SRS - MIL ON/Fault Codes 16/17 Stored
GROUP 72
Safety Restraint Systems
72 09 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
May 2001
Service Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 72 09 0O dated September 2000.
SUBJECT
Sensors for Side Airbags, MRS 3 Fault Codes 16/17 on E38, E39 and E53 Vehicles
MODEL
E38, E39 - produced from 3/99 up to 4/00
E53 - produced up to 4/00
SITUATION
The SRS airbag warning light stays illuminated, and fault codes 16 or 17 - "Sensor for side airbag, Coding data do not correspond to equipment.
Currently not present" are stored in the Airbag Control Module memory.
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CAUSE:
Communication between the MRS 3 module and the satellite sensor has been disturbed by electromagnetic interference in the vehicle's electrical
system.
CORRECTION:
In case of a customer complaint, use DIS/MoDiC tester to diagnose the MRS 3 system. If the SRS fault code description stored in the control module
exactly matches the faults listed above, then proceed as follows:
1. Utilizing the "Control Unit Identification" function of DIS/MoDiC, check the software version of the airbag control unit. If the airbag software
version V 2.5 is installed, then the airbag control module must be replaced with the improved unit (PN 65 776 900 727 - software version V
2.6 or higher). Refer to "PROCEDURE I" for replacement instruction.
2. If an airbag control module with software version V 2.6 (or higher) is already installed in the vehicle, then replace the affected side satellite
sensor (PN 65 77 6 900 728). Refer to "PROCEDURE II" for replacement instruction.
PROCEDURE I
1. The MRS control module is located on top of the transmission tunnel, under the rear section of the center console.
DO NOT remove the old control unit at this time.
2. Connect diagnostic connector to the vehicle. CD 25.0 (or higher) should be loaded into DIS/MoDiC tester.
3. Turn the key on (KL15).
4. Select "Coding/Program."
5. Select "3. ZCS Coding". Scroll right >.
6. "Coding by means of central coding code (ZCS) Version C25.0" is displayed. Scroll right >.
7. "ZCS encoding can be overwritten by the modifications made by the CAR/KEY MEMORY program. They can be reset if necessary" is
displayed. Scroll right >.
8. Select the engineering series. Scroll right >.
9. Select "1. Recoding". Scroll right >.
10. Select "19. AIRBAG". Scroll right >.
11. Select "1. Replace control unit". Scroll right >.
12. "First read data out of faulty control unit and save. Then transfer data to new control unit and code control unit" is displayed. Scroll right >.
13. Select "1. Read data out of faulty control unit". Scroll right >.
14. "Is a faulty ABG control unit still fitted in the vehicle?" is displayed. Select "YES".
15. "Turn on ignition! Start reading the data" is displayed. Select "YES".
16. "Install new control unit. Then transfer data to new control unit and recode control unit. The data is stored in the tester" is displayed. Scroll
left <
17. Turn the ignition OFF. Disconnect battery. Replace the original MRS Control Module with the improved one (P/N 65 77 6 900 727 version
V2.6, or higher).
Refer to repair instruction 65 77 518 for removal and installation procedure.
Reconnect battery, turn ignition ON.
18. Select "2. Transfer data to new control unit and code control unit" is displayed. Scroll right >.
19. "Enter the last 7 places of the chassis number" is displayed. Scroll right >.
20. After entering the last 7 digits of the VIN, "Confirm input/identification" is displayed. Select "YES".
21. "Install control unit, turn on ignition" is displayed. Scroll right >.
22. "Transfer data to new control unit and start automatic coding?" is displayed. Select "YES".
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23. "AIRBAG automatic coding active! Please wait!" is displayed.
24. When coding is complete, "AIRBAG The central coding code has not been changed! Coding Complete! Turn ignition off. Wait 10 seconds.
Turn ignition on again and carry out the functional check" is displayed.
25. The MRS module coding is now complete.
PROCEDURE II
Refer to Repair Instruction 65 77 550 ("Removing and installing satellite sensor left or right side airbag") found in BMW TIS.
PARTS INFORMATION
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WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
