Recall - OBDII Non Compliance
Group 12Engine Electrical
Bulletin Number
12 15 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 2000
Service 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.
THE MY 2000 VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE INITIAL BULLETIN AND CUSTOMER LETTER. AN UPDATED CUSTOMER LETTER WAS MAILED IN AUGUST 2000.
This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 12 15 99 dated May 2000.
SUBJECT:
Voluntary Emissions Recall 00E-A01: Fault Access/O2 Readiness Codes
MODEL:
E39 528i, 528jA, 528iT, 528iAT 2/99 - 7/99
E46 328i, 328iA, 323i, 323iA 3/98 - 7/99
E46 328iC, 328iCA, 323iC, 323iCA 2/99 - 7/99
E36/7 Z3 coupe 2.8 4/99 - 7/99
E3617 Z3 roadster 2.8 4/99 - 7/99
E3617 Z3 roadster 2.3 9/98 - 7/99
Situation:
BMW has determined that certain 1999 & 2000 model year BMW automobiles with 2.5 liter and 2.8 liter displacement engines may not fully meet Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board on-board diagnostic requirements.
-- Due to an engine control module software error, a communication conflict exists between the engine control module and the transmission control module. This may lead to difficulties or prevent communication and data transmission between the engine control module and an off-board scan tool. Such a scan tool may be used during an official vehicle inspection, smog check, or an engine repair.
-- The oxygen sensor readiness code may not set on the affected E36/7, E46 and E39 vehicles.
A customer notification letter was sent out in August 2000 (included).
Cause:
DME programming error.
Affected Vehicles:
This recall involves E36 roadsters/coupes built between 9/98 7/99, E46 vehicles built between 3/98 - 7/99, and E39 vehicles built between 2/99 - 7/99.
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:
In order to complete this recall, the Engine Control Module (EGM/DME) must be reprogrammed using the DIS or MoDiC with P21.0 programming software or higher.
Procedure:
1. Check if the ECM/DME needs to be reprogrammed:
Vehicles produced up to 7/99 that have not been reprogrammed will have one of the following part numbers for a "Programmed control unit" displayed on the DME identification screen of the DIS/MoDiC. If one of these numbers is displayed, the control module MUST be reprogrammed, as shown.
2. If the ECM/DME must be reprogrammed, use P21.0 programming software or higher (available as of CD21.0). Refer to the attachment for programming instructions.
3. After reprogramming, the following "Programmed control unit" numbers will be installed.
Label Instructions:
After the vehicle has been checked and, if necessary, corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-163) and with a ball point pen print your dealer code (5 digits) on the Recall Completion Label (see illustration). An initial quantity of 100 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 vehicles registered in the state of California) once the Recall on their vehicle has been completed.
Note:
Additional labels can be ordered from Product Engineering.
Warranty Information:
Reimbursement for this recall will be provided through campaign entry without regard to vehicle age or mileage.