Emergency Flashers - Self-Activate, Cannot Be Turned Off

Group 61
Electrical

Bulletin Number
61 02 93 (3812)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1993
Product Engineering

This Service Information bulletin replaces S.I. 63 03 88 (1746) dated January 1989. Please remove and discard S.I. 63 03 88 (1746) dated January 1989 from your S.I. binder.

SUBJECT:
Emergency Flashers "Self-Activate"

MODELS:
8 Series (E31), 7 Series (E32), 5 Series (E34), 3 Series (E36)

Complaint:
The emergency flashers may "self-activate." When this occurs, they cannot be turned off by means of the emergency flasher switch.

Cause:
This "self-activation" is caused by a failed transistor in the Crash Control Module (N17).

Vehicles Affected:
All 8 Series (E31), 7 Series (E32), 5 Series (E34), and 3 Series (E36). (Note: some E34 vehicles may not be equipped with the N17 Crash Control Module; these vehicles are therefore not affected).

Correction:
If the above-mentioned complaint is encountered, remove and inspect the N17 Crash Control Module, before any other troubleshooting is performed. The Crash Control Module is identified with a tall brown case and the imprinted words, "Crash-Alarm-Geber." Location of this module is as follows:

E31, E32, E34: In front power distribution box

E36: Below left-hand dash, near steering column





Verify the manufacturing date code of the module. Crash Control Modules manufactured the week 8/93 and later are improved and not affected by this failure. The manufacturing date is part of a 5-digit code stamped in white ink on the side of the Crash Control Module, for example "30874," where:

3 = 1993
08 = Week (74 = test code for manufacturer)

Therefore, week 08 of 1993.

Replace the Crash Control Module if the above-mentioned complaint is encountered (and the date of manufacture is before week 8/93) with a Crash Control Module produced week 8/93 or later.

Parts Information:
The Crash Control Module is available under two part numbers:

Series Part Number

E36 61 35 1 384 761
E31, E32, E34 61 35 1 384 732

Parts in stock (both part numbers) are of manufacture dates of week 8/93 or later.

Warranty Information:
Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the applicable BMW

New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect Code: 61 35 90 42 00
Labor Operation: 00 50 468
Labor Allowance: 2 FRU (E31, E32, E34)
3 FRU (E36)