Recall - Rear Strut Lower Bolt Replacement
SI M33 01 03Rear Axle
April 2003
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. M33 01 03 dated March 2003. The customer letter is included.
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
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 03V-086: Replacing Rear Lower Spring Strut Bolts
MODEL
R50 (Cooper) and R53 (Cooper S)
SITUATION
The potential defect involves the lower bolt connection of the rear struts to the chassis. In very rare cases due to a production problem with the bolt, the head (top) of the bolt securing this connection may break. The remaining portion of the bolt (stud or shaft) will still hold the strut in place. However, if left unattended over a long period of time, and depending on driving conditions, the remaining portion of the bolt may break. If it broke, the chassis would lean directly on the tire diminishing the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves Cooper and Cooper S vehicles which were produced from 25 September 2002 through 14 November 2002.
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). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
CORRECTION
The lower securing bolts for the rear spring struts must be replaced.
PROCEDURE
With the vehicle raised on a lift, use a lifting device to relieve load on trailing arm and remove the lower strut bolt (1). Install the new bolt and torque to 140 Nm. Please note: the left rear spring strut is shown for illustration purposes. The procedure is the same for the right rear spring strut.
PARTS INFORMATION
This repair will require parts shown.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 7. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (MD 20-013) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 7 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 Recall will be via Campaign Entry.