Steering - Column Does Not Adjust/No Memory
GROUP 32
Steering & Wheel Alignment
Bulletin Number
32 02 98
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
July 1999
Product Engineering
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. 32 02 98 dated June 1998 which should be removed and discarded from your S.I. binder.
SUBJECT:
Driver's Seat/Steering Column do not Adjust
MODEL:
5 Series (E39), 7 Series (E38), produced from 09/97
Situation 1:
Occasionally, the steering column does not move from the "Comfort Exit" position when switching on the ignition. However. the steering column
adjustment can still be made using the adjustment switch. or using the memory controls. Driver's seat adjustment is not affected.
Situation 2:
Intermittently, the steering column does not move from the "Comfort Exit" position when switching on the ignition. In addition, neither the steering
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column, nor the driver's seat can be adjusted using their respective switches, or by using the memory controls. This situation is usually cleared either
by cycling the ignition key multiple times, or by switching off, and allowing the system to go into consumer shut-off.
Cause 1:
This is normal operation resulting from a steering switch input after the ignition is turned off.
If the switch input is an "up" request with the ignition off, cycling the ignition key does not return the steering column to normal "Comfort exit"
operation. In this case, the steering column must be adjusted "down" using the switch or memory button, for the steering column to return to normal
"Comfort exit" operation.
Note:
SM/LSM module SW1O is programmed to ignore an "up" request after the ignition is turned off. In this case normal "Comfort exit" operation
resumes as soon as the ignition is turned on.
If the switch input is an "in", "out", or "down" request, cycling the ignition will return the steering column to normal "Comfort exit" operation.
Because of the proximity of the driver's knee to the adjustment switch, the adjustment switch can be inadvertently activated, particularly when either
exiting or entering the vehicle.
Cause 2:
Communication problem between steering adjustment motor and SM/LSM module.
Correction:
On a customer complaint basis, confirm with the customer the exact nature of the complaint in order to identify if the customer's complaint is
Situation 1, or Situation 2 (confirm whether the steering column position and seat positions can be changed using the switch or memory functions).
Situation 1:
Familiarize the customer with this feature of operation.
Situation 2:
A) Vehicles produced from 9/98 only
1. Replace SM/LSM module with version 10.0, or later
2. Using DIS, or MoDiC, code the SM/LSM module:
-- Select Coding/Programming
-- Select ZCS Coding
-- Select E38/E39
-- Select Recoding
-- Select SM, and follow on-screen instructions to complete the coding process.
B) Vehicles produced 9/97 to 9/98 only
1. Replace SM/LSM module with version 10.0, or later
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2. Remove instrument panel lower trim and locate the steering column up/down adjustment motor (1).
3. Identify which type of motor is fitted:
3.1. If the motor has a metal box (1) with black plastic lid and Bosch P/N 0 390 201 680 (2), replace the steering column up/down adjustment
motor. Also replace the K72 relay (Located behind the glove box)
3.2. If the motor has a black plastic box (1) with a black plastic lid, do not replace any additional parts.
4. Reinstall the instrument panel lower trim.
Parts Information:
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Warranty Information:
Covered under the terms of the BMW new car limited warranty.
Note:
The following explanations will spell out the correct use of the work times.
Main Work:
Use this labor operation number when the only repair performed is the listed warranty repair.
OR
+ Associated Work:
Use this labor operation number when other repairs or services are performed along with the listed warranty repair.
Under no circumstances should both labor operation numbers be claimed. Attempts to claim both times will result in an unnecessary delay in claim
processing and payment.
