Safety Recall 19V-273 Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater – 2006 BMW 3 Series, 5 Series & Z4

April 4, 2019

PCV Heater may Short Circuit

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 184,505

 

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

 

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

 

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

 

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SIB 11 06 19
RECALL CAMPAIGN 19V-273: POSITIVE CRANKCASE
VENTILATION SYSTEM HEATER

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 B11 06 19 dated April 2019

 

What’s New:

• Parts list updated for E60, E90 and E91 with N52 Engines
• Warranty section

 

MODEL

E60 (5 Series Sedan)	E61 (5 Series Sports Wagon)	E85 (Z4 Roadster)	E86 (Z4 Coupe)
E90 (3 Series Sedan)	E91 (3 Series Sports Wagon)

 

With the N52 or N52K engines.

 

SITUATION

The blow-by-heater which is designed to prevent the engine’s Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system from freezing can internally short circuit. Irregularities in the manufacturing process could allow moisture to occur near the blow-by-heater and lead to the short circuit.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

This Recall Campaign involves E60, E61, E85, E86, E90 and E91 vehicles produced from February 2005 to October 2006.

Vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as “Open” when checked either in AIR, the “Service Menu” of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.

 

CORRECTION

Replace the blow-by-heater (positive crankcase ventilation heater elbow).

 

PROCEDURE

Refer to the attached procedure to replace the blow-by-heater (positive crankcase ventilation heater elbow).

 

Parts Information

Note: Request and use the part numbers specified and listed below in this Service Information bulletin only. Performing a part number look-up for these parts in ETK by VIN or model will result in the wrong parts being used.

Please monitor the Parts Matrix for important updates to the parts ordering procedure.

Quantity	Description	Part Number
1	PCV Blow-by-heater (Elbow/Angle Connector	11 61 2 458 830
1	Set of aluminum screws for alternator	12 31 2 458 831
2	Screw for blow-by-heater	11 61 7 535 849

 

And, if required as a result of the issue being addressed by this bulletin, use the intake manifold table below to determine which part number applies to your vehicle.

Identify the model first and then the engine variant to determine the correct intake manifold part number.

 

Model	Engine Variant	Description	Quantity	Part Number
E60 (5 Series Sedan)	N52	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 260
	N52K	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 260
E61 (5 Series Sports Wagon)	N52	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 259
E85 (Z4 Roadster)	N52	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 260
E86 (Z4 Coupe)	N52	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 259
E90 (3 Series Sedan)	N52K	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 260
E91 (3 Series Sports Wagon)	N52K	Intake Manifold	1	11 61 9 487 260

 

Repair harness for engine electrical harness:

Do not replace the entire engine electrical harness if only the PCV Blow-by-heater (Elbow/Angle Connector) electrical connector is damaged.

Quantity	Description	Part Number
1	Repair harness	12 52 9 489 752
2	Cable connector 1.5 – 2.5 mm	61 13 8 353 748
2	Shrinking hose	61 13 1 379 833

 

For additional items that are not listed above, refer to ETK (EPC) and the repair instructions for information about one-time use fasteners, ventilation hoses, intake manifold, screws/bolts and gaskets that may also be needed or must be replaced to perform this repair.

 

EMISSIONS CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS

For California centers only: This Safety Recall involves an emissions compliant component. It is required by the California Code of Regulations that an executed orange “Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction” certificate (SD92-084, see illustration) be provided to each customer (for vehicles registered in the state of California), once this Recall on his or her vehicle has been completed.

 

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the following information:

Defect Code:

00 11 24 05 00

 

The vehicle is already in the workshop for another repair that includes Main work

Labor Operation:	Labor Allowance:	Description:
00 67 901	Refer to AIR	Replace the blow-by-heater (positive crankcase ventilation heater elbow) (Plus work)

 

Or:

The vehicle arrives at your center for this Recall repair (No other Main work will be performed/claimed during this workshop visit)

Labor Operation:	Labor Allowance:	Description:
00 67 294	Refer to AIR	Replace the blow-by-heater (positive crankcase ventilation heater elbow) (Main work)

 

Claim Repair Comments

Unless additional related/in conjunction work was required (not addressed and/or included in one of the options provided above), then only reference the SIB number and the work package (Pkg) number performed in the RO technician notes and in the claim comments (For example: B11 06 19 WP 1).

 

Mobile Assistance – Off Site Repair (RO and Claim Comments Required)

For centers that qualify, this Recall repair is eligible to be performed and submitted as a Mobile Assistance Off-Site Repair which includes an additional labor allowance.

Qualifying BMW centers are those that currently own and operate a Mobile Assistance Program vehicle. Other centers that may qualify are those who have officially registered their interest in conducting mobile service and mobile assistance work for the BMW Roadside Assistance Program.

If your center would like to register, please send an email with your contact information to [email protected].

Additional information can be found in the Mobile Assistance program guide in CenterNet, it is located under the Customer Relations menu.

 

Claim – Labor Reimbursement

When  this Recall repair is performed under the Mobile Assistance Program, qualifying centers will be reimbursed for the corresponding special labor operations published flat rate unit (FRU) allowance at a of rate of 150 percent. This mobile assistance repair work is subject to the same policy and procedures that apply to the warranty repair work being performed in your workshop.

 

Time Control and Documentation

While repair-specific punch times are not necessary for repairs performed on a vehicle offsite (outside your center) under the Mobile Assistance Program, , the on-call technician must still punch on the corresponding repair order (electronic or manual) prior to leaving your BMW center when he or she is dispatched. The technician must then punch off the repair order upon their return to your center.

In cases where the technician is out and on the road for an extended period of time (for example, on multiple calls), only one on and off punch time is required.

 

Claim Submission

In addition to the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Heater Recall repair order line item, please open an additional line item as described below:

Defect Code:

85 80 02 05 RA

Mobile Service Reimbursement for PCV Recall

 

Labor Operation:	Labor Allowance:	Description:
11 99 000	## FRU*	Additional labor allowance to perform off-site repair through Mobile Assistance

 

*Labor Calculation Example

If the special flat rate labor operation to perform the PCV System Heater Recall repair on a specific vehicle has a stated allowance of 10 FRU, after applying the rate of 150 percent, this repair will then be reimbursed for a total of 15 FRU as a Mobile Assistance off-site repair:

• Claim the additional 5 FRU or the applicable additional FRU amount using the defect code and labor operation provided above.

Notes:

• Round up half flat rate units when applicable.
• Identify this line time as Additional labor for a Mobile Assistance off-site repair.
• Itemize the additional labor claimed and explain the repair performed on the repair order and in claim comment section.
• Labor operation code 11 99 000 is not considered a Main labor operation.

 

Additional Repair(s)

When additional work and/or parts are required as a direct result of and/or in conjunction with replacing PCV heater elbow, claim these items under the defect code listed above together with the corresponding labor operations listed in AIR as applicable and as necessary.

And, also as applicable:

 

Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) (RO and Claim Comments Required)

This Recall repair qualifies for Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expense reimbursement, claim this item under the Defect Code noted above as follows:

• Sublet Code 2 – Itemize the AMS sublet amount on the repair order and in the claim comment section.

Please refer to SI B01 29 16 for additional information.

 

TREAD Act – Previous Customer-Pay Repairs

If your center is presented with a reimbursement request for a qualifying customer-pay repair that was performed on an affected vehicle prior to the release of this Recall Service Information bulletin, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) will reimburse this previous repair.

 

Customer-pay Invoice Review and Reimbursement Procedure

1. 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 Recall Service Information bulletin.
2. If this prior repair qualifies, reimburse the customer (labor and parts).
3. 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 19V-273: Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Heater – 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
4. Retain the original customer pay invoice in your files; this documentation may be requested by BMW during the claim review process).

Note: A previously reimbursed repair, a repair performed on a non-affected vehicle, and/or, the diagnosis and repair of other unrelated issues on an affected or non-affected vehicles does not qualify for reimbursement.

This claim submission for the prior customer-pay reimbursement, when it is submitted as outlined under Defect Code 85 99 00 12 NA, will not close the Open Safety Recall on the vehicle.

Supporting Materials
picture_as_pdf 2019-BMW-MY2006-Exx-Fxx-PCV-Valve-Heater-QA-(4Jun2019).pdf
picture_as_pdf B110619 Recall Notice.pdf
picture_as_pdf B110619_Procedure.pdf

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SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

 

To:  All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor

RE: Recall 19V-XXX:  Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater – B11 06 19

BMW of North America, LLC is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective April 4, 2019) on certain Model Year 2006 BMW vehicles that have been produced from February 1, 2005 through September 29, 2006.

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.

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Recall 19V-273: Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System Heater

 

1. Remove the ignition coil cover as per Repair Instruction 11 00 … Removing and installing/replacing the ignition coil cover”.
2. Remove the alternator as per Repair Instruction 12 31 020 “Removing and installing or replacing the alternator”.
3. Unlock and pull off the vacuum line (1). Secure the vacuum line (1) off to one side.
4. Unlock and disconnect the plug connection (1). Unlock and pull off the ventilation line (2).
5. Use a suitable tool with T25 Torx bit to release the screws.
6. Reach under the intake with your left hand/arm to access the crankcase ventilation heater.
7. Remove both T25 screws (1). Remove the crankcase ventilation heater (elbow fitting) (2). Other components such as the ventilation line or the intake manifold may have to be replaced. Inspect all surrounding components for thermal damage.

 

Important! Installation risk of damage.

8. Use only distilled water for lubrication when installing the new crankcase ventilation heater. No grease or lubricating oils should be used.
9. Install the crankcase ventilation heater (2). Tighten the T25 screws (1) to 6 Nm.
10. Connect the ventilation line (2). Connect and lock the connector (1).
11. Connect the vacuum line (1).
12. Install the alternator as per Repair Instruction 12 31 020 “Removing and installing or replacing the alternator”.
13. Install the ignition coil cover as per Repair Instruction 11 00 … Removing and installing/replacing the ignition coil cover”.

 

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Safety Recall 19V-xyz
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater – (“Blow-By-Heater”)
Model Year 2006
N51, N52, N52K, N52T
BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4
Last Update: 06/04/2019

 

Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Safety Recall?

Approximately 184,511 BMW vehicles in the US, as noted below, are potentially affected.

Series	Model Year	Model	Approx. Volume	Production Dates
E90	2006	3 Series Sedan	131,597	Feb 2005 – Aug 2006
E91	2006	3 Series Wagon	2,050	Aug 2005 – Aug 2006
E60	2006	5 Series	38,735	Feb 2005 – Feb 2006
E61	2006	5 Series Wagon	3,491	Apr 2005 – Feb 2006
E85	2006	Z4 Roadster	8,343	Apr 2005 – Sep 2006
E86	2006	Z4 Coupe	295	Apr 2006 – Sep 2006

 

Q2. What is the specific issue?

This issue involves the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater (“blow-by-heater”) which is designed to prevent the engine’s PCV valve from freezing.  The electrical contacts of the PCV valve heater are coated with a plastic material.  Irregularities in the manufacturing process could allow moisture to occur near the PCV valve heater and lead to a short circuit.

 

Q3. What can happen as a result of this issue?

In rare cases, the plastic material could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly melting.  In extremely rare cases, this could increase the risk of a fire.

 

Q4. This sounds familiar.  Did BMW Group conduct a Safety Recall before?

Yes, in 2017.  It was assigned Recall ID 17V-683.

 

Q5. What vehicles were recalled in 2017?

Certain Model Year 2007-2011 vehicles were recalled.

 

Q6. Can you be more specific?

Sure, the 2017 Safety Recall involved 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, and Z4 models.

 

Q7. I own a Model Year 2006 vehicle.  Why is BMW only adding the Model Year 2006 vehicles now?

Continued monitoring of the situation has led us to include Model Year 2006 vehicles.

 

Q8. Why are other vehicles not included in this Safety Recall?

Other models have different designs for the PCV valve heater.

 

Q9. Do I need to stop driving my vehicle?

No.  The possibility of this issue occurring is extremely rare.

 

However, you should stop driving your vehicle if any of the following warning signs occur:

• You see smoke from the area near the engine compartment.
• You smell smoke, or a plastic burning odor.

If any of these warning signs occur, then as soon as possible, carefully move away from traffic, pull over to a safe location, and shut off the engine.  All occupants should carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic.  Do not continue to drive your vehicle.

Dial 911 in the event of an emergency or contact an authorized BMW center immediately to have your vehicle brought to the nearest authorized BMW center for inspection and, if necessary, repair.

If an authorized BMW center is not available, then contact BMW Roadside Assistance at 1-800332-4269.  Please note that if you no longer have roadside coverage, you may be required to pay in advance for the towing service.  However,   BMW will reimburse you for the towing service after validation of the recall repair claim.

 

Q10. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?

No.  This can only be determined through proper inspection at an authorized BMW center.

 

Q11. How did BMW become aware of the problem?

BMW became aware of the problem through our quality control procedures.

 

Q12. How will I be informed of this Safety Recall?

You will receive an initial letter in early June via First Class mail advising you of this Safety Recall.  Due to the large vehicle population, sufficient parts may not be immediately available to repair all vehicles.  Therefore, you may receive a second letter as parts become available.  When you receive a letter indicating that parts are available, please immediately schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have this Safety Recall performed.  The nearest authorized BMW center can be located at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.

To ensure BMW has the most recent contact and vehicle information, owners should register their vehicle at www.bmwusa.com/myBMW.  Registration is free, and will give them access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to their BMW.

 

Q13. How will my vehicle be repaired?

The PCV valve heater will be inspected and a new part will be installed.  In some cases, additional components may need to be replaced which will be determined at the time of repair.

 

Q14. How long will the repair take?

This repair should take approximately one to two hours, depending upon the specific repair necessary; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center’s schedule.  The repair will be performed for free by your authorized BMW center.

 

Q15. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?

Yes.  We are in the process of implementing this Safety Recall to ensure that the necessary parts, tools, and procedures are available, 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.

 

Q16. I see the “TREAD Act Customer Reimbursement Plan” 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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9 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
BMW	325I	2006
BMW	325XI	2006
BMW	330I	2006
BMW	330XI	2006
BMW	525I	2006
BMW	525XI	2006
BMW	530I	2006
BMW	530XI	2006
BMW	Z4	2006

 

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10 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V273-2978.pdf 332.195KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- April 4, 2019

RCMN-19V273-7808.pdf 174.625KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V273-2439.PDF 218.124KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V273-7002.pdf 234.348KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-19V273-3229.pdf 2563.171KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)- Overlap with 17V676

RCONL-19V273-2313.pdf 2559.852KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V273-0358.pdf 805.016KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V273-1398.PDF 211.33KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-2

RCLQRT-19V273-0574.PDF 211.135KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V273-8943.PDF 211.232KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V273&docType=RCL

 

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