Battery - Field Evaluation of Different Suppliers

9217bmw01

Group 61
Electrical System


Bulletin Number
61 05 91 (3283)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ
December 1991
Product Engineering


This Service Information Bulletin supersedes S.I. 61 05 91 (3283) dated October 1991. It incorporates information on the potential failure of the battery vent tube. Please remove and discard S.I. 61 05 91 (3283) dated October 1991 from your S.I. binder.

SUBJECT: New Supplier - Battery Field Evaluation

MODELS: 318iC, 325iC (E30) and 525i (E34); battery located in engine compartment


Situation:
BMW of North America is conducting a large scale battery field evaluation of different suppliers. In the course of this evaluation batteries of different manufacturers, not bearing the BMW logo, will be installed into selected models in the VPC's and the reliability of these batteries will be monitored. A Service Action label number 57 will be affixed on the "B" pillar of the vehicles thus equipped.

Action:
Both S.I. 61 07 88 (1717) concerning battery maintenance requirements and S.I. 61 01 90 (3019) regarding checking of battery electrolyte level apply to these cars.








1. Whenever a vehicle with a battery not bearing the BMW logo and with a Service Action label number 57 is brought into the shop, the battery electrolyte level should be determined and the battery should be topped up with distilled water if necessary. The level of electrolyte should just contact the bottom of the "funnel" in each battery cell. Refer to Figure 1 for proper electrolyte level.

In order to measure the level easily and as precisely as possible you will be provided with a special, dipstick-like tool to measure the electrolyte depth (that is, the distance between electrolyte surface level and top of the plates).


Note: See Figures 1 and 2 for proper use of the battery electrolyte dipstick. The end of the dipstick must not rest on the plastic divider in the cell. Make sure the dipstick end contacts the battery plates. Please refer to S.I. 04 24 91 (3356) for information on ordering additional battery electrolyte dipsticks (SD 91-018).

2. At every scheduled Inspection or Service the specific gravity on all cells should be determined using a temperature compensated hydrometer.


3. The results of both the electrolyte level measurements and the specific gravity measurements should be communicated to BMW of North America, Product and Service Engineering via a "Pink Sheet". Please make sure that you provide us with all vehicle data requested on that form and your name and dealership in legible handwriting.

4. In the event of a failure of one of the subject batteries please mark the battery immediately with a Service Action label after punching out the number 57 and inform BMW of North America via a "Pink Sheet" of the failure; a special test of that failed battery will be arranged.

5. As an incentive for technicians to participate in this important program and provide BMW with the essential information, BMW of North America will conduct raffles with desirable prizes once during 1991 and twice during the respective years 1992, 1993, and 1994.





Subject batteries will be tagged with the label for easy identification.


Note: There have been isolated cases of the black battery vent tubing failing on 525i (E34) models that have the Interstate battery installed.

The tubing manufacturer provided unsuitable material for these tubes, and the exposure to engine heat under the hood of a 525i can cause the tubes to become brittle and crack. Acid or acidic vapor may cause corrosion damage to areas near leaking vent tubes, and in some cases, the tube may fall off the vent nipple.

Tubes made of special material are available for a replacement. These tubes are marked with yellow paint for easy identification.

Please check the baftery vent tube on 525i vehicles with Interstate batteries during Service Intervals and battery field evaluations. If the tube is of the old material (without yellow paint), then replace the vent tube with the new yellow-marked vent tube (P/N 88 88 6 900 357).


Parts Description Part Number
Information: New material battery vent tube 88 88 6 900 357

Warranty
Information: Reimbursement for this evaluation and/or part and labor will be covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect code: 61 21 00 12 03

Labor operation/description Labor allowance

61 99 000 Checking battery WT (Work time)
(check electrolyte level
and top up if necessary)

61 20 009 Checking battery 3 FRU

61 21 010 Replace battery vent tube As per flat rate
manual