Ignition Switch - Faulty

GROUP 61
Electrical

Bulletin Number
61 20 96

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Jan. 1997
Product Engineering

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION BULLETIN WHENEVER AN AFFECTED VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR. THIS PROCEDURE SHOULD ALSO BE PREFORMED ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES IN DEALER INVENTORY PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY.

SUBJECT:
Faulty Ignition/Starter Switch

MODEL:
5 Series, (E39), 7 Series (E38)

Situation:
Due to production tolerances, there is a possibility of poor contact in the ignition/starter switch. This could in turn cause starting problems at a later date.

Vehicles Affected:
This Service Action concerns 5 Series (E39) and 7 Series (E38) vehicles produced from August 1995 through March 1996.

In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, 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:
Replace the ignition/starter switch. Refer to Repair Instructions 61 31 020.

Important Note:
The switch must not be mounted loaded to one side (tighten the two gurb screws alternately, a little at a time, to avoid misaligning the switch). Before connecting the cable connector, check that the ignition key snaps back from position 3 (KI. 50/Starter).





Parts Information:

Note:
The inventory in the Parts Department has been cleared of the older switches. The improved switches are marked with a white dot on the end face of the casing.

Service Action Label Instructions:
This Service Action has been assigned code number 184. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-085) and:

a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);

b) punch out code number 184 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 shall be through Campaign Entry.