Central Locking System - Malfunctions
Group 51Body Equipment
Bulletin Number
51 11 93 (3875)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1993
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Central Locking System
MODELS:
3 Series (E36), 5 Series (E34) - Vehicles Produced 9/91 through 2/93
Situation:
Various complaints may be encountered regarding central locking system functions, including:
- System unlocks immediately after being locked.
- System does not function properly at one or more doors.
- System unlocks by itself (E34 vehicles only).
- System locks immediately after being unlocked.
Cause:
The above-listed complaints may be caused by defective actuators produced by VDO; however, other causes may also produce such complaints, such as an overly stiff mechanism or a loose or improperly adjusted trunk lock actuator.
Vehicles Affected:
E34 and E36 vehicles produced from 9/91 through mid-February 1993.
Correction:
In the event of complaint, proceed as follows:
1. Check operation of central locking system from the driver's door, passengers door, and trunk lock locations.
2. Using the BMW Service Test or MoDiC, and the latest appropriate software, check the status messages of the "Pin Contacts" (microswitch in central locking actuator) and the status messages of the "Lock Switches" (microswitch door lock).
3. If incorrect operation is observed, first check the pertinent wiring connections. Only after wiring is checked should the respective actuator be replaced.
Parts Information:
Central Locking Actuators produced by VDO have been improved since production date code 19.01.93 (refer to illustration).
If failed actuators are encountered that are produced by VDO after this date code they should be returned to:
Warranty Parts Return Center
BMW of North America, Inc.
1 BMW Plaza
Montvale, NJ 07645
Attn: B. Robinson
Include warranty parts return packing slip and warranty parts return tag with the parts return shipment to ensure proper crediting. Only the later production actuators are stocked in the Parts Distribution Centers.
Warranty Information:
Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty of 4 Years/50,000 Miles.
Use the defect code, labor operation(s) and labor allowance(s) appropriate to the model being repaired and to the repair performed.
Parts Information:
Description Part Number
Shell LA 2634 - 5 liter container 83 22 9 407 765