Antenna Amplifier - Generator Whine on AM Band

GROUP 65
Cruise, Alarm, Monitors

Bulletin Number
65 50 00

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
June 2000
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 65 50 00 dated February 2000.

SUBJECT:
E53 Generator Whine on AM Band

MODEL:
E53 produced up to 06/00

Situation:
Generator interference ("whine") may be heard when the radio is tuned to the A band

Cause:
Insufficient filtering at the antenna amplifier power supply.

Correction:
On a customer complaint basis only, and after verifying the complaint, install an improved antenna amplifier P/N 65 24 6 906 745.

Procedure:
To verify the complaint and replace the antenna amplifier: (Perform the following procedure outside the shop/garage. Interference from indoor lighting and computers is strong enough to cover the generator "whine").

1. Start the engine and turn "on" the radio and select AM band

2. Turn "on" the electrical consumers (i.e. rear window defroster, seat heaters, A/C compressor, high beams, etc.)

3. Slowly increase engine speed. Replace the antenna if the "whine" increases





The improved antenna amplifier can be identified by the production date code: 070h or higher, printed on the label, underneath bar code Digits "070" represent week 7th of year 2000.

4. After verifying the complaint, open the trunk upper lid.





5. Using a special body trim wedge tool (1) (e.g. P/N 00 9 317), lever out left side trim panel (2) from the lower trim piece (as shown on the illustration).





6. Gently unclip side trim panel from its retainer (1)





7. Proceed with detaching the side trim panel (2) from the retaining clips. Use a special body trim wedge tool (1).





8. Remove side trim panel (1) from swallow-tail guides of the upper trim panel.





9. Using a special body trim wedge tool, unclip and remove the upper trim panel (1) of the trunk lid.





10. The antenna amplifier is located in the center of upper section of the trunk lid. Remove one "Torx" screw (1) and all electrical connectors.

11. Install the modified antenna amplifier.

12. Attach the remaining connectors on the antenna amplifier.





13. Reinstall the top and side trim panels to the trunk lid.

Important:
If necessary, detach clips (1) from the trim panels and insert them into their corresponding slots in the rear lid.





Parts Information:





Warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.