BMW Assist(R) - Location Unknown Or Inaccurate
SI B 84 07 06Communication Systems
June 2009
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 07 06 dated April 2006.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
BMW Assist Location Unknown or Inaccurate
MODEL
E46 (3 Series) from 9/03 with Premium Package (ZPP) or BMW Assist (SA 639)
E53 (X5) from 10/03 with Premium Package (ZPP) or BMW Assist (SA 639)
E83 (X3) from 9/03 with Premium Package (ZPP) or BMW Assist (SA 639)
E85 (Z4) from 10/03 with Premium Package (ZPP) or BMW Assist (SA 639)
SITUATION
The customer complains that when placing a BMW Assist call, according to the BMW Assist Response Center, the vehicle's location is unknown or inaccurate. However, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is received.
PROCEDURE
1. Check the BMW Assist account status on DCSnet. The BMW Assist services expiration date and the TCU activation status can be checked on DCSnet under Service/Vehicle History Inquiry. Refer to Service Information bulletin B02 01 06 (Updated DCSnet Vehicle History Inquiry information on BMW Assist) for more information. If the BMW Assist services contract has expired, the customer must renew his or her BMW Assist services. Do not proceed until these services are renewed.
2. Test the BMW Assist service for proper operation by placing a test call (press the Roadside Assistance "Wrench" button). Make sure the BMW Assist Response Center received the following information:
^ Correct Mobile Identification Number (MIN)/Mobile Device Number (MDN)
^ Correct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
^ Location for the vehicle
3. If the customer complaint cannot be duplicated and the fault is "sporadic" and "not currently present", clear the fault memory. Ask the customer for more detailed information:
^ Does the problem only occur at a specific location? Attempt to duplicate the problem at the location where the customer stated the problem occurred.
^ Was the BMW Assist Response Center representative able to perform a retransmit to obtain the location of the vehicle?
If a specific area is identified as a problem:
^ Review the attachment to SI B84 15 03 named "B841503Centers_Outside_of_Verizon_Coverage". If the area where the customer made his or her complaint falls outside of Verizon's coverage, please explain to the customer that this is a restriction in the wireless network, and there is nothing wrong with his or her vehicle.
The following disclaimer was extracted from the BMW Assist subscriber agreement: "GPS and underlying wireless services must be available and functioning; vehicle ignition must be turned on (except for stolen vehicle recovery services), battery charged and connected and vehicle's electrical
system operational; services may be limited to certain geographic areas."
^ If the area is not listed as an out-of-network area, create a PuMA case with detailed information about the specific location where the problem occurs.
4. If you can duplicate the complaint and the fault is "currently present", check the following:
^ Blue FAKRA connector at the TCU
^ On E83 vehicles, check the blue FAKRA connection at the shark fin antenna.
^ On E46, E53 and E85 vehicles, check the coax cable connection located approximately 100 mm from the GPS antenna.
^ Check the GPS antenna cable with an ohm meter.
^ Disconnect the coax cable from the GPS antenna.
^ Check the coax cable core from end to end. You should have approximately 0 ohms of resistance.
^ Check the coax cable core to the shield. The ohm meter should display high resistance/open circuit.
^ If the desired readings are not obtained, the coax cable must be replaced.
^ Reconnect the coax cable.
^ With the vehicle outside and a clear line of sight, using the GT-1 check via "Diagnosis" in "Control Unit Functions" if the TCU has 3-D positioning (3 or more satellites).
5. If step four does not resolve the concern, plug in a known good GPS antenna and check to see how many satellites the TCU is seeing.
6. If the connections are good and the GPS antenna does not resolve the concern, the TCU should be replaced. Refer to SI B84 23 05 (Enhanced Support for BMW Assist Telematics Control Unit [TCU] with Bluetooth� & CPT9000 Phone Systems) prior to replacing the TCU.
7. Refer to SI B01 10 05 (TCU ESN Registration via DCSnet) for new TCU registration information.
8. Test the BMW Assisttrade; service for proper operation by placing a test call (press the Roadside Assistance "Wrench" button). Make sure the BMW Assist Response Center has received the correct MIN/MDN, VIN and location for the vehicle. Have the representative update his or her records as needed.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Defect Code Refer to KSD
Labor Operation: Refer to KSD
Disclaimer