Z4 Recall by BMW

[Mr Tidy]

Just read that, how on earth will bmw issue a recall for cars going back to 2007

I wouldn't worry - they've had some practice!

Last year I got a recall through the post for the driver's airbag on my E46! Just a shame it wasn't done when I took it in the year before for the passenger airbag recall! :roll:

 

[Adam D]

Further reading seems to suggest it relates to the B+ battery connector which runs between the fuse box and battery. Could be an expansion of the 2017 recall which listed 2009 onwards cars (e89).

 

[Magicarcher]

I watched the program last night, it appears to be E9x 3 series and Gen 2 Z4 rather than Gen 1 Z4. But if in doubt contact your dealer with your VIN number.

There were two problems identified on the program:

1. An issue with fires caused by a heater control, the problem was described as being associated with the plating on the terminals on a heating control ECU and the fix is to replace the module with a newer version that changes from Tin to Silver plated terminal (having said that I couldn't find the offending eCU in real OEM). Apparently BMW have done a recall on this in the states.
2. A problem with a main battery feed to the fusebox overheating which can lead to a fire. They showed the feed on the program and it was a blade terminal. I have to say I am very surprised at this, I have been designing vehicle electrical system since 1986 and I would not use blade terminals for a fusebox feed. I recently analysed an E85 fusebox on a bench and from memory it uses the more common ring terminals for main feeds.

I am concerned though as I just bought a 2011 E91 for the wife and I am far from happy if the fusebox feed shown last night is on my wifes car. Even more so because I struggle to see how BMW will retro fix it IMHO it needs a redesign. I suspect the recall will be an inspection job, to view the cable/fusebox for signs of overheating. If not they may leave alone.

 

[biojo]

well going off the bellow

https://www.bmw.co.uk/help/ownership/recall-bmw-battery

"BMW is expanding an existing B+ battery connector UK recall. This relates to predecessor generations of the 1 Series, 3 Series, Z4 and X1 built between March 2007 and September 2011."

Mines 2007 August production date, which is between them dates, but the local dealer said its not on the list but they will book it in FOC for it checking to see if it requires doing.

you can email them on [email protected]

 

[Mike6]

I read that fixing that electrical connector is a 90 minute job so not a quick fix. Multiply that by 300000 and it will tie up dealerships for ages. Dont think I would want to use a car knowing the extent of the problem before it gets fixed. But looking on the bright side they wont have enough time to charge owners thousands to change their oil!!.

 

[Magicarcher]

For those interested there are a couple of youtube posts that show the problem relating to the recall. The issue is with the main fusebox B+ feed which uses a 90 deg blade terminal, the terminals are basically going high resistance, BMW solution I believe it to replace the standard terminal with a silver plated one (I do hope they are changing the FB and the cable!)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0C4-Kw7Pd8[/youtube]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69wXFxidptE[/youtube]

Very different to the E85 that uses a nice meaty ring terminal with threadlock nut for the main supply:

 

[garnierz4]

I emailed BMW, my 2008 E86 is affected by this and needs to go in.

 

[Adam D]

I emailed BMW, my 2008 E86 is affected by this and needs to go in.

I think they may be mistaken completely different design of fuse box to the E89.

 

[Magicarcher]

I emailed BMW, my 2008 E86 is affected by this and needs to go in.

I think they may be mistaken completely different design of fuse box to the E89.

I am sure they are, if you look at the post 3 up it confirms the E85 (and presumably E86) use a bolted ring terminal for B+ which is entirely different to the balde connector in the offending B+ cable on the E90. It will be interesting to see if BMW accepts their claim for the investigation time.

 

[adam1985]

I emailed BMW, my 2008 E86 is affected by this and needs to go in.

I think they may be mistaken completely different design of fuse box to the E89.

I am sure they are, if you look at the post 3 up it confirms the E85 (and presumably E86) use a bolted ring terminal for B+ which is entirely different to the balde connector in the offending B+ cable on the E90. It will be interesting to see if BMW accepts their claim for the investigation time.

My November 2007 E86 is not on the list according to my local BMW stealer.

 

[Mr 9mm]

I rang my local dealer and was told that my July 2007 E85 isn't affected.

 

[Bing]

My wife’s 2007 318i is showing as needing this done :x

 

[Lynchy]

My wife's 2010 123d msport has to go in as well

 

[srhutch]

My wife's 2010 123d msport has to go in as well

As does my May 2011 1 series.

Rather hoping it might catch fire before though. :evil:

 

[Z4 COUPSTER]

Just heard off a customer who bought a 2010 318d that it's going in. Be warned they have informed him that one part is available, and other in back order. They will not release the vehicle until Both are done. They gave given him a courtesy car though for the whole period.
This is going to cost the tens of thousands!!

 

[Mr Tidy]

My 56 plate Z4 is OK, but my 06 plate E91 has a recall.

I called my local Sytner last week and they haven't got the parts - so I'm on their waiting list! :roll:

 

[biojo]

local dealer checked mine, even though it wasn't on the recall. when i got it back, all insides been cleaned and hoovered and out side washed

 

[Bulldog1]

Just thought I’d let you all know. I rang my local dealer several weeks ago to see if my 2009 Z4 was effected by the power lead recall. I was told it wasn’t. A week or so later I checked the DVLA website and again it didn’t show any outstanding recalls. Just got in and have received a letter from BMW saying my car is effected but due to the amount of vehicles involved they have run out of parts.Apparently my local dealer will contact me and I don’t need to do anything at this stage

 

[Rich8]

If it’s 2009 I assume u have E89 rather than E85/86?

I think general consensus is the E85/86 is ok and it’s only E89s that may be affected.
Has anyone actually had a recall notice on a E85/86 to disprove that theory yet?

 

[Bulldog1]

Yes sorry it’s the e89 23i. Just seems like the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing at BMW :roll: