2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 630200 Date: 000301
Recall - Brake Lamp Switch Replacement
Bulletin
63 02 00
Lights
March 2000
SUBJECT
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Recall Campaign 00V-048 - Brake Lamp Switch Replacement
MODEL
E38 (7 Series) produced 9/99 to 10/99
E39 (5 Series) produced 9/99 to 10/99
E46 (3 Series) produced 9/99 to 10/99
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY
ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS AND PRIOR TO CUSTOMER DELIVERY.
SITUATION
The brake lamps of the affected vehicle are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could tail internally,
causing it to remain in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on position, If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or
will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
AFFECTED VEHICLE
This recall involves E38 E39 and E46 vehicles which were produced from September 1999 to October 1999.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer
Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed below are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
CORRECTION
Check brake light switch and replace if necessary
PROCEDURE
1. Remove the lower footwell trim to expose the brake light switch
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2. Check whether the brake light switch is marked with a white bar (1) at the connector end (2)
If the brake light switch is marked with a white bar (1), reinstall the lower footwell trim. No further actions are necessary.
If the brake light switch is not marked with a white bar on the connector side, continue with step 3.
3. Remove and replace the brake light switch (Refer to Repair Instruction 61 31 310)
4. Reinstall the lower footwell trim
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 269. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD
92-130) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 269 printed on the label and,
c. affix the label to the B pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on
top of another one because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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Reimbursement for this Recall Campaign will be provided through Campaign Entry.
Defect Code 00 61 42 01 00
* * FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, ON TIME, EVERY TIME * *
For administrative convenience and to reduce costs this bulletin may contain repair procedures for authorized BMW car centers and/or authorized
BMW 5Av centers. All references to 5Avs and/or the X5 are ONLY intended for authorized BMW SAV centers. Furthermore, ONLY BMW SAV
centers are authorized to perform repair and service work on SAVs.
Owner Letter
March 2000
Recall Campaign No. 00V-048, Brake Lamp Switch
Dear BMW Owner/Lessee:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
BMW AG has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain model year 2000 BMW 323i, 328i, 528i, 528iT, 540i,
540iT, M5, 740i, 740iL, and 750iL vehicles. Our records indicate that you are the owner or lessee of a potentially affected vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT
The brake lamps of your vehicle are controlled by a switch activated by movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to
remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position. If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be
continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
DESCRIPTION OF INSPECTION / REPAIR
The repair will consist of inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
This repair will require approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW center. Additional time may be
required depending on the BMW center's scheduling and processing.
PRECAUTIONS
1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE.
2. Before the repair, brake lamp operation should be checked with the vehicle stationary by turning the key to position 2 ("ignition" or "on") and
depressing the brake pedal. An observer facing the rear of the vehicle can determine if the brake lamps are working properly. If the brake
lamps are inoperative or continuously lit, the vehicle should not be driven. Arrangements should be made for pickup and repair.
3. If the inoperative or continuously-lit brake lamps are ignored and the vehicle is driven, a crash involving another vehicle (or vehicles) could
occur without prior warning, depending on environmental and traffic conditions.
4. If you are not the sole driver of your car, please advise all other drivers of these necessary precautions.
OTHER INFORMATION
If the vehicle to which this notice applies has been leased and you are the lessor, you MUST send a copy of this notice to the lessee.
If you no longer own this vehicle, we would appreciate your furnishing us with the name and address of the new owner, using the enclosed
postage-paid card.
Should you have any questions about this campaign, please contact your Authorized BMW center.
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We appreciate your confidence in our product, and we wish to do everything we can to retain your confidence. Should you need additional
assistance, you may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.
If the BMW center is unable to remedy the defect without charge or within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator of the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 (Washington,
DC area residents may call 202-366-0123).
