Audio - Radio Theft Code Not Retained In Cold Weather
Group 65Radios and Accessories
Bulletin Number
65 02 93 (3729)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
February 1993
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Radio Theft Code Not Retained in Cold Weather
MODELS:
'93 MY E36 (318i, 318is W/M42 engine)
Situation:
The radio (P/N 90 88 1 600 300P) may not retain the theft code if the vehicle is not operated (ignition turned on) for a period of 24 hours, the ambient temperature is 14 degrees F or below, and the vehicle battery is not sufficiently charged (voltage below 12.0 volts).
Complaint:
As a result of this combination of conditions, the radio may not retain the theft code, requiring re-entry of the code the next time is started.
Cause:
The radio anti-theft memory circuit has been found to be sensitive to low voltage conditions when exposed to very low temperatures (14~F or below).
Affected
Vehicles:
Radio: Pioneer Radio P/N 90 88 1 600 300P (port unit))
Pioneer Radio P/N 90 88 1 600 301 (exchange unit)
(Radios installed in E36 318i, 318is only)
Correction:
In the case of a customer complaint, replace the radio. Updated exchange unit radios have a corrected anti-theft memory circuit. These can be positively identified by a small blue or black dot in the lower left-hand corner of the radio decal.
Procedure:
Make certain to exchange the customer's radio code cards along with the new radio.
Parts
Information:
Updated Exchange Radio 90 88 1 600 301
BMW Parts has purged stock of the older "cold-sensitive" version.
The updated exchange unit can be positively identified by a small blue or black dot in the lower left-hand corner of the radio decal. Refer to the illustration. Note that the radio carton will have a similar dot on the part number decal attached to the box.
Warranty
Status:
Parts and labor covered under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Defect Code:
65 10 00 19 BQ
Labor Operation:
65 11 030 Remove/Install Radio
Labor Allowance:
4 FRU