Procedure
PROCEDURE1. Check the operation and function of all the lamps (park light, turn signal, and brake light) for both rear lamp assemblies.
If both rear lamp assemblies already have an additional ground cable (1) on the bulb holder (2) (see diagram - bulb holder is removed), no further repair is necessary.
If additional ground cables are not present on proceed to the next step.
[NEW] Important Notes (Refer to the Attachment):
^ The repair kit that is installed as part of this Recall serves as supplementary/additional ground wire/circuit for the rear tail light bulb carrier.
^ This being the case, even if the existing pin # 2 (left side bulb socket connector X338) and/or pin # 3 (right side bulb socket connector X339) ground terminals are corroded or missing (thermal damage) on the rear tail light bulb carrier, the rear tail light bulb (socket) carrier does not require replacement.
^ It is important to also clean the electrical contacts of the tail lamp bulb socket housings, to ensure there is a good connection with the pins of the wire harness connectors (newly installed or existing, as applicable).
^ Defective light bulbs, including incorrectly installed bulb types, are not covered under this Recall.
^ Do not claim additional parts that are not listed in this SIB, as this will delay claim payment.
2. If all lights are functioning correctly, proceed to step 3.
[NEW] If the lights within either tail lamp assembly are not functioning, inspect the wire harness connectors (left side connector X3 19 and right side connector X3 18). If thermal damage is found, then:
[NEW] Replace the 8-pin connector socket housing and all 7-pin connectors for the malfunctioning side(s) only.
[NEW] Remove the socket housing (1) (X338 and/or X339): Refer to ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) Repair Instructions REP 63 21 055 "Replace the socket housing for the left-hand or right-hand rear light (side panel)".
[NEW] Make note of the pin assignments and wire colors. Remove the harness tape about 150 mm from the 8-pin socket housing. Cut the cables off directly flush with the 8-pin socket (connector) housing X319 and/or X318 as needed. Replace the socket housing and all the (7) connector terminals, only for the defective side. Clean the connectors on the light carrier to improve a good contact to the other circuits. Proceed to the next step, # 3.
3. In this step, the repair kit (see diagram) is used.
[NEW] Locate the brown wire (pin # 2 for X338/X319 for the left and pin # 3 for X339/X318 for the right side), and cut the brown wire approx. 45 mm from the 8-pin connector. Do the below procedure for both sides.
4. Strip both ends of the wire and install two of the supplied female terminals.
5. Connect the two female terminals onto the outer terminals of the supplied comb connector (1).
Insert the fully assembled comb connector into the insulator housing and snap in place.
Install the female terminal end of the comb connector ground wire (2) to the blade terminal of the tail lamp circuit board (3), as shown in the diagram.
6. Retape the wiring harmess with electrical tape.
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 599. After the vehicle has been checked and/or corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-420) and:
A. Emboss your BMW center warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
B. Punch out code number 599 (2), 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.