Recall - Emissions in Excess of Allowable Standards: Overview

GROUP 12
Engine Electrical Systems

Bulletin Number
12 18 99

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 1999
Product Engineering

Perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles the next time they are in the shop for maintenance or repairs.

SUBJECT:
Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign No.99E-A02

MODEL:
E31 - 840CiA with M60 engine produced 3/94 - 12/95
E34 - 530i/iA & 540i/iA with M60 engine produced 3/94 - 12/95
E38 - 740iA/iLA with M60 engine produced 3/94 - 12/95

Situation:
BMW has determined that certain 1995 model year BMW automobiles with 3.0 liter and 4.0 liter displacement engines may be exceeding Federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (GARB) emission standards.

Cause:
During the course of routine customer vehicle emissions evaluations, BMW has found vehicles with higher than expected nitrogen oxide emissions, exceeding applicable emission standards. BMW investigated this problem and found excessive deposits on the oxygen sensors' ceramic sensing element, causing a lean shift of the air/fuel ratio and consequently, higher than normal NO(x) emissions.

Affected Vehicles:
This Recall involves E31, E34 and E38 vehicles with M60 engines which were produced from 1/94 - 12/95.

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 are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.

Correction:
BMW has developed an engine control module (DME/ECM) software program, which will correct and reduce NO(x) emissions to levels below the applicable standards. In order to introduce this program into the DME the EPROM currently installed in the control module will need to be replaced and reprogrammed using CD P18.0 or higher.





Parts Information:

Recall Label Instructions:





After the vehicle has been checked and corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-135) and with a ballpoint pen print your dealer code (5 digits) on the Recall Completion Label (see illustration). An initial quantity of 50 labels will be sent to all BMW automotive centers. Peel the label from its backing and affix it to the left front strut tower (in the engine compartment) next to the Vehicle Emission Control Label.





For California centers only it is required by the California Code of Regulations that an executed orange "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (SD92-084, see illustration) be provided to each customer (for vehicle registered in the state of California) once the Recall on their vehicle has been completed.

Note:
Additional labels can be ordered from Product Engineering (a pre-printed order form is included).

Warranty Information:








Reimbursement for this Recall will be provided through campaign entry.