Customer Notification Letter:
August 1996Recall Campaign No. 96V-111, Brake Light Switch
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 determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1990-95 Model Year BMW automobiles. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle.
Description of Defect
The brake lights of your vehicle are controlled by a switch activated by the brake pedal arm. This switch could fail, depending on the frequency and duration of brake application.
If this were to occur, the switch could remain either in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position. If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
Description of Repair
The repair will consist of replacing the existing brake light switch with one of a different design.
This repair will require approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW Dealer. Additional time may be required depending on the Dealer's scheduling and processing.
Precautions
1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
2. Before the repair is performed, brake light operation may be checked with the vehicle stationary by turning the key to position 2 ("ignition" or "on") and depressing the brake pedal. An observer positioned at the rear of the vehicle can determine if the brake lights are working properly. If the brake lights are inoperative or if they are continuously lit, the vehicle should not be driven. Arrangements should be made for pickup and repair.
3. If the inoperative or continuously-lit brake lights are ignored and the vehicle is driven, a crash involving another vehicle (or vehicles) could occur without prior warning, depending on environmental and traffic conditions.
4. If you are not the sole driver of your car, please advise all other drivers of these necessary precautions.
Other Information
If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle, we would appreciate your furnishing us with the name and address of the new owner, using the enclosed postage-paid card.
Should you have any questions about this campaign, please contact your Authorized BMW Dealer.
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 dealer is unable to remedy the defect without charge or within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. 20590, or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. area residents may call 202-366-0123).