Campaign - Front Axle Final Drive Oil/Seal Replacement
GROUP 31Front Axle
Bulletin Number
31 50 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
September 2000
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.
SUBJECT
Front Axle Final Drive Oil Change after 1000 miles
MODEL
E53 X5 with M54 engine
SITUATION
The front axle final drive of the affected vehicles may contain some production residue (aluminum filings) which must be flushed out as soon as possible after the vehicle has accumulated at least 1000 miles.
This residue must be removed by bringing the vehicle up to operating temperature and changing the front axle final drive oil two (2) times as described in the procedure below.
Note:
The procedure described in this service information bulletin must be repeated during the first oil service (approximately 15,000 miles) as indicated in S.I. 31 51 00 on all affected vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves X5 3.0 vehicles produced up to 5/2000.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, 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 shown are only for informational purposes and are not to he considered as the only deciding factor.
CORRECTION
Visually inspect the front axle final drive radial oil seals for leaks (replace if leaking) and change the front axle final drive oil two (2) times as described in the procedure below on all affected vehicles.
PROCEDURE
1. Drive the vehicle approximately 10 miles to bring the drive train up to operating temperature.
2. Raise the vehicle and remove the front axle reinforcement plate (see repair manual group 31 10, section 31 10 010)
3. Visually inspect the front axle final drive input flange radial oil seal for leaks. Replace seal if leaking as outlined in repair manual group 31 51, section 31 51 010.
4. Visually inspect the front axle final drive radial oil seal (left side output shaft) for leaks.
Replace seal if leaking as outlined in repair manual group 31 60, section 31 51 015.
5. Visually inspect the front axle final drive radial oil seal (right side output shaft) for leaks.
Replace seal if leaking as outlined in repair manual group 31 60, section 31 51 020.
Note:
If two out of the three seals described above are leaking all three seals must be replaced.
6. Change the front axle final drive oil.
7. Reinstall front axle reinforcement plate as outlined in repair manual group 31 10, section 31 10 010. (Follow bolt tightening sequence) Tightening torque: Initial torque 56 Nm (41 ft.lb) then tighten (torque angle) an additional 90+15 (90-105) degrees.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Under no circumstances should the vehicle be driven without the front axle reinforcement plate installed.
8. Drive the vehicle again approximately 10 miles to bring the drive train up to operating temperature.
9. Replace the front axle final drive oil again as outlined above.
10. Replace the sealing washers on the oil drain and filler plugs and torque to specification.
11. Reinstall front axle reinforcement plate as outlined above using new bolts and flange nuts.
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Service Action has been assigned code number 282. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-130) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 282 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 Service Action will be provided through Campaign Entry.
Defect Code 00 31 20 01 00