Campaign - Rod Bearing Replacement/PROM Update: Overview
SI B 11 04 04Engine
August 2004
Technical Service
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Service Action: E46 M3 S54 Connecting Rod Bearings Replacement
MODEL
E46: M3 coupe/convertible with S54B32 produced from 02/12/2001 up to 05/22/2003
SITUATION
The connecting rod bearings installed in M3 coupe/convertible vehicles produced from February 2001 through May 2003 were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating and subsequent premature failure if vehicles are driven at higher engine speeds over an extended timeframe. This condition will cause a total engine failure.
A Service Action will be conducted on those vehicles to replace the connecting rod bearings. Additionally, the engine control module will be programmed with the latest software. Customers will be mailed letters notifying them of the Service Action shortly (copy of letter and the Q & A list are shown).
The M3 vehicles produced from October 2001 through February 2002, which already had the Connecting Rod Bearings/Oil Pump Campaign 356 (SIB 11 02 03) previously performed, are also affected by this Service Action.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
All M3 coupe/convertible vehicles equipped with SMG transmission affected by this Service Action Campaign are also in the range of the soon to be released Service Action # 423: Reprogramming of the SMG Control Module with DIS CD 39 (SI B23 05 04 will be published shortly). Make sure that both Service Actions are performed during the same service visit (as soon, as CD39 becomes available - introduction planned at beginning of September '04).
To minimize the customer inconvenience caused by this Service Action, you may pick-up (and deliver after repair) the affected vehicle from customer's home and provide appropriate alternative transportation.
Customers will be impressed when you return their cars cleaned inside and out and with a full tank of gas. Reimbursement information for the vehicle fueling and valet costs may be found in the Warranty portion of this bulletin.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves E46 M3 coupe/convertible vehicles with S54B32 engines which were produced from February 12, 2001 up to May 22, 2003.
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 shown are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
PARTS INFORMATION
Orders for the S54 Connecting Rod Bearing Kit (P/N 11 41 0 395 192) will be VIN specific. Orders may be placed as a VOR or stock order. The VIN is to be placed in the "comment/text" field. It is recommended that VIN not be used as the P.O. number. This will prevent using the VIN again for subsequent VIN specific orders. Only orders with a VIN will be released. All other orders will be cancelled.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Service Action has been assigned code number 422. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD92-267) and:
a emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 422 (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.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this Service Action will be via Campaign Entry. Utilize the defect code for the open campaign identified in DCS. Each affected vehicle will only have one of the following defect codes "open". Claims will not be accepted if they are submitted using the incorrect defect code.
Disclaimer