Campaign - Starter Motor Replacement
SI B12 11 02Engine Electrical Systems
December 2002
Service Engineering
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Check and if Necessary Replace the Starter
MODEL
E46 325i, 330i with M54 and M56 engines
SITUATION
Due to unfavorable manufacturing tolerances a plastic pin in the starter solenoid assembly may break causing the starter to fail.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves E46 3 series vehicles with M54 and M56 engines which were produced from 3/12/02 - 10/12/02.
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
Check the manufacturer name and production date code on the starter and replace if necessary.
PROCEDURE
Checking the manufacturer name and production date code on the starter:
1. Remove the reinforcement plate from the front axle carrier as outlined in repair manual group 51, section 51 71 347 or plastic splash shield under the engine oil pan (depending on model).
^ Caution: Since the reinforcement plate is essential to the rigidity of the front axle, the repair instructions stated above (repair manual section 51 71 347) must be strictly observed.
2. Check the manufacturer and production date code on the starter located on the left side of the engine block (label on starter visible from under the vehicle) Note: To read the label easier on certain models, remove the vacuum reservoir (if installed) for the exhaust flap and unclip the fuel line from the brackets. See repair manual group 12, section 12 41 020 for repair tips.
A starter manufactured by Denso with a production date code prior to 269/02 must be replaced.
See E46 (M54/M56) repair manual group 12, section 12 41 020 for starter removal and installation instructions.
The production date on the identification label is given in the form of "calendar day"/"year" (the example shows: 269th calendar day of 2002).
Note:
The example starter shown is OK (date code is 269/02 or higher). If the date code is 268/02 or lower the starter must be replaced.
Repair tips for vehicles with automatic transmissions:
The transmission must be lowered by approximately 5 cm (2 inches) to access the top starter bolt.
See E46 (M54/M56) repair manual group 24, sections 24 00 028 and 24 00 029 for details regarding the following procedure for lowering the transmission:
^ Remove heater bulk head
^ Remove exhaust system
^ Remove heat shield
^ Loosen shift cable at transmission
^ Disconnect drive shaft from transmission and tie to one side
^ Caution: Do not allow the drive shaft to drop or hang since this will damage the joints and rubber boot on the constant velocity joint.
^ Note: Remove all butylene tape (butyl insulation strip) from the center bearing housing and body tunnel contact surface.
^ Installation: Before raising the drive shaft and center bearing assembly into the body tunnel (with the new butylene tape installed), a thin coat of mineral based oil must be applied to the center bearing contact surface in the body tunnel thus preventing damage to the butylene tape during installation.
^ Support the transmission
^ Remove the transmission cross-member and lower the transmission by approximately 5cm (2 inches) to access the top starter bolt.
3. Reinstall all components removed above, as described in repair manual group 24, sections 24 00 028 and 24 00 029.
PARTS INFORMATION
Vehicles with manual transmission:
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Service Action has been assigned code number 344. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-205) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 344 printed on the label
and,
c. affix the label to the B pillar 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 for this Service Action will be provided through Campaign Entry.