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NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V720
Manufacturer BMW
of North America, LLC
Components AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected 32,000
Excessive Neck Tension-Extension Force/FMVSS 208
During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.”
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
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 B65 23 17 Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS | December 2017 Technical Service |
RECALL CAMPAIGN 17V-720: I3 FRONTAL IMPACT PERFORMANCE
New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol 
.
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.
This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B65 23 17 dated November 2017
What’s New:
- 17V-720 number added
- Entire SI revised for final software repair
- Attachments modified
- Attachment added for procedure in case Entry Nav Head Unit fails coding.
MODEL
I01 (i3 BEV and REx) from start-of-production through November 14, 2017.
SITUATION
BMW Group is conducting a Voluntary Non-Compliance Recall on all Model Year 2014-2018 BMW i3 vehicles produced through November 14, 2017.
The issue involves a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard with respect to frontal impact performance. Recent testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that a limit for one of many criteria was marginally exceeded.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves 30,542 Model Year 2014-2018 BMW i3 vehicles (including BEV and REx) produced from start-of-production through November 14, 2017.
Affected vehicles show the campaign as “Open” when checked either in AIR, warranty or ISPA Next.
Customer letters will be mailed in January 2018 informing them of the recall and to schedule an appointment for repair.
Note: The affected vehicles will be identified with the comment:
STOP012287 B652317 Recall: i3 Frontal Impact Performance – Do not retail or deliver.
CAUSE
Software calibration
CORRECTION
Revised software calibration for the air bag control module.
PROCEDURE
- Perform diagnosis with the latest version of ISTA.
- Program the vehicle using ISTA 4.09.13 with Programming data 4.09.20 or higher.
| Target I level I001-17-11-541 |
Note that ISTA 4 will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the latest software.
Always connect a BMW-approved battery charger/power supply (SIB04 23 10).
For information on programming and coding with ISTA, refer to CenterNet / TIS / Technical Documentation / Diagnostics and Programming / Programming Documentation.
After a programming of the Entry Nav Head Unit on MY 2016 vehicles, coding may fail. If this occurs refer to the attached workaround procedure.
Other Air bag System Related Repairs
Affected Vehicles arriving with an illuminated air bag malfunction light and/or display message may require separate other repairs to address the current air bag system malfunction, these repairs are outside the scope of this Recall repair.
For vehicles beyond the applicable warranty coverage, this other air bag-related repair work may be customer pay, please be sure to address this possibility with the customer during repair order write-up process.
Should the customer decline these other repairs, please note it accordingly on the repair order.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts replacement will not improve the situation and is not recommended.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
This Recall repair does not qualify for Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expense reimbursement.
Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the following information:
Completion “before” vehicle delivery to the customer or the vehicle is already in the workshop
| Labor Operation: | Labor Allowance: | |
|---|---|---|
| 00 65 885 | 1 FRU | Programming and coding performed in conjunction with another campaign or repair (vehicle is already at the specified “Target” integration level or higher, no repair is necessary) (Plus work) |
| Or: | ||
| 00 65 884 | 10 FRU | Programming and encoding control units (includes connecting an approved battery charger/power supply, recharging high-voltage battery unit and performing a vehicle test) (Plus work) |
Or:
Completion after vehicle delivery to the customer
| Labor Operation: | Labor Allowance: | |
|---|---|---|
| 00 65 237 | 1 FRU | Programming and coding performed in conjunction with another campaign or repair (vehicle is already at the specified “Target” integration level or higher, no repair is necessary) (Main work) |
| Or: | ||
| 00 65 236 | 12 FRU | Programming and encoding control units (includes connecting an approved battery charger/power supply, recharging high-voltage battery unit and performing a vehicle test) (Main work) |
During the same workshop visit, if a vehicle also requires another Technical Campaign or repair that also includes programming and encoding the control units, the programming procedure may only be invoiced one time.
Vehicle Programming and Encoding (in conjunction with this repair)
ISTA automatically reprograms and codes all the vehicle control modules that do not have the latest software i-level. If one or more control module failures occur “during” this programming procedure:
- Please claim this “consequential” control module-related repair work under the defect code listed in this bulletin with the applicable KSD2/AIR labor operations.
Control module failures that occurred “prior” to performing this programming procedure:
- When “covered” under an applicable limited warranty, claim this control module-related repair work using the applicable defect code and labor operations in KSD2/AIR.
TREAD Act – Previous Customer-Pay Repairs
Based on the “issue” being addressed by this “Safety Recall” Service Information bulletin, reimbursement requests for prior customer-pay repairs that specifically address the issue described in this Recall bulletin are not very likely.
Posted: Monday, December 11, 2017
ATTACHMENTS
View PDF attachment B652317 Recall Notice.
View PDF attachment 2017-BMW-MY14-18-I01-FMVSS208-QA-(5Dec2017)-Final.
View PDF attachment B652317_Workaround_i3_EntryNav.
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
To: All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor
RE: Delivery Stop & Recall 17V-720: i3 Frontal Impact Performance B65 23 17
BMW Group is conducting a Voluntary Non-Compliance Recall (effective November 16, 2017) on all Model Year 2014-2018 BMW i3 vehicles (including BEV and REx) produced from startofproduction through November 14, 2017.
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.
Situation:
After programming the i3 with an Entry Nav head unit it could happen that the encoding of the head unit fails. ISTA 4.09.x will calculate an additional measures plan where it states to mount a new Entry Nav Hu (see screenshot):
Workaround for this situation:
- Close the current programming session
- Disconnect the ICOM from OBD socket and perform a battery reset. Make sure that no charger is connected and the high voltage is disconnected.
- After 3-5min waiting connect the battery charger back and close the high voltage connector.
- Connect the ICOM back to the OBD socket.
- Start a new ISTA session and calculate a new programming measures plan.
ISTA will show a popup where it states that the “Power economy Mode” is set. Just ignore it and click on Display measures plan.
- ISTA will show the same popup again. Just ignore again and click on “calculate measures plan”
- Now ISTA will display a measures plan. Please execute the measures plan
- Check concluding Task after the programming!
- It could happen that the Charge management function needs to be taught in again
- Let ISTA calculate a test plan for the DTCs and run through it.
- In some rare cases it could happen that the transport mode for the HU is active. If this is the case please delete it with the ISTA service function.
Non-Compliance Recall
BMW i3 Frontal Impact Performance
17V-720
Model Year 2014-2018 BMW i3
Last Updated 12/5/2017
Q1. Which BMW Group models in the US are affected by this Non-Compliance Recall?
Approximately 30,542 Model Year 2014-2018 BMW i3 models in the US are affected.
Q2. What is the specific issue?
The issue involves a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard with respect to frontal impact performance. Recent testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that a limit for one of the many criteria was marginally exceeded.
Q2a. Can you tell me more?
The test in question simulates the rigid barrier front crash of an unbelted small adult (NHTSA’s 5th percentile female) in the driver’s seating position. One of the limits for the neck was marginally exceeded.
Q3. What does a small adult (5th percentile female) mean in terms of size and weight?
A small adult (5th percentile female) is approximately 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds, which represents the smaller and lighter demographic of the US adult population.
Q4. What can happen as a result of this issue?
An unbelted small adult (NHTSA’s 5th percentile female) driver of an affected vehicle could have a marginally higher risk of one type of neck injury in certain front crashes.
Q5. How did BMW Group become aware of this issue?
BMW was made aware of this issue as a result of routine compliance testing conducted by NHTSA.
Q6. Why are other BMW Group vehicles not included in this Non-Compliance Recall?
Other BMW Group vehicles meet this specific requirement..
Q7. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
Yes. The BMW passive safety systems are optimized for safety belt use. As always, BMW recommends that all vehicle occupants fasten their safety belts before driving, and keep them fastened for the duration of travel. BMW i3 owners should feel confident that their vehicle will perform well in a real world crash.
Q8. How will my vehicle be repaired?
The repair is still being determined.
Q9. How will I be informed of this Non-Compliance Recall?
You will receive a letter in January via First Class mail, advising you of this recall.
To ensure BMW has your most recent contact and vehicle information, please register your vehicle at www.bmwusa.com/myBMW. Registration is free, and will give you access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to your BMW.
Q10. How long will the repair take?
The repair time is not yet known as the repair is still being determined.
Q11. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?
Yes. For the latest updates to this recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall.
SI B65 23 17
December 2017
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Owner Notification Letter
January 2018
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ISTA 4.09.13 Software Release Information Required for i3 Recall 17V-720
December 14, 2017
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Manufacturer Notice
November 16, 2017
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Recall Acknowledgement
November 30, 2017
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BMW Diagnostic & Reprogramming
Introduction
The Online Service System (OSS) has been developed specifically for independent automotive workshops to provide an extensive range of resources. The following applications are available in the OSS:
ISTA Diagnosis Application
Vehicle diagnostics from the Z3/E36, with the BMW ICOM, or with a J2534 pass-thru tool (from model year 1996).
- Fault Code Diagnosis
- Test Plans
- Repair Instructions (E30 or higher)
- Technical Data
- Wiring diagrams
Web ISTA Information Application
WebISTA has been developed to provide an information only application for users that do not require all of the services included in the ISTA diagnostics application.
- Repair Instructions (E30 or higher)
- Technical Data
- Tightening torques
- Wiring diagrams
You can search using document title, document number and subject areas as the search criteria. The desired information is displayed by means of graphics and explanatory text.
ISTA/P Online - Control Module Reprogramming
With ISTA/P you can reprogram the onboard control modules that are capable of software reprogramming. For ISTA/P, a data interface, a power supply and an Internet connection are required. The data interface can be a BMW Group ICOM interface or a "Pass-Thru Tool (PTT)" that fulfills the requirements of the SAE J2534 standard.
What is needed to diagnose and program with the BMW OSS?
The OSS consists of a desktop or laptop PC connected to BMW over the Internet. To connect to the vehicle you can use the BMW authorized diagnostic interface "integrated communication optical module (ICOM)" or use a J2534 "Pass Thru Tool (PTT)".
Note
Connection to OSS works only on PCs where no proxy connections are used.
For information about vehicle reprogramming and diagnostics using J2534 click here.
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Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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