Service Information Ruling for OBD

04 09 00

Tools and Equipment

March 2000

SUBJECT
OBD Service Information Ruling

MODEL
All

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 04 17 96 dated April 1996.

SITUATION
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act ruling regarding the sale of Service Information items became effective December 7, 1995. The final ruling requires that all vehicle manufactures selling vehicles in the United States make available to the aftermarket all service information material that is necessary to diagnose, repair and program emission related problems. The ruling applies to model year 1994 and later vehicles. The listing of service information materials for sale includes:





An additional requirement is the download and upkeep of a complete index itemizing the above materials. An index of all vehicle manufacturers and a summary of the Clean Air Act is kept on a Federal Government website called FedWorld. To access the website go to:

1. http://www.fedworld.gov

2. Select "Automotive Services Information" at "List Federal Databases"

3. Select "Search" and search by the vehicle manufacturer of choice.

The FedWorld database is administered by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). After identifying information relevant to the required repair the aftermarket technician may order materials via a phone number provided on every record. BMW has contracted with The Central Letter Shop to sell and upkeep information in the database. The Central Letter Shop can be reached at:

1 800 695 0079 or fax 1 877 695 0079.

Part of the ruling requires vehicle manufacturers to sell diagnostic and programming equipment pertaining to emission related system(s) faults on 1996 and later vehicles. To meet this requirement BMW is selling software programs that run on a Lap Top PC via interface box and 2 cables. Lap Top PC's are not for sale at the website and must be supplied separately.





Minimum specifications for a Lap Top to operate properly

Two cables and an EDIC box are included with the Diagnostic Programming Interface. One cable connects to the BMW 20pin diagnostic port (on the BMW vehicle) and the other to the Lap Top COM port. Software is ordered separately and emulates the MoDiC software but is limited to emission related control modules.

There is a charge for all items offered under this program.





DISCLAIMER