NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V832
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 91
Manufacturer: BMW
of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011.
The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
CONSEQUENCE:
Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge.
The recall is expected to begin in December 2016.
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
December 2016
Technical Service
SI B65 28 16
Audio, Navigation, Information, Safety Systems
RECALL CAMPAIGN 16V-832: REPLACE SENSOR CLUSTER UNIT
Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop.
MODEL
| F10 (5 Series Sedan) |
SITUATION
BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall involving certain Model Year 2011 vehicles.
BMW Customer Relations is contacting owners of affected vehicles via phone and First Class mail to recommend that they do not continue to drive their vehicle until the Recall has been completed.
Arrangements will be made to pick up the vehicle, and alternate transportation will be provided until parts are available. Owners will be contacted again when their vehicle has been repaired and is ready for pick-up.
Approximately 91 vehicles are affected by this recall. Vehicles which are affected will show it as โOpenโ when checked either in the “Service Menu” of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.
They will be identified with the comment: Recall B652816 Sensor Cluster Unit.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign) involves certain F10 (5 Series) produced from 5/2010 through 9/2011 which had a sensor cluster unit (SCU) replaced.
Vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as โOpenโ when checked either in AIR, the “Service Menu” of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader
CAUSE
Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) spare parts supplied through BMW NA and installed in a vehicle during a repair event may have been incorrectly programmed.
CORRECTION
Replace the Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU).
PROCEDURE
- Perform vehicle test with ISTA.
- Replace the Airbag Central Sensor following โREP 65 77 735 Removing and installing/replacing central sensor.โ
- Dispose of original mounting nuts.
- Use the 2 new mounting nuts provided in the repair kit.
- Torque mounting nuts to 8 NM
NOTE: Fault memory only has to be cleared if the airbag warning lamp does not go out following the repair.
PARTS INFORMATION
Please monitor the DCS messages for the parts ordering procedure.
| Part Number | Description | Quantity |
| 65-77-6-995-527 | Airbag central sensor repair kit โ Includes sensor and two new mounting nuts | 1 |
Note: The sensor removed from an affected vehicle must be held by your center, this part will be requested to be returned to the Warranty Parts Return Center.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the following information:
| Defect Code: | 0065950200 | |
| Labor Operation: | Labor Allowance: | Description: |
| 00 64 240 | 15 FRU (Auto Transmission) | Replace airbag central sensor (Main work) |
| Or: | ||
| 00 64 240 | 13 FRU (Manual Transmission) | Replace airbag central sensor (Main work) |
TREAD Act Reimbursement – Qualifying Prior Customer-Pay Repairs
BMW of North America, LLC (โBMW NAโ) will reimburse โqualifying consequential customer-pay repairsโ that were performed on โaffected vehiclesโ prior to the release of this Recall Service Information bulletin.
If the customer previously paid for a qualifying consequential repair, please proceed as applicable:
A. The customer arrives with an โaffected vehicleโ to your workshop
- Perform the โopenโ Recall repair outlined in this bulletin, and
- If the prior repair qualifies (see below), submit for both the Recall repair and the customer-pay reimbursement (Separate โrepairโ line items/separate defect codes) together.
Or:
B. The customer only presents your center with a customer-pay invoice for the prior repair
- If the prior repair qualifies (see below), submit for the customer-pay reimbursement only.
Customer-Pay Invoice Review and Reimbursement Procedure
- Review and verify that the previous customer-pay invoice (BMW center or independent repair shop) contains a repair that was performed to address the issue described in this โRecallโ Service Information bulletin.
- If this prior repair qualifies, reimburse the customer (labor and parts).
- Submit for this customer-paid repair expense under Defect Code 85 99 00 12 NA, as follows:
- Sublet Code 3
- Dollar amount (with no markup)
- Comment: Recall 16V-832: Replace sensor cluster unit – Reimbursement for allowable expenses that relate to performing a prior qualifying customer-pay repair.
- Itemize the sublet amount on the repair order and in the claim comments
- Retain the โoriginalโ customer pay invoice in your files; this documentation may be requested by BMW during the claim review process).
Note: A repair performed on a non-affected vehicle or the diagnosis and repair of other โunrelated issuesโ do not qualify for reimbursement.
The claim submission for the โcustomer-pay reimbursementโ portion, when submitted as outlined above, will not close the โOpenโ Safety Recall on the vehicle.
65 77 735
Removing and installing/replacing central sensor
Warning!
Note airbag safety instructions!
Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Clamp off battery negative lead
- Remove complete centre console
Unscrew nuts (1).
Remove holder (2) from centre console wiring harness (3).
Unscrew nuts (1).
Tightening torque 65 77 5AZ.
Remove sensor (2).
Unlock plug connection (3) and disconnect.
Installation:
Make sure sensor is mounted without play.
Crash Sensor
Safety Recall 16V-832
Model Year 2011
BMW 5 Series
Last Updated 12/2/2016
Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Safety Recall?
Approximately 91 Model Year 2011 BMW 5 Series in the US are potentially affected.
Q2. What is the specific issue?
This recall involves the crash sensor (sensor cluster unit – SCU) which may have been incorrectly programmed by the supplier, entered the spare parts supply chain, and installed in vehicles at dealers during service visits.
Q3. What can happen as a result of this issue?
In a crash of sufficient severity, the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners, and active head restraints may not activate, increasing the risk of injury.
Q4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
BMW recommends that you do not continue to drive your vehicle. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information. Our recommendation is to speak with your local dealer to arrange for vehicle pick up and alternate transportation. You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.
Should you need to contact BMW Customer Relations, they can be reached at 1-800-525-7417.
Outside of normal working hours, BMW Roadside Assistance can be reached at 1-800-332-4269. Owners will be contacted again when their vehicle has been repaired and is ready for pick-up.
Q5. How did BMW become aware of this issue?
BMW became aware of this issue through its quality control procedures.
Q6. Why are other BMW vehicles not included in this Safety Recall?
Production vehicles were not affected because this issue only applies to the spare parts supply chain.
Q7. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?
No.
Q8. How will my vehicle be repaired?
The sensor cluster unit will be replaced.
Q9. Are parts for the recall available?
Yes.
Crash Sensor
Safety Recall 16V-832
Model Year 2011
BMW 5 Series
Last Updated 12/2/2016
Q10. Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries involving these BMW vehicles in the US associated with this Safety Recall?
No.
Q11. How will I be informed of this Safety Recall?
BMW Customer Relations is contacting owners of affected vehicles by phone and First Class mail to recommend that they do not continue to drive their vehicle until the Recall has been completed. Our recommendation is to speak with your local dealer to arrange for vehicle pick up and alternate transportation. You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.
Should you need to contact BMW Customer Relations, they can be reached at 1-800-525-7417. Outside of normal working hours, BMW Roadside Assistance can be reached at 1-800-332-4269. Owners will be contacted again when their vehicle has been repaired and is ready for pick-up.
To ensure BMW of North America, LLC 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.
Q12. How long will the repair take?
This repair will take approximately 3 hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW centerโs schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.
Q13. Do I have to wait for my letter in order to have my vehicle serviced?
No.
BMW recommends that you do not continue to drive your vehicle. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information. Our recommendation is to speak with your local dealer to arrange for vehicle pick up and alternate transportation. You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.
Should you need to contact BMW Customer Relations, they can be reached at 1-800-525-7417. Outside of normal working hours, BMW Roadside Assistance can be reached at 1-800-332-4269. Owners will be contacted again when their vehicle has been repaired and is ready for pick-up.
Q14. I see the โTREAD Act Customer Reimbursement Planโ attached to my letter. Can you explain what that is about? Am I eligible for reimbursement?
If you have already had this repair performed at your own expense, you may be eligible for reimbursement of certain expenses that you incurred.
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