Recall - Central Locking System Defect
GROUP 61Electrical
Bulletin Number
61 07 94 (4112)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Jan. 1995
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Recall Campaign 94V-219
MODELS:
5251, 525iA, 525it (E34) - Vehicles Produced 1/94 - 8/94
Situation:
BMW has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1994 and 1995 Model Year 5 Series automobiles. The potential defect involves the central locking system of the affected vehicles. It is possible that the double-lock feature could be unintentionally engaged with occupants inside the vehicle. This could occur due to a failed component (e.g., a faulty microswitch causing the double-lock feature to engage when a door closed), or due to specific sequences of exit from and entry into the vehicle. An example of such a sequence is as follows:
1. The passenger exits the vehicle, leaving the right front door open.
2. The trunk is opened (to retrieve luggage, for example) then shut and locked (thereby engaging the double-lock feature, if the driver's door has been opened and closed).
3. The passenger then returns the key to the driver and shuts the right front door.
In both cases (double-lock due to the above-described scenario or due to a failed microswitch) exit from the vehicle would not be possible due to the following anti-theft features of the affected vehicles:
^ The doors cannot be unlocked or opened from inside the vehicle.
^ The windows and sunroof cannot be opened, even with the ignition switched on.
^ The engine cannot be cranked or started, due to the activation of the drive away protection circuit when the vehicle is double-locked.
Exit from the vehicle is possible if the vehicle is equipped with a remote control alarm system.
Vehicles Affected:
1994 and 1995 525i, 525iA, 525it (E34) - vehicles produced 1/94 through 8/94 and not equipped with remote control alarm system.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communications System). Proceed to "Inquiries;" "Vehicle History" and enter the chassis number (last seven characters) of the vehicle in question. 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. The affected vehicles are limited to vehicles within the to ranges but not all of these vehicles are affected by the Recall Campaign. The final decision is the DCS inquiry.
Note:
If a customer presents the customer notification letter (for that chassis number) it is not possible to inquire on DCS. Perform the replacement of the General Module.
Correction:
The General Module software has been changed in series production as of 9/94. This has resulted in changed part numbers.
The General Module in all affected vehicles must be replaced with a General Module with the revised software version (see "Parts Information").
The software has been revised so that the windows and sunroof can be opened when the ignition is switched on, even if the double-lock feature is activated.
Additional software revisions are:
^ The double-lock command is now only carried out when the lock signal is present in the General Module.
^ The vehicle can be double-locked if the General Module monitors the opening and closing of the right front door. Previously, the General Module would not carry out the double-lock command unless it had monitored the opening and closing of the left front door.
Procedure:
Replace the General Module with a General Module having the revised software version (location: Power Distribution Box under the rear seat).
Parts Information:
Recall Label Instructions:
This Recall has been assigned code number 124. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-050) and:
a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b) punch out code number 124 printed on the label (2); and,
c) bend the label to crease an edge and remove the backing paper. Then affix the label to the pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the 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 Campaign will be provided by Campaign Entry.