Campaign - Throttle Potentiometer: Code 12/Rough Idle
90bmw21 Group 13 Fuel SystemsBulletin Number 13 09 90 (3141 Woodcliff Lake, NJ December 1990 Service Engineering
SUBJECT: Throttle Potentiometer
Model: 318i/is (with manual transmission and M42 engine only)
Situation: CHECK ENGINE light comes on, DME fault code 12 is set and rough idle is observed. As a preventive measure and to ensure customer satisfaction BMW has decided to replace all throttle potentiometers on vehicles produced before September 21, 1990.
Cause: Due to the possible breakage of an internal solder connection and resulting incorrect resistance value the above conditions may occur on cars produced prior to 9-21-90.
Parts
Identification: The throttle potentiometers bear a 5 digit production code in the connector area, which is read as follows:
first 2 digits: week
digits 3 & 4: year
digit 5: batch number.
Parts as of production code 2190X are of improved design, and need not to be replaced in the context of this SI. As a quick check, parts produced after the cutoff date can be identified by the reinforcement ribs on the back of the housing.
Correction: Before taking any further action please check for the presence of a
Service Action sticker coded with the number "46" on the "B" pillar. If such a sticker is found, no further action is necessary.
Otherwise, replace the throttle potentiometer (P/N 13 63 1 726 591) on every E30 equipped with an M42 engine, within the VIN ranges of
EE 65 000 thru EE 70 236 (model 318is)
EJ 00 000 thru EJ 02 293 (model 318i - 4 dr)
and where the throttle potentiometer production code is less than 2190X ("X" can be any digit between "0" and "9") that is brought in for regular maintenance or service.
Furthermore, every time a PDI is performed and on every car in dealer stock the applicability of this SI should be checked and the throttle potentiometer replaced if necessary.
Service Action Label
Requirement: This Service Action has been assigned code number "46". After the prescribed work has been performed, obtain label (SD 89-006) and
a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label;
b) punch out code number "46" printed on the label
c) bend label to crease an edge and remove the backing paper. Then affix to the "B" pillar (on the driver's front door) as shown.
If the car affected already has a label from a previous Service Action/ Recall Campaign, affix this new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched out hole of the new label.