Battery Cable Connector Recall for BMW 1 Series (E8X), 3 Series (E9X), Z4 (E89)

[menewtobmw]

SUMMARY:

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through July 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through July 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011.

The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

CONSEQUENCE:
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...3V044-6848.PDF

[ddeliber]

Is there a svc bulletin or recall number for this? I will be taking my car in in the next week or so and I'd like to have this done as well to avoid a second trip. It'd be good to point to something and say can you take care of "this" as well.

[N8N]

Good to know, thanks for posting this. I was aware of the issue and have experienced no trouble yet but at 75K miles having this recall done will definitely increase my peace of mind driving a high-mile E92. Will have to ask about this next time I have a reason to go to the dealership.

[Das_Stig]

so is the cause of most of those electrical problems we keep hearing about?

[goffsroad]

Found this article...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...MPLATE=DEFAULT

[tccox]

Interesting ,,,,,thanks for posting. Should be a real quick fix

Ok, so only 2012s up to July 2011 mfg date so mines excluded

[Bob Z.]

They must have fixed the problem in the latest model year since my 2013 135i convertible is not included.

[ef11]

dang I'm taking my car in for some stuff on Tuesday, but the recall doesn't start until March so not sure if I can get the dealership to do this..

[BrokenVert]

So its come to this...

[Frosty]

Report Receipt Date: FEB 07, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 504,545
All Products Associated with this Recall
Details
2 Associated Documents
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through July 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through July 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
CONSEQUENCE:
If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

[E30M3Driver]

Originally Posted by ericfox11

dang I'm taking my car in for some stuff on Tuesday, but the recall doesn't start until March so not sure if I can get the dealership to do this..

No, unfortunately you won't be able to. Special tool(s) and parts are required and aren't distributed yet. Guessing they are somehow splicing and crimping a new connector on to the existing cable.

[Frosty]

I just posted above as I just cut and pasted it.... probably same as OP

[mtnova]

Links to NHTSA documents:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...3V044-8968.pdf

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs...3V044-6848.PDF

[m7ammed]

this is what happens when it fails

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=707967

Long story short BMW screwed me over.

[EINSER M]

ah damn i was just there for an oil change

[bmw1racer]

Originally Posted by Bob Z.

They must have fixed the problem in the latest model year since my 2013 135i convertible is not included.

Same here for my 2012 128i coupe (manufactured May 2012).... Whew.

[bmw1racer]

Thanks for the heads up.

[2nice89]

Originally Posted by Frosty

I just posted above as I just cut and pasted it.... probably same as OP

I just paid $1,00 to get this fixed a month ago... How the hell can i get my money back? It was done at a indy shop but i have the receipt

[andrey_gta]

gonna call my local places about this

[bender rodriguez]

Originally Posted by O2nice

I just paid $1,00 to get this fixed a month ago... How the hell can i get my money back? It was done at a indy shop but i have the receipt

Shit.. Id say if it was done at a dealer you might have a chance but since it was at an indy shop I dunno.. that blows Id be pissed...

[tofu-]

Originally Posted by Das_Stig

so is the cause of most of those electrical problems we keep hearing about?

prob not. sounds more like preventative maintenance

[GOTMH8N]

Interesting