Audio - Faulty Gong Causes Sound Like Alternator Noise

Group 65
Sound System,
Cruise, Alarms, Monitors

Bulletin Number
65 O3 98

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
March 1998
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Faulty Gong Causes Sound like Alternator Noise in Passenger Compartment

MODEL:
E36, E38, E39

Situation:
Noise in passenger compartment when engine is running, sounds like alternator noise coming through radio speakers. As engine speed increases, the pitch of the noise increases.

Cause:
Partial failure of gong can cause it to pick up interference from other vehicle electrical equipment.

Procedure:
Switch off radio and verify noise is coming from faulty gong.

Replace faulty gong.

Location of the gong is as follows:

E36 (excl. E36/7) Lower trim panel below knee bolster, driver side
E36/7 Center console, left side
E39 Lower trim panel below knee bolster, driver side
E38 Lower trim panel below knee bolster, passenger side

Parts Information:
Part Number Description Quantity

65 81 8 360 995 Gong 1

Warranty Information:
Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the BMW NEW Car Limited Warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles.

Defect Code: 65 81 90 15 00

Labor Operation 65 81 050 Remove and install or replace gong

Labor Allowance E36 (Excl. E36/5, E36/7) 3 FRU
E3615 4 FRU
E3617 7 FRU
E38 2 FRU
E39 4 FRU