Campaign - Engine Failure
SI B 11 04 02Engine
June 2003
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B 11 04 02 dated December 2002.
Note:
Changes to this edition are identified by bold text.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
S54 Engine - Extended Warranty
MODEL
E36/7, M roadster/coupe with 554 engine from 02/01 up to 06/02
[NEW] E46, M3 coupe/convertible with 554 engine from 03/01 up to 09/03 change
SITUATION
There have been reported cases of damage to the connecting rod bearings resulting in 554 engine failure.
Typical customer complaint would be: "engine knocking or rattling noise".
[NEW] After intensive and thorough investigation is was concluded that due to contamination of the S54 engine lubricating system during engine assembly in combination with unfavorable tolerances in the oil pump, the connecting rod bearings can be overheated which may lead to their damage and possible engine failure on M3 coupe/convertible vehicles produced from October 2001 through February 2002.
[NEW] Service Action was initiated on those vehicles to replace the engine oil pump, and as a precautionary measure, to replace the connecting rod bearings. Additionally, the engine control module will be programmed with the latest software, which includes improved cold start characteristics. Customers were notified of this Service Action through mailing campaign, initiated at the beginning of April 2003. Service Information B11 02 03 contains a detailed repair instruction as well as all warranty information.
[NEW] Also, in order to further strengthen our customer's confidence in the M brand products, BMW of North America has extended the warranty on all internal mechanical engine components that are lubricated by engine oil to 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for all model year 2001, 2002, and 2003 (up to September 2003 production) on M cars with 6 cylinder (S54) engine (VIN specific). Use DCS to check if a specific VIN is affected by this engine warranty extension.
[NEW] Customers were already notified of warranty extension. The customer mailing also included a warranty extension statement to be inserted into the Service & Warranty booklet. Copies of the customer letters, Q & A sheet, and extended warranty statement are included this bulletin. The Q&A sheet is for your use only.
You have already received a supply of the extended warranty statements (inserts).
Please make sure that this supplemental page, with the VIN filled-in, is inserted into the Service and Warranty booklet on all S54 equipped vehicles in your stock inventory prior to customer delivery, if not already performed during vehicle processing at VDC/ICP.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only.