/93 - 11/94
318ti E36 M42 AM50002 - AM50004 11/94
318ti A E36 M42 AM70005 - AM70012 11/94
325i/2 E36 M50 EF35004 - EF49592 7/91 - 11/94
325i/2 A E36 M50 EK00008 - EK16184 10/91 - 11/94
325i/4 E36 M50 FE00004 - FE20379 1/91 - 11/94
325i/4 E36 M50 FE40000 - FE40359 5/94 - 7/94
325i/4 A E36 M50 FF75006 - FF94999 3/91 - 8/92
325i/4 A E36 M50 FL00000 - FL19999 8/92 - 2/94
325i/4 A E36 M50 FM00000 - FM06927 2/94 - 11/94
325i/4 A E36 M50 FM10000 - FM10706 5/94 - 7/94
325iC E36 M50 JC78006 - JC82537 5/93 - 11/94
325iC A E36 M50 JD30006 - JD40098 4/93 - 11/94
525i E34 M50 BF94002 - BF98999 8/90 - 4/92
525i E34 M50 GB34000 - GB38249 4/92 - 11/94
525iA E34 M50 BJ57004 - BJ96999 8/90 - 10/93
525iA E34 M50 GK40000 - GK53855 10/93 - 11/94
525iA Tour E34 M50 GD20001 - GD25321 10/91 - 11/94
530i E34 M60 GE53002 - GE55183 12/92 - 11/94
530iA E34 M60 GE83001 - GE92453 11/92 - 11/94
530iA Tour E34 M60 GF80000 - GF81118 11/92 - 11/94
540i E34 M60 GA64002 - GA64388 7/94 - 11/94
540iA E34 M60 GF25000 - GF32726 11/92 - 11/94
740iA E32 M60 DE60000 - DE69144 6/92 - 4/94
740iL A E32 M60 DE83002 - DE93104 8/92 - 3/94
840Ci A E31 M60 CC89001 - CC90040 9/93 - 11/94
750iL A E32 M70 2765007 - 2770000 7/87 - 11/88
750iL A E32 M70 3056001 - 3056836 11/88 - 1/89
750iL A E32 M70 DC74000 - DC81782 1/89 - 3/94
850Ci E31 M70 CB42005 - CB42855 11/90 - 7/93
850Ci A E31 M70 CB72010 - CB75364 9/90 - 6/94
850Ci A E31 M73 CD05000 - CD05001 11/94
M5 E34 S38 BK05004 - BK06690 11/89 - 3/93
M3 E36 S50 EH00000 - EH03703 11/93 - 11/94
M3 A E36 S50 EN90009 - EN90012 10/94
850CSi E31 S70 CD00001 - CD00148 6/93 - 11/94


BMW Recall
Item Affected: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Date Announced: 8/14/1998

Description of Recall:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.

Action Needed To Fix It:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

http://www.dealerrater.com/recalls/

Jump to top

Symptoms: doors lock/unlock with very little key turning.

Description:
resync problem, or there is a signal missing to the GM that the locking has been carried out correctly,
therefore it opens again one time. That has been changed on later GM's.
You have to check the microswitches in the door etc. or even the trunk lock switch.
"Repeating the first command then results in carrying out that command (e.g., try to lock again,and locking is now carried out).
This function ("Asynchronous Position") is omitted in the new GM for all E32 models and E34 models prior to 9/91 (P/N 61 35 8 356 095), and remains in the new GM for E34 models after 9/91 (P/N 61 35 8 355 812) only for central locking commands "lock" and "double-lock".
- After unlocking is performed due to crash sensor activation, the locking command is now reactivated by double-locking with the key from either the driver's or passenger's door."
This Service Information Bulletin supersedes S.I. 61 01 92 (3460) dated January 1992.
It incorporates additional information on the new General Module software for E32/E34 vehicles.
Please remove and discard S.I. 61 01 92 (3460) dated January 1992 from your S.I. Binder.

SUBJECT: New General Modules (GM)


MODELS: 7 Series (E32), 5 Series (E34)

- Vehicles produced 9/91 and later

Situation: New general modules have been used in production since September 1991 in all E32 and E34 models. The software has been completely revised (details of these revisions are found in the attachment to this Service Information Bulletin). Part numbers have been changed to reflect these revisions, as listed below, as of September 1991. Model Part Number
E32 61 35 8 356 095,
E34-up to 61 35 8 356 095 9/91 production
E34-9/91 and later production 61 35 8 355 812
Note:
E34 vehicles produced 9/91 and later have different central locking system components from earlier E34 vehicles; therefore, P/N 61 35 8 355 812 is used only in E34 vehicles produced 9/91 and later, P/N 61 35 8 356 095 can be used in E34 vehicles produced prior to 9/91, and in all E32 vehicles. When the general module is connected to the vehicles electrical system, it will recognize (and store in memory) the vehicle configuration, such as:
- with/without power windows
- With/without power sunroof
- with/without wiper contact pressure control
- with/without headlight washers

Important Information
All general modules must be plugged in only after disconnecting the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle's battery is connected when the GM is installed, undefined signal contacts can cause an incorrect vehicle configuration to be stored, resulting in the impairment of one or more of the above-mentioned systems.
If one or more of the GM functions are impaired in this matter, the GM can be "cleared" by disconnecting the vehicle's battery for at least ten seconds.

GM Function Changes E32/E34 (Beginning with 9/91 Production)
- Repeat and Time interlock for headlight washers:
á Time interlock: 3 minutes
á Headlight washing at fifth windshield washing after time interlock.
- Intensive washing pump operating time reduced from 3 to 2 seconds
- Minimum interval for intermittent wiping is programmable down to 2 seconds (previously 3 seconds)
- Increased wiper contact pressure during windshield washing cycle is now also provided during dry wiping portion of the cycle (previously only during washer pump operation).
- Previously, the GM would react to opposing signals (eg., an unlock signal while trying to lock, as with a defective microswitch) by carrying out the first command, then the opposing command (e.g., locking, followed immediately by unlocking).
Repeating the first command then results in carrying out that command (e.g., try to lock again, and locking is now carried out).
This function ("Asynchronous Position") is omitted in the new GM for all E32 models and E34 models prior to 9/91 (P/N 61 35 8 356 095), and remains in the new GM for E34 models after 9/91 (P/N 61 35 8 355 812) only for central locking commands "lock" and "double-lock".
- After unlocking is performed due to crash sensor activation, the locking command is now reactivated by double-locking with the key from either the driver's or passenger's door.
- The "one-touch" operation of windows has been expanded to include all four windows in the opening direction. The driver's window still has "one-touch" operation in both opening and closing directions. Interruption of the "one-touch" feature of the driver's window in the closing direction is still accomplished by depressing any window switch (in any direction), or by depressing the sunroof switch in the "tilt" direction (provided the sunroof is not already in the "tilt" position). Interruption of the "one-touch" feature of the sunroof in the closing direction is still accomplished by depressing the sunroof switch (in any direction).
- The switch-off delay of the interior lights which occurs after entering the vehicle and closing the driver's door has been reduced from 20 seconds to 15 seconds.

Jump to top