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Campaign - 'BMW Assist' Inoperative

SI B 84 18 03
Phone, Navigation Systems

November 2003
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B84 18 03 dated October 2003.

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS AND PRIOR TO RETAIL DELIVERY.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Service Action: BMW Assist Inoperative

MODEL
B46 (3 Series) from 9/2003 with BMW Assist (Option ZPP or 639).

SITUATION
When activating BMW Assist via the On Board Monitor (vehicles equipped with navigation system) or the "SOS" (wrench) button on the mirror, the call is not completed.





This Service Action will replace missing Telematics Control Units (TCU) on the affected vehicles. A copy of the customer notification letter is included.

To minimize customer's inconvenience caused by this service action, pick-up (and deliver after repair) the affected vehicle from customer's home or 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 B46 (3 Series) vehicles, which were produced from 9/2003 to 10/2003.

[NEW] 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.

VIN specific parts have already been sent to the wholesale or retail BMW center of record as of October 2003 We anticipate most repairs will be performed by that BMW center. Please note the "Parts Information" provided in this Service Information.





The Chassis Number Ranges listed are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.

1. Telematics Control Unit (TCU) missing.

PROCEDURE

1. Access the TCU location in the left luggage compartment by removing the trim (on convertibles the TCU location is on the lefi rear bulkhead, accessed via the trunk).

NOTE:
If there is a TCU already installed in the vehicle, please call the Technical Hotline (Electrical) for further instructions

2. Before installing the replacement TCU, make note of the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and copy this information onto the "TCU Registration Form" and fax the form to the number indicated on the form. This will register the new TCU to this vehicle.

3. Install the new TCU and code it with DIS CD35 or higher.

4. Test the BMW Assist service for proper operation by placing a test call.

LABEL INSTRUCTIONS

This Service Action has been assigned code number 378. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-215) and:

a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);

b. punch out code number 378 (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.





PARTS INFORMATION

Your parts department will be contacted by a representative of the Parts Consultant Group (PCG) to inform you of the VIN's involved. The quantity of TCUs required to meet this Service Action will be forwarded automatically to your Parts Department. We will place the VIN's in the comment/text field of your order. The Purchase Order will be "E46TCU". Shipments will start the week of October 27th. Should you have any questions please consult the PCG at 1-800-272-0202.

It is imperative that the TCUs shipped to you only be used in the VIN"S specified on the order.





[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION

Reimbursement for this Service Action will be via Campaign Entry

[NEW] REFUELING COST





BMW of North America, LLC, will provide reimbursement to have the gas tank topped off once as required, for each vehicle affected by this Recall Campaign. Attach the appropriate receipt to the work order.

[NEW] VALET COST





BMW of North America, LLC, will provide reimbursement for vehicle valet services (pick up & delivery) for each vehicle affected by this Recall Campaign. Attach the appropriate receipt to the work order.

[NEW] RENTAL VEHICLES

Retailers participating in the Retailer Administered Customer Assistance Program and the BMW Service Loaner Car Program may self-authorize claims for reimbursement of rental costs from independent rental agencies in certain situations:. For more details refer to SI B01 07 03.

ATTACHMENTS
view PDF attachment R841803Letter.