Instrument Clusters - Transferring Odometer readings
Group 62instruments
Bulletin Number
62 02 95 (4174)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1995
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Replacement Instrument Clusters - Transfer of Odometer Reading
MODELS:
3 Series (E36)
SITUATION:
If an instrument Cluster must be replaced in an E36 vehicle (due to component failure such as an inoperative gauge, for example), the replacement cluster will come with the odometer set to zero mileage. Standard procedure is to complete an Odometer Notice Label, recording the mileage of the previous odometer(s).
This procedure may not be acceptable to certain critical customers. For this reason, BMW of North America, Inc. is instituting an alternative procedure for these critical customers. This consists of selling the odometer of the replacement Instrument Cluster to the actual, total mileage of the vehicle.
It must be emphasized that this alternative procedure is not meant to replace the existing procedure utilizing the Odometer Notice Label, and is to be used only in the event of customer dissatisfaction. Examples of such cases include:
^ Repeated Instrument Cluster Failure. In this case, multiple odometer notice labels could make calculation of true odometer mileage difficult, and might be unacceptable to the customer.
^ Customer dissatisfaction due to failures and/or repairs not related to the Instrument Cluster or odometer. If the customer is dissatisfied for reasons not related to the odometer reading, and replacement of the Instrument Cluster is necessary, this alternative procedure should be offered to the customer.
^ Perception on the part of the customer that the value of his or her vehicle has been somewhat lessened, as a result of a replacement cluster being installed with an odometer set to zero mileage. In this case, it must be emphasized to the customer that such replacement (with an odometer set to zero) complies with Federal and state laws (providing that the odometer notice label is completed and affixed to the left door frame of the vehicle); however, if the customer is not satisfied, this alternative procedure should be used to ensure his or her satisfaction.
CORRECTION:
When ordering a replacement Instrument Cluster for an E36 vehicle,request that the total odometer mileage (and Service Indicator information) be transferred into the new cluster, using the procedure described below.
IMPORTANT
Before a dealer can participate in this instrument Cluster Data Transfer Program, all dealership personnel who will be involved in the request process must send a completed Sample Signature Form (included) to:
Mt. Olive Parts Distribution Center
BMW of North America, Inc.
300 International Drive
Mt. Olive, NJ 07828
Attn: Monika Reimel
(Fax: 201-691-1159)
If there is a personnel change at the dealership, the Sample Signature Form must be updated.
PROCEDURE:
(1) Complete the "Request for instrument Cluster Data Transfer" Form (see illustration). This form must be filled out completely, and signed by either the Service Manager, the Dealer Principal, or the General Manager.
(2) On this form, specify the correct Instrument Cluster. It is the dealer's responsibility to order the correct part number, as once this data transfer is performed, it cannot be erased.
(3) Ship the old (defective) cluster with the "Request for Instrument Cluster Data Transfer" via Federal Express to:
Mt. Olive Parts Distribution Center
BMW of North America, Inc.
300 International Drive
Mt. Olive, NJ 07828
Use the special orange shipping label (SD 92-060) to ensure prompt handling of the cluster. Ten of these labels will be sent to each dealer under the Automatic Tool Shipment Program. Additional labels (10 per pack) can be ordered using the illustrated order form.
NOTE
The defective cluster should accompany the "Request for Instrument Cluster Data Transfer" to the PDC whenever possible, as the Service Indicator information can then be read out of it and transferred directly into the new cluster. If it is not possible to send the defective cluster with the Request Form to the PDC (in cases where the customer does not want the vehicle out of service, for example), the Service Indicator information must be approximated from the information supplied by the dealer on the Request Form, and faxed to the PDC (201) 691-1159 for manual entry. This process takes longer than the direct transfer of data from the defective cluster to the replacement cluster, and results in less precise Service Indicator information.
(4) Once the data has been entered into the replacement cluster, it will be shipped to the dealer for installation in the vehicle for which it was ordered. Installation into any other vehicle, or supplying false information on the Request Form, is a violation of Federal and State laws.
(5) If the defective cluster was sent in with the Request Form, the original cluster will be returned to the dealer with the replacement cluster. The transfer of Instrument Cluster Data, and the handling of the cluster(s) involved in this procedure, is completely separate from and independent of any Warranty procedures. It is the dealer's responsibility to follow normal Warranty procedures regarding the return of the defective cluster to the Warranty Parts Return Center. The Mt Olive Parts Distribution Center will not be involved in the return of these parts to the WPRC.
(6) Freight charges (in excess of the normal charges incurred by ordering a replacement instrument cluster) are solely the responsibility of the dealer.
(7) At the time of installation, the dealer must code the replacement cluster to the vehicle into which it is being installed.
WARRANTY STATUS:
Information only (this procedure is completely independent of any Warranty procedures, and there is no charge for the transfer of data into the replacement Instrument Cluster).
Send Orders to:
Product Engineering
c/o BMW of North America, Inc.
1 BMW Plaza
Montvale, NJ 07645
Or Fax: (201) 930-8401