Recall 21V-598: Program Control Units (DME) – 2020-2021 BMW

August 2, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V598000

Loss of Braking Assist

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V598

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ENGINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 50,024

 

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

 

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. 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.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your BMW has a Recall

 


SIB 12 06 21
2021-07-29

RECALL 21V-XXX: PROGRAM CONTROL UNITS (DME)

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

E-SeriesModel DescriptionProduction Date Affected Engine
G01X3 Sports Activity VehicleMay 21, 2018 thru June 22, 2021B58D
G02X4 Sports Activity CoupeMay 23, 2018 thru June 22, 2021B58D
G127 Series SedanJune 5, 2018 thru February 22, 2021XB1
G203 Series SedanSeptember 11, 2018 thru July 28, 2020B58D
G29Z4 RoadsterJune 13, 2018 thru June 18, 2021B58D
G305 Series SedanAugust 28, 2018 thru June 26, 2020B58C

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

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), ISPA Next or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry.

 

SITUATION

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective July 29, 2021) on certain Model Year 2019 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 21, 2018 and June 22, 2021.

During certain engine start conditions, the tandem pump may become damaged and, during a subsequent drive cycle, cease to function. Note that an engine start after a stop per MSA is not affected. The tandem pump is a combined vacuum/oil pump which, among other functions, creates vacuum for the brake system booster.

If the pump ceases to function, the brake pedal feel becomes noticeably harder, requiring a larger application force during braking, which could lead to a longer braking distance.

The Recall Notice and Q&A have been attached for further information.

 

CAUSE

A software error in the digital motor electronics (DME) may cause the tandem vacuum and oil pump to fail.

 

CORRECTION

Program the vehicle with ISTA 4.30.1x or higher.

 

PROCEDURE

Program the vehicle using ISTA 4.30.1x or higher (released June 2021).

ModelTarget Integration level
G01 (X3 Sports Activity Vehicle)S15A-21-03-567 or higher
G02 (X4 Sports Activity Coupe)
G12 (7 Series Sedan)
G30 (5 Series Sedan)

 

ModelTarget Integration level
G20 (3 Series Sedan)S18A-21-03-567 or higher
G29 (Z4 Roadster)

Note that ISTA 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 (SI B04 23 10) when performing programming.

For information on programming and coding with ISTA, refer to DealerSpeed / TIS / Technical Documentation / Diagnostics and Programming / Programming Documentation.

 


SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

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

RE: Recall 21V-xxx: Program Control Units (DME) – B12 06 21

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective July 29, 2021) on certain Model Year 2019 – 2021 BMW vehicles that were produced between May 21, 2018 and June 22, 2021.

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.


Safety Recall
21V‐xyz
Software / Brake Assist
Model Year 2019‐2021
BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series
BMW X3 SAV, X4 SAC, Z4
Issue Date:  07/29/2021

 

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

Certain Model Year 2019‐2021 BMW models in the US are potentially affected.

 

Q2. What is the specific issue?

This safety recall involves software which can affect brake assist.  Due to a software coding issue, and in combination with rare engine start conditions, this could lead to a reduction in brake assist which could cause an extended stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.  However, fully mechanical braking, and other braking functions, are not affected, and help maintain vehicle control and stability during braking.

 

Q3. Why are other models / vehicles not included in this Safety Recall?

Other models are not equipped with the software version that can affect brake assist.

 

Q4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?

Yes.  However, when you are notified by BMW to have this Safety Recall performed, please contact an authorized BMW center and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  For the latest updates to this Safety Recall, please visit bmwusa.com/recall.  If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.

 

Q5. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?

When braking, if you notice a “stiff” brake pedal, and a warning lamp in the instrument cluster, your vehicle may be experiencing this issue.  Do not continue to drive your vehicle.  Please contact BMW Roadside Assistance at 1‐800‐332‐4269 immediately to have your vehicle brought to the nearest authorized BMW center.

 

Q6. How did BMW Group become aware of the issue?

BMW Group became aware of the issue through its quality control procedures.

 

Q7. How will I be informed of this Safety Recall?

Owners of potentially affected vehicles will be notified via First Class mail, advising them of this Safety Recall, and requesting them to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed.  Owners can locate their nearest authorized BMW center at bmwusa.com/dealer.

To ensure BMW has your recent contact and vehicle information, owners should visit bmwusa.com/recall and click on “Manage recall notices and contact information”

 

Q8. How will my vehicle be remedied?

Vehicle software will be reprogrammed for free and should take about one hour.

 

Q9. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?

No.  Please contact an authorized BMW center to have this important Safety Recall performed.

 


Chronology :

In February 2021, an increasing number of warranty claims that seemed to be associated with damage to an oil/vacuum pump were noticed. An engineering review was initiated.

Between February and April, warranty claim information and other field data were reviewed, and discussions with the supplier occurred. Analyses were conducted to determine if the issue could be related to certain vehicle models, oil/vacuum pump build level configurations, or vehicle operating conditions. Preliminary information suggested that engine management software could be involved.

In May and June, additional analyses were performed and tests were conducted. It was suggested that certain pump parameter specifications, in combination with certain vehicle operating conditions (unusual engine start conditions caused by the vehicle operator), could cause a brief reverse rotation of the crankshaft and cause damage to the oil/vacuum pump.

In July, further analyses were conducted involving vehicle operating conditions and assessment of risk.

Vehicle assembly information was reviewed to determine the number and production dates of potentially affected vehicles.

On July 26, 2021, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary recall.

As of July 26th, a diligent review of records has determined that there are approximately 29 warranty claims (BMW – 24, Toyota –5), and 4 field reports (BMW – 2, Toyota – 2), that may be related to this issue.

 


12 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
BMW540I2020
BMW745LE2020-2021
BMWM340I2020
BMWX32020
BMWX42020-2021
BMWZ42019-2021
TOYOTASUPRA2020-2021

 


15 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V598-1323.pdf 645.23KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – BMW Recall 21V-xxx: Program Control Units (DME) – Repair Available

RCMN-21V598-5441.pdf 149.694KB

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V598-4872.PDF 219.534KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Certain 2020 2021 Model Year Supra Vehicles Potential Increased Braking Distance

RCMN-21V598-6066.pdf 270.271KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Certain 2020 2021 Model Year Supra Vehicles Potential Increased Braking Distance

RCMN-21V598-0135.pdf 253.226KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V598-2797.pdf 417.421KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V598-5119.pdf 678.498KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-3

RCLQRT-21V598-2439.PDF 211.127KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V598-2533.pdf 335.421KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Dealer Letter re Certain 2020 2021 Model Year Supra Vehicles Potential Increased Braking Distance

RCMN-21V598-4591.pdf 294.561KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V598-0804.pdf 6145.122KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V598-7248.PDF 211.231KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V598-9853.pdf 6078.812KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V598-3247.pdf 358.889KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V598-8572.pdf 358.951KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

 


 

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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