Oxygen Sensor Update - Check Engine Light On (11 02 98)

Publication date: 1998-07-01
Reference number: 11 02 98

OXYGEN SENSOR UPDATE - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 11 02 98, Date of Issue: July 1998

OXYGEN SENSOR UPDATE

Model(s): 1995-97 BMW (E31) 850Ci with M73 Engine

1995-97 BMW (E38) 750iL with M73 Engine

Group: 11 - Engine

Bulletin No.: 11 02 98

Date: July 1998

Perform the procedure outlined in this service information on all affected vehicles the next time they are in the shop for maintenance or repairs.

SITUATION

The oxygen sensors of the affected vehicles listed below may over time develop poor internal electrical connections which will cause the check engine light to illuminate.

If this situation occurs the possible fault codes set in the DME are:

FC 10, Oxygen Sensor Pre Cat. (Bank 1) and/or
FC 12, Oxygen Sensor Post Cat. (Bank 1) and/or
FC 18, Oxygen Sensor Pre Cat. (Bank 2) and/or
FC 20, Oxygen Sensor Post Cat. (Bank 2).

VEHICLES AFFECTED

This Service Action involves E31 and E38 vehicles with M73 engines which were produced from 11/94 - 7/97.

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 as the only deciding factor

VEHICLES AFFECTED

Model	Chassis Number Ranges
750iL	DH66004 - DH68668
850Ci	CD05000 - CD05350

CORRECTION

Replace all 4 oxygen sensors (2 pre cat - regulating sensors and 2 post cat - monitoring sensors) on all affected vehicles.

PROCEDURE

Read and print out DME fault codes if present.

Any oxygen sensor fault codes listed in the situation section above should be ignored. Troubleshoot and repair other DME fault codes using the DIS tester instructions as necessary

NOTE: A copy of the test/hex codes must be attached to all oxygen sensors which have set a fault in DME I and/or DME II when submitted.

Test/hex code printout procedure:

Select "3 Service Functions" and right arrow button.
Select "1 Test Code" and right arrow button.
Select "Test Code R."
Select Print "Diagnosis Report."

Clear all fault codes stored in the DME.

Replace both regulating oxygen sensors and both monitor sensors as outlined in the E38 repair manual group 11 sections 11 78 510 and 11 78 610.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Qty.	Description
11 78 1 742 050	2	Regulating sensor - E31 and E38
11 78 1 742 052	2	Monitor sensor - E31
11 78 1 742 051	2	Monitor sensor - E38

SERVICE ACTION LABEL INSTRUCTIONS

This Service Action has been assigned code number 218. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-090) and:

Emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
punch out code number 218 printed on the label and,
affix the label to the B pillar as shown in Fig 1 .:

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

Reimbursement for this Service Action will be provided through Campaign Entry.

The attached notification letter will be sent to all customers with affected vehicles.

SPECIAL DEFECT CODE: 00 11 17 01 00

WORK PACKAGE #1: Replace all 4 oxygen sensors. (includes reading and printing out DME fault codes).

LABOR OPERATION: 00 51 359

LABOR ALLOWANCE: 12 FR U

PART ALLOWANCE

Model	Part Number	Qty.
E31	11 78 1 742 050 11 78 1 742 052	2 2
E38	11 78 1 742 050 11 78 1 742 051	2 2

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER

BMW SERVICE ACTION TO REPLACE YOUR VEHICLE'S OXYGEN SENSORS

Dear valued BMW Owner:

BMW has become aware of incidents of premature wear of oxygen sensors in certain 1995, 1996 and 1997 BMW 750iL and 850Ci vehicles.

In order to prevent this situation from occurring on your vehicle, BMW is conducting a Service Action. We are asking you as the owner of an affected vehicle to contact your Authorized BMW center at your earliest convenience to have the repair performed.

The Problem is...

Your BMW automobile is equipped with 2 controlling and 2 monitoring oxygen sensors, providing a closed-loop feedback for optimum engine operation. Over time, one or more of these oxygen sensors may become deficient in its function. In such a case, the CHECK ENGINE light would illuminate indicating a drivetrain-related problem.

What BMW and your Authorized BMW center will do...

BMW will repair your vehicle free of charge for parts and labor. Your authorized BMW center will replace all 4 oxygen sensors of your vehicle with an improved version.

Your obligations are...

At your earliest convenience, please contact your Authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment to have this Service Action performed.

If you need help...

Should you have any questions about this Service Action that cannot be answered by your Authorized BMW center, please call our Customer Relations Department, toll free, at 1-800-831-1117.

If you don't own this vehicle...

If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle, we would greatly appreciate your furnishing us with the name and address of the new owner, using the enclosed return postage-paid card.

On a personal note...

We appreciate your confidence in our product and wish to do everything we can to retain that confidence. BMW of North America, Inc. in cooperation with our Authorized centers will strive to minimize any inconvenience to you caused by this Service Action. We ask that you join us in our desire to minimize air pollution and any adverse impact on our environment and have this Service Action conducted on your vehicle.

Very truly yours,

BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 1: Service Action Label