Campaign - Towing/Tie-Down Damage to Suspension
Group 31
Front Suspension
Bulletin Number
31 01 98
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
December 1998
Product Engineering
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY
ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT:
Inspection for Towing or Tie-Down Damage to Suspension Components
MODEL:
E38-E39
Situation:
Based on reports of damage to suspension components on E38s and E39s resulting from improper towing or tie down procedures, BMW is
conducting a Service Action to inspect and install warning labels on customer cars.
In addition, a letter will be sent to all E38 and E39 owners advising them to bring their car to their BMW center for inspection if their car may have
been towed or transported on a flatbed in the past. A sample copy of the letter is attached for your reference.
Vehicles Affected:
This Service Action affects all E38s and E39s from the start of production.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, 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 the only deciding factor
Model Chassis Number Range
528i BV50015 - BV56769
528iA BW00020 - BW49999
GT90000 - GT97142
540i BV90004 - BV95387
540iA BW50027 - BW63201
Model Chassis Number Range
740i (M60) DH00028 - DH09396
740iL (M60) DH29000 - DH35999
DH96000 - DH97934
740i (M62) DL45000 - DL57582
740iL (M62) DL35000 - DL44999
DM00001 - DM25339
750iL DH66000 - DH69974
Warranty Status:
261
Inspection and labeling of the suspension components will be reimbursed via Campaign Entry.
Defect Code: 3112 94 32 00
Work Package 1: Inspect suspension for damage
Labor Operation: 31 99 000
Labor Allowance: 3 FRU
Sublet Allowance: $1.00 (Reimbursement for labels)
Replacement of components damaged due to improper towing or tie down procedures should be charged to the customer. The customer can then
request reimbursement from the towing service that caused the damage. If the damage due to improper towing or tie down procedures was caused by
a BMW Roadside Assistance provider (must be documentable ), the vehicle should be repaired and a claim submitted to BMW NA using special
defect code 00 99 99 99 NA. Please provide the details concerning the incident in the comments section of the claim.
Procedure
Inspect the control arms, sway bars, tie rods, thrust rods (E38 and E39 M62), and tension rods (E39 M52) for damage.
These parts should be visually checked for evidence of contact by chains or hooks. If marks from hooks or chains are visible, check the component
to see if it has been bent or otherwise damaged. Any damaged components must be replaced, once permission has been obtained from the customer,
per the instructions in the Repair Manual.
If the tension rod of an E39 M52 exhibits any marks at all from tie down equipment, it must be physically checked with special tool 31 1 400 to
determine if it has been bent.
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Remove lower splash shield
Remove plastic cover from forward end of tension rod.
Check the rod to determine if it is marked with a date code next to the side identification mark.
(1) Date code (may or may not be present)
(2) Side indicator ( L=left, R=right)
Set special tool 311 400 for the type of rod being checked.
If the rod has a date stamp, disconnect clip 31 1 402.
If the rod does not have a date stamp, install clip 31 1 402 on the center check point.
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Place the round end of the tool on the bushing end and rotate the tool into place until the center check point makes full contact.
If the end check point (1) makes contact, the tension rod is OK. If it does not make contact at all three points, it has been bent and requires
replacement.
Once the inspection has been completed, affix a warning sticker, number SD 92-109, to the suspension components to prevent improper tie downs in
the future.
Wrap label around components and stick ends together on bottom so that tab is visible. Do not allow adhesive on tag to become contaminated with
dirt or rust preventative. The adhesive is designed to stick to itself, so press the two ends of the tag firmly together to get maximum adhesion.
528i (shown) - Install labels on tension rods and control arms
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540i and 7 Series - Install labels on control arms and sway bar. (7 Series shown)
An initial supply of 500 labels will be automatically shipped to the attention of all Service Managers. If additional quantities are required, they may
be ordered from Product Engineering (a pre-printed order form is enclosed).
Owner Letter
December, 1998
Re: BMW (model), Vehicle Identification Number (xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Dear BMW Owner,
BMW, as well as most other vehicle manufacturers, has recommended procedures to be followed when towing or transporting cars to ensure safety
and prevent vehicle damage. However, there is always the possibility that the operator of the tow truck or transporter is not aware of, or chooses to
ignore, the manufacturer's recommended procedures and damages the car.
BMW of North America, Inc. has become aware of a number of instances where front suspension components of certain BMW models have been
damaged by tow trucks or transporters because the operators have not followed recommended procedures. Complaints relating to handling, stability
or damage to tires may result.
If you have ever had your 1995 and later 7 series or 1997 and later 5 series BMW towed, we recommend that you contact your BMW center to
schedule an inspection of the front suspension components. This one time inspection will be performed free of charge, and small warning labels will
be affixed to the critical components to help prevent accidental damage if your car is ever towed in the future.
In addition to the inspection of affected cars, BMW is conducting a campaign to contact as many independent towing or transport services as
possible so that they can be made aware of the proper procedures to follow on BMW cars. Since there are thousands of these services in the United
States, we realize that we will never be able to make sure that all operators will follow our recommended procedures. Therefore we recommend that
if your vehicle ever requires towing or transport in the future, you utilize the BMW Roadside Assistance Program. The services affiliated with this
program have all been instructed in the proper methods to use on BMW vehicles.
We appreciate your confidence in our product, and we wish to do everything we can to retain your confidence. Should you need any additional
assistance, you may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.
