Recall - Engine Thermostat Inspection/Replacement: Overview

GROUP 11
Engine

11 07 01

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
July 2001
Service Engineering

This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 11 03 00 dated May 2000.

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.

SUBJECT
Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign No. 01E-A02

MODEL
E46 - 323i, 323Ci, 323iT, 323iC, 328i, 328Ci with M52TU engines
E39 - 528i, 528iT with M52TU engines E36 - Z3 2.5, Z3 2.8, Z3 coupe with M52TU engines

SITUATION

BMW has determined that certain 1999 and 2000 model year BMW automobiles with M52TU engines incorporate a coolant thermostat which may fail prematurely.

In order to remedy this situation, BMW is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Recall Campaign to check and replace (if necessary) the engine coolant thermostat on all affected vehicles.

A copy of the customer letter is included.

CAUSE

The thermostat element retaining lugs may break, which would cause the coolant temperature gauge to fluctuate (in and out of the red zone), low heater output into the passenger compartment, and the Check Engine lamp to illuminate with the following fault codes set in the Engine Control Module (ECM/DME):

-- Fault Code 168 (A8 hex) - thermostat for characteristic map cooling and/or

-- Fault Code 222 (DE hex) - coolant temperature plausibility

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall involves E46 3 series, E39 5 series and E36 Z3 vehicles with M52TU engines which were produced from 6/1/98 - 3/31/00.

In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall, 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 be considered as the only deciding factor.

CORRECTION

Check and replace (if necessary) the engine coolant thermostat on all affected vehicles.

PROCEDURE

Thermostat checking procedure:





Check the thermostat manufacturer name located on the thermostat housing as shown.

Note:
The thermostat does not have to be removed from the engine to preform this check.





If a Behr thermostat is found as shown, it must be replaced as outlined in the appropriate repair manual group 11, section 11 53 000.

Note:
Drain coolant into a clean drain pan for reuse after the thermostat has been replaced.

PARTS INFORMATION

The coolant thermostat and gasket ring may be ordered through all ordering methods. These parts are not restricted, however supply is limited, therefore limit ordering to actual quantities required.





The parts shown may not be returned via the center return system, obsolescence or manual AFA.

RECALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS





After the vehicle has been corrected, obtain a label (SD92-177) and with a ball point pen print your BMW center code (5 digits) on the Recall Completion Label (see illustration). An initial quantity of 100 labels will be sent to all BMW automotive centers. Peel the label from its backing and affix it to the left front strut tower (in the engine compartment) next to the Vehicle Emission Control Label.





For California centers only it is required by the California Code of Regulations that an executed orange "Vehicle Emissions Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (SD92-084, see illustration) be provided to each customer (for vehicles registered in the state of California) once the Recall on their vehicle has been completed.

Note:
Additional labels can be ordered from Product Engineering.





WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this Recall will be provided through campaign entry.





DISCLAIMER