Recall 12V-126 - Check The Battery Cable Connection
SI B61 14 12
General Electrical Systems
April 2012
Technical Service
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER
DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
BMW centers must ensure recalls are completed after having been notified by BMW of North America, LLC (BMWNA) that a safety-related defect
or noncompliance exists in any motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment in the center's possession at the time of notification. In BMW NA's
case, this notification would typically be made by the issuance of a recall notification in the form of a Service Information bulletin (SIB) or
transmission of a Dealer Communication System (DCS) recall message.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if a recall campaign is announced by BMW NA, centers must ensure
that all recalls on new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are completed BEFORE delivery to the consumer. This means that centers
may not legally deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers with an open recall.
The Safety Act also prohibits centers from selling or leasing the motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment, unless and until the open recall has
been completed BEFORE delivery. This also pertains to vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program, and to items of replacement equipment.
Finally, BMW centers should not sell or use parts that have been recalled by BMW NA. Please follow the specific instructions provided by BMW
NA on the return or disposition of the parts.
SUBJECT
Recall Campaign 12V-126: Check the Battery Cable Connection
MODEL
E60, E61 (5 Series)
E63, E64 (6 Series)
SITUATION
The positive battery cable is routed from the battery in the trunk to the engine via a bolted connection in the trunk floor. The bolted connection is
secured to the trunk floor by an insulated bulkhead connector. In very rare cases, the connector may not be properly attached to the body. Over time,
vibration, changes in temperature and environmental conditions may cause a loosening of the bolted connection. This may cause fluctuations in the
vehicle electrical system; a no-start condition; and, in extreme cases, can lead to overheating of the bolted connection. This can result in a fire in the
trunk which could lead to the vehicle itself.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves all E60, E61, E63 and E64 models produced from June 2003 to July 2010.
In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Recall Campaign completed or is affected by this Recall Campaign, first check the
B-pillar label for code number 615. If code number 615 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 615 has
not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on
the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
2010 BMW 550i Sedan (E60) V8-4.8L (N62TU) Page 51
CORRECTION
Check the battery cable insulated bulkhead connector from inside the trunk and, if necessary, secure the connector properly in place. Grease the
affected area and replace the battery cable cover in the trunk.
Important Note:
In the unlikely event other damage (for example: thermal damage to the trunk trim and damage or corrosion to the cable connection) is found that is
directly related to the condition described in this recall, the vehicle owner must not be billed for this additional work (parts and/or labor).
A PuMA case with photograph(s) must be submitted which details the additional issues found. The PuMA case response will advise you on what
other corrective actions are required to be performed.
PROCEDURE
1. Note any radio presets, since they will be lost when the battery is disconnected.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal at the battery as per ISTA Repair Instructions "61 20 900 Disconnecting and connecting battery
negative lead".
3. In order to gain access to the battery cable connection point, remove the trunk floor trim panel based on the vehicle model:
^ E60, E63, E64: Refer to ISTA Repair Instructions "51 47 101 Removing and installing/replacing luggage compartment floor trim panel".
^ E61: Refer to ISTA Repair Instructions "51 47 Removing and installing/replacing luggage compartment floor storage tub".
4. E60, E63, and E64 only: Prop up the trunk floor trim panel in order to gain access to the battery cable. For the E61, proceed to the next step.
5. Open the cover (1) of the battery cable (3) connecting screw lug and remove the securing bolt (2).
2010 BMW 550i Sedan (E60) V8-4.8L (N62TU) Page 52
6. Check that both clip-retaining tabs are locked into the luggage compartment sheet metal. If not, proceed to the next step.
7. Screw the previously removed securing bolt into the lug and pull up, so that both retainers on the clip are locked into the sheet metal.
8. Coat the area around the lug covering the retaining clip with contact protection grease.
Caution:
Only use the grease listed in this Service Information.
2010 BMW 550i Sedan (E60) V8-4.8L (N62TU) Page 53
9. Ensure that the cable is clean before assembly. Install the new battery positive terminal cover (the new cover is white in color) and coat the
bottom area, as shown, with contact protection grease.
See Important Note above.
10. Ensure that the lug is clean before assembly. Install the battery positive cable on the lug.
11. Install the securing bolt and torque to 15 Nm. Be careful not to dislodge the lug retaining clip tabs under the cable during assembly.
12. Install all the previously removed trunk floor trim panels.
13. Connect the negative battery terminal at the battery as per ISTA Repair Instructions "61 20 900 Disconnecting and connecting battery negative
lead".
14. Reset the clock and restore the previously noted radio presets.
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 615. After the vehicle has been checked and/or corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-403) and:
A. Emboss your BMW center warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
B. Punch out code number 615 (2), printed on the label; and
2010 BMW 550i Sedan (E60) V8-4.8L (N62TU) Page 54
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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