Recall 06V-400 - Front Control Arm/Tie Rod Torque
SI B 31 03 06Front Axle
November 2006
Technical Service
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if there has been a recall campaign, dealers must assure that all new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are free of safety defects and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards at the time of delivery to the consumer. This means that dealers may not deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers unless the safety defect or noncompliance has been remedied before delivery.
SUBJECT
Recall Campaign 06V-400, Check Tightening Torque of Front Axle Control Arms and Tie Rods
MODEL
E90 (3 Series)
SITUATION
During the assembly process, one of the four fasteners which secure the front control arms and tie rod ends to the left or right steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened. Over time this condition could lead to undue wear and damage to these components.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves 325 and 330 models which were produced from 30 June 2006 through 14 July 2006.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall Campaign, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed below are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
Model Chassis Number Range
325iA K000716 - K001134
330i AZ88529 - AZ88650
330iA KS38285 - KS38708
CORRECTION
Check the initial tightening torque of the affected front axle fasteners. Re-torque the fasteners or replace the necessary components as specified under the section marked PROCEDURE in this bulletin.
PROCEDURE
With the vehicle properly supported on a lift, check the torque of the front axle fasteners. This procedure must be performed at the left and right front steering knuckles.
Using a torque wrench, set to 60 Nm, check the release torque (counter clockwise rotation) of the fasteners (1) that secure the outer tie rod ends (2) and the control arms (3) to the steering knuckles. If the fastener cannot be removed, with a release torque of 60 Nm, then set the torque wrench to 165 Nm and tighten the fastener.
For replacement of the left or right steering knuckle and the outer tie rod end see Repair Instructions:&line;RA 31 21 090 and 32 21 151.&line;
For replacement of the left or right steering knuckle and the lower control arm see Repair Instructions:&line;RA 31 21 090 and 31 12 00.&line;&line;After the steering knuckle has been replaced, a wheel alignment must be performed, and the toe-in and camber adjusted if necessary, see Repair Instructions: RA 32 00 155/601/610.
PARTS INFORMATION
Please note: It is known that only one fastener can be loose on the affected vehicles. Therefore, only one steering knuckle (left or right) can be claimed per vehicle. Additionally, only the component which was not sufficiently tightened should be replaced (tie rod end or lower control arm, not both).
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 480 After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-295) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 480 (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
Disclaimer