Recall - Radiator Cap Replacement: Overview
Group 17Cooling Systems
17 01 98
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Service Engineering
February 2001
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 17 01 98 dated October 1998. Customer notification letters were originally sent during the period of March 1999 - August 1999 to the registered owners (as ascertained from States Motor Vehicle Registration data) of affected vehicles. The current owners of "not yet repaired" vehicles will be mailed follow-up notification letters during the period of March - April 2001.
A copy of the customer letter is shown, for your information.
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:
Radiator Cap Recall - No. 98V-178
MODEL:
E31, E32, E34 and E36
SITUATION:
BMW of North America, LLC has voluntarily initiated a safety recall campaign that involves the coolant system of the affected vehicles.
The coolant system is composed of a number of components that are exposed to continuous thermal and mechanical loading. The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.
If the indications (e.g., movement of coolant temperature gauge needle into red zone) of such a critical overheating condition are not heeded by the driver, and if, in addition, the vehicle is operated under high-load conditions such that the elevated pressure cannot be adequately relieved, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled. In some cases, the coolant could contact an occupant and cause skin injury.
Also, coolant expelled from the heater core as vapor could cause fogging of the interior surfaces of the windows, reducing visibility and the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
To minimize the likelihood that any coolant system malfunction could lead to damage to the heater core end piece, a new design radiator cap will help control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
The procedure given in this bulletin must be performed on all affected vehicles identified on DCS. (A copy of the letter which will be sent to all affected customers is shown in this S.I.).
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 as shown are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor. The affected vehicles are limited to vehicles within these ranges but not all of these vehicles are affected by the recall. The final decision is the DCS inquiry.
CORRECTION:
The radiator cap must be replaced with the redesigned cap on all affected vehicles.
PROCEDURE:
The redesigned radiator cap should be installed on all affected vehicles in the customer drive area by a qualified service advisor or technician.
Caution:
The radiator cap must be opened slowly when the engine is at operating temperature to avoid possible scalding.
On vehicles with a hot engine, check the coolant temperature gauge reading before removing the radiator cap. This can be done while retrieving the vehicles mileage with the ignition switched on.
DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP ON OVERHEATING VEHICLES.
(If the coolant temperature gauge indicator is past the center line of the scale allow the engine to cool down before removing the radiator cap.)
PARTS INFORMATION
Bottom View
Note:
Cap insert (arrow) with "200" and part number designation is black in color.
Top View
Part Number 17 11 1 742 232 M20 only - 1.4 bar "140" designation on cap.
Bottom View
Note:
Cap insert (arrow) with "140" and part number designation is yellow or black in color.
Top View
NOTE:
Vehicles produced after 11/94 which are not affected by this recall may have radiator caps installed without the "140" or "200" designation on top of the cap.
These caps are the redesigned style and should not be replaced due to the "missing" designation number.
DCS inquiry is the final decision if a vehicle is affected by this recall.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 228. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-090) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 228 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 Recall Campaign will be provided through Campaign Entry.