NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V704
Manufacturer BMW
of North America, LLC
Components STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected 103
Electronic Power Steering Control Unit Not Welded
An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016.
This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.
Remedy
The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale.
Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign.
Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your BMW has a Recall
SI B32 10 16
Steering and Wheel Alignment
November 2016
Technical Service
RECALL CAMPAIGN 16V-704: REPLACE ELECTRONIC
POWER STEERING (EPS) CONTROL UNIT
MODEL
| F25 (X3) | F26 (X4) | F15 (X5) | F16 (X6) |
| F23 (2 Series) | F33 (4 Series Convertible) | F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe) |
SITUATION
BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall involving certain Model Year 2015 – 2017 vehicles. This involves the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control unit. The EPS control unit may not have been produced to specifications. EPS control unit electrical contact pins may not have been welded which could increase electrical resistance.
There are 103 vehicles involved in this recall. For your convenience, we have attached the VIN list of the affected vehicles. A Q &A is also attached.
This bulletin will be updated with repair instructions, parts and warranty information when it becomes available.
ATTACHMENTS
View PDF attachment Recall Notice B321016.
View PDF attachment B321016 VIN List.
View PDF attachment B321016 Q&A.
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
To: All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor
RE: Recall Campaign 16V-704: Replace Electronic Power Steering (EPS) – B32 10 16
BMW Group is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective November 17, 2016) involving the Electronic Power Steering. F25 (X3), F26 (X4), F15 (X5), F16 (X6), F23 (2 Series), F33 (4 Series Convertible) and F36 (4 Series Gran Coupe)
Owners will be notified by First Class mail about the Recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts are available.
Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law (The Safety Act) for you to sell, lease or deliver any new motor vehicle covered by this notification until the recall repair has been performed. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles to consumers until they are fixed or use/sell replacement equipment/parts subject to this recall. Note also that substantial civil penalties apply to violations of the Safety Act.
Also, you should not sell, lease or deliver any Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles subject to a safety recall until the repair is completed.
Please follow any special instructions that we provide to you for the return or disposition of recall parts.
We appreciate all your assistance with this Recall.
B32 10 16 VIN List
| 0D50521 | 0F94079 | 0K34862 | 0N07367 | 0P02254 |
| 0D51751 | 0F94196 | 0K34893 | 0N07562 | 0P02256 |
| 0D51770 | 0F96218 | 0K34894 | 0N07954 | 0P02490 |
| 0D56147 | 0H37695 | 0K35004 | 0N75984 | 0P02493 |
| 0D57967 | 0H37749 | 0K55015 | 0P00131 | 0P02879 |
| 0D57969 | 0H38008 | 0K68263 | 0P00199 | 0P03211 |
| 0D57971 | 0H38032 | 0K71393 | 0P00528 | 0P03212 |
| 0D58079 | 0H38034 | 0K71395 | 0P00529 | 0P03214 |
| 0D58091 | 0H38056 | 0K71397 | 0P00749 | 0P03215 |
| 0D58095 | 0H38064 | 0K71398 | 0P01752 | 0P04438 |
| 0D58137 | 0H38069 | 0K71784 | 0P01785 | 0P05802 |
| 0D58138 | 0J74909 | 0K71786 | 0P01855 | 0P17086 |
| 0D58139 | 0J76324 | 0K71791 | 0P01858 | 0P34415 |
| 0D58243 | 0J76825 | 0K71792 | 0P01863 | 0S74808 |
| 0D58246 | 0J76997 | 0K71795 | 0P01864 | 0S74905 |
| 0D58508 | 0J77024 | 0M90057 | 0P01881 | 0S75103 |
| 0D61156 | 0J77075 | 0N07060 | 0P01890 | 0S75648 |
| 0D61162 | 0J77174 | 0N07249 | 0P01952 | G241164 |
| 0E88121 | 0J97660 | 0N07342 | 0P01953 | GT64412 |
| 0E97598 | 0J98183 | 0N07353 | 0P02012 | P741905 |
| P781615 | V303990 | 0T02680 |
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit
Safety Recall 16V-704
Model Year 2015-2017
BMW X3 SAV, X4 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAV
BMW 2 Series Convertible, 4 Series (Convertible, Gran Coupe)
Last Updated 11/17/2016
Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Safety Recall?
Approximately 103 BMW vehicles in the US, as noted below, are potentially affected.
| Series | Model | Model Year | Approx. Volume | Production Dates |
| F25 | X3 SAV | 2015 – 2017 | 24 | Aug 2014 – Jun 2016 |
| F25 | X3 SAV (DIESEL) | 2015 | 1 | Jan 2015 |
| F26 | X4 SAV | 2015 – 2016 | 2 | Oct 2014 – Apr 2015 |
| F15 | X5 SAV | 2015 – 2016 | 55 | Aug 2014 – Dec 2015 |
| F15 | X5 SAV (DIESEL) | 2015 | 9 | Aug 2014 – Mar 2015 |
| F15 | X5 SAV (HYBRID) | 2015 | 4 | Nov 2015 – Dec 2015 |
| F16 | X6 SAV | 2015 | 4 | Dec 2014 – Mar 2015 |
| F23 | 2 Series | 2015 | 1 | Sep 2014 |
| F33 | 4 Series Convertible | 2015 | 2 | Sep 2014 – Nov 2014 |
| F36 | 4 Series Gran Coupe | 2015 | 1 | Mar 2014 |
Q2. What is the specific issue?
This safety recall involves the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control unit. The EPS control unit may not have been produced to specifications. EPS control unit electrical contact pins may not have been welded which could increase electrical resistance.
Q3. What can happen as a result of this issue?
Over time, if an increase of contact pin electrical resistance occurs, then this could lead to a thermal incident. A thermal incident could occur even with the vehicle parked and the ignition off.
Also, a loss of power assist steering could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. However, manual steering capability is still retained.
Q4. How did BMW become aware of this issue?
BMW became aware of this issue through its quality control procedures.
Q5. Why are other BMW vehicles not included in this Safety Recall?
Other vehicles were equipped with an EPS control unit that was produced to specifications.
Q6. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?
If you notice a loss of power assisted steering, your vehicle may be experiencing this issue. If this occurs, please contact BMW Roadside Assistance at 1-800-332-4269 to have your vehicle brought to the nearest authorized BMW center.
Q7. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
Yes.
However, when you receive a letter asking you to have this recall performed by an authorized BMW center, please do so as soon as possible. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.
Q7a. Should I park my vehicle outside?
Yes.
BMW recommends that owners park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall has been performed because this issue could occur with the vehicle parked and the ignition off.
Q8. How will my vehicle be repaired?
The EPS system, which includes the EPS control unit, will be replaced.
Q9. Is BMW aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires involving these BMW vehicles associated with this Safety Recall?
No.
Q10. How will I be informed of this Safety Recall?
You will receive a letter in January via First Class mail advising you of this recall and to immediately schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have this recall performed. You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.
To ensure BMW has your most recent contact and vehicle information, please register your vehicle at https://www.bmwusa.com/myBMW. Registration is free, and will give you access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to your BMW vehicle.
Q11. How long will the repair take?
This repair may take several hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center’s schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.
Q12. Do I have to wait for my letter in order to have my vehicle serviced?
Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing this program to ensure that the necessary parts, tools and procedures are available at its authorized BMW centers, prior to contacting you to schedule your vehicle to have this safety recall performed. For the latest updates to this recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall.
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