Recall - 99V063001 MRS Module Recoding: Overview
GROUP 72Safety Restraint Systems
Bulletin Number
72 10 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
January 2000
Service Engineering
SUBJECT:
Recall 99V-063.001: Recoding the E36 M3 MRS Control Module
Perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles the next time they are in the shop for maintenance or repairs, and prior to delivery.
MODEL:
E36 M3 with side airbags (option 260)
Situation:
The side airbag system is sensitive to certain non-crash impacts such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed. This could cause the side airbag of the vehicle to deploy without an actual side crash or impact severe enough to cause significant visual damage to the vehicle. Unexpected deployment of the side airbags could cause serious or fatal injury if the occupant's head is resting near any side airbag and could temporarily (or momentarily) distract the driver from controlling the vehicle. Depending on traffic conditions, and the driver's reaction, this inadvertent deployment could cause a crash and/or personal injury. The customer Recall Letter is shown.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
E36 M3 (Convertible, 4 door, and 2 door) with side airbags - option 260 produced from 11/96 up to 8/99
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 Communication System). 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.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if there is a recall campaign, dealers must assure that all new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are free of safety defects and comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards at the time of delivery to the consumer. This means that dealers may not deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment unless the safety defect or noncompliance has been remedied before delivery.
Correction:
Recode the MRS module with the updated software in CD20.0. (Coding version C20.0).
Some customers may express concern about driving their car to your Service Department for this repair. To handle cases of this nature when necessary, BM will allow (1) for towing affected vehicles to the nearest BMW Center through the Roadside Assistance system to have the procedure performed, or (2) for sending a technician to the customer's residence in those cases where this would be more economical than towing.
If towing the customer's car is necessary, please call Roadside Assistance at 1-800-332-4269 and make the arrangements on the customer's behalf.
Procedure:
CD 20.0 MUST be installed in the DIS/MoDic III. Refer to the installation instructions in SI 07 02 96 (9/99, attachment 1 and 2).
1. Important:
If the "airbag warning" lamp is illuminated, the faults must be repaired/deleted before proceding with this recoding.
2. Connect diagnostic connector to the vehicle.
3. Turn the key on (to KL15).
4. Select "Coding/Program."
5. Select "ZCS Coding". Scroll right >.
6. "Coding by means of central coding code (ZCS) Version C20.0" is displayed.
It is important that "Version C20.0" is displayed. C20.0 contains the updated MRS software. Scroll right >.
7. ZCS encoding can be overwritten by the modifications made by the CAR/KEY MEMORY program. They can be reset if necessary" is displayed. Scroll right >.
8. Select "4 E36". Scroll right >.
9. Select "1 Recoding". Scroll right >.
10. Select "19 AIRBAG". Scroll right >.
11. "AIRBAG has been selected. Select correct?" is displayed. Select "YES"
12. "AIRBAG Install control unit so that it works properly. Turn on ignition!" is displayed. Scroll right >.
13. "Start Automatic Coding" is displayed. Select "YES".
14. "AIRBAG Automatic coding active! Please wait!" is displayed.
15. When coding is complete, "AIRBAG The central coding code has not been changed! Coding Complete! Turn ignition off. Wait 10 seconds. Turn ignition on again and carry out functional check." is displayed.
16. MRS coding is now complete.
17. Attach the label with # 259 punched out.
Label Instructions:
This recall campaign has been assigned code number 259 After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-120) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 259 printed on the label and,
c. affix the label to the B pillar a shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top 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 will be provided through campaign entry without regard to vehicle age or mileage.