A/C - Small Flakes/Musty Odors From Vents
Group 64Heating and
Air Conditioning
Bulletin Number
64 06 93 (3791)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
June 1993
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Small Flakes/Musty Odors from Air Conditioning Vents
MODELS:
E36
Situation:
In some cases, condensation may initiate surface oxidation of the aluminum tubes and fins in the evaporator assembly. Aluminum oxide particles can separate from the evaporator surface and be blown out the vents. These particles appear as small white flakes.
In addition, moisture remaining on the surface of the evaporator may provide a suitable environment for the growth of mold and fungus. The evaporator can be dried off by switching to a high temperature heater setting for a few minutes. However, if the evaporator remains moist for extended periods, a musty odor resulting from the mold/fungus growth may be noticed the next time the air conditioning is switched on after a period of non-use.
Special field test polyurethane coated air conditioning evaporators for E36 vehicles have been allocated, and are now available from BMW Parts. This coating reduces the adhesion of water to the evaporator surface, and prevents the condensation from initiating oxidation.
Correction:
In the case of a verified customer complaint, replace the evaporator with the special coated part listed in "Parts Information." Do NOT use this part number for other defects (e.g. leaking), as this will not provide us with useful information on the coating's effectiveness. In cases other than the complaint above, use evaporator P/N 64 11 8 391 356.
Procedure:
1. Fill out a Quality Observation Report (pink sheet) on the effectiveness of the coated evaporator installation.
2. When the warranty parts return tag prints out at the dealership, return the old evaporator. Be sure to attach a blue "Quality Control" decal to the old evaporator supply pipes. This will assist us in identifying evaporators for analysis. Note that the special blue decal is included with every new coated evaporator ordered for E36 vehicles.
Parts Information:
Coated Evaporator, E36 (and decal): P/N 64 11 9 065 701
Note:
These parts are compatible with both R-12 and R-134a systems.
Warranty Information:
Parts and labor covered under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Defect Code:
64 51 00 17 00
Labor Operation:
64 11 205 R & I IHKR housing/A/C recover/recharge
64 51 590 R & I evaporator
32 34 502 Extra work with airbag
Refer to E36 Flat Rate Manual for labor allowances.