Recall - Auxiliary Engine Cooling Fan Replacement: Overview
Group 64Heating and Air Conditioning
Bulletin Number
64 06 01
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
August 2001
Service Engineering
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if there has been 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 to consumers unless the safety defect or noncompliance has been remedied before delivery.
SUBJECT
Recall Campaign 01V-206: Engine Auxiliary/Cooling Fan - E39, E53
MODEL
E39, 5 Series from 01/16/2001 up to 06/18/2001 production
E53, X5 from 05/01/2001 up to 06/18/2001 production*
* Note:
E46, E38, E52 and additional X5 (E53) vehicles are affected by this recall campaign; however, the repair procedure for them is different from what is provided in this bulletin. SIB 64 05 01 covers the repair procedure on those vehicles.
SITUATION
The potential defect involves the engine auxiliary/cooling fan in certain MY 2001 BMW vehicles. Fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. It is possible for the electrical circuitry in the fan control unit to overheat and fail, causing the fan to stop operating. If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result if vehicle continues to be operated, despite the warning provided by the coolant temperature gauge.
In addition, it is possible in some cases for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause smoldering. In the extreme case, a fire in the fan control unit, which is mounted in the fan and located in the front of the engine compartment, could occur. This could happen either while the engine is running, or after the ignition has been switched off, since fan may run for up to 11 minutes after engine shutdown.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves certain Model Year 2001 E46 with manual transmission, and certain E38, E53, E52 and E39 vehicles.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall Campaign, 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.
Corrective actions listed in this bulletin are only to be carried out on vehicles identified in DCS as having the following Open Campaign: 0064330100 SI 64 06 01...
The Chassis Number Ranges as shown are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor. These chassis numbers only pertain to the vehicles which require the repairs provided in this bulletin.
CORRECTION
Due to the limited availability of parts, customer notification mailings will be sent out in stages to ensure adequate parts supply for customers receiving notification letters.
On the affected vehicles check the part number on the electric fan shroud, and replace the fan/shroud assembly if necessary.
The Customer Notification Letter is shown.
PARTS INFORMATION
Every BMW center will receive an initial allocation of the improved parts.
Ordering Information:
Due to limited supplies there will not be any automatic parts shipment for these fans. The only orders that will be accepted for these must be VIN specific, single line VOR orders. These orders must coincide with the VIN ranges being notified at that time. Again, you will be notified which VIN ranges are being contacted. Stock orders, fax orders, non-VIN specific orders and multiple quantity orders will not be accepted. Anything other than VIN specific, single line, VOR orders will be cancelled.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 312. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-170) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 312 printed on the label and,
c. affix the label to the B pillar as 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 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 through Campaign Entry.