Front Restraint System - Improved Design
Group 72Equipment and
Accessories
Bulletin Number
72 O1 94 (4037)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
July 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Modification to E36 Front Restraint System
MODELS:
1994 MY E36 325i/A (Four Door Only)
Situation:
In order to improve the belt restraint function for the front seating positions in this model, BMW will incorporate a force limiting device in the front belt retractors beginning with the production of calendar week 29.
All affected vehicles in dealer inventory should have the new front safety belt system installed in both front seat locations according to the procedure contained in this bulletin.
Affected Vehicles:
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is currently eligible for this Service Action, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communications System). Proceed to "Inquires;" "Vehicle History" and enter the Chassis Number (last seven characters) of the vehicle in question. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the following corrective action or take no further action. The final decision factor for the performance of the modification is the DOS inquiry.
Note that many vehicles will be repaired at the VPCs before reaching your dealership. In general, the repair of these vehicles will be reflected on the DCS system prior to arrival. In case of a DCS processing delay, however, every driver's side B-pillar of the affected vehicles should be examined. Check for a round campaign label with Service Action Campaign # 117 punched out before beginning repairs on a vehicle. If such a label is present1 no further action with the DCS system or the vehicle itself is required. Do not repair such a vehicle. Do not submit a warranty claim on such a vehicle.
Correction:
Remove both front safety belt systems, and install modified components according to the procedure below:
Procedure:
1. Check for the presence of Service Action Campaign label # 117 on the driver's side B-pillar. Such a label indicates that this vehicle has already been updated.
If label # 117 is not present, proceed to step 2.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness from the front seats, and remove seats from vehicle. Cover the door sills for scratch protection.
3. Remove the belt ends from seats.
4. Carefully remove the small black trim pieces (P/N 51 43 1 960 981/ 982) immediately below the safety belt height adjuster. Remove the "D"-rings, height adjuster buttons, and B-pillar trim. The height adjuster mechanism remains attached to the vehicle.
5. Remove belt guides from the B-pillars.
6. Remove safety belts/retractor assemblies.
7. Remove sound insulation material.
B. Remove any wax/dirt residue on the retractor mounting/belt guide area in the B-pillars with BMW brake cleaner spray.
9. Clean the guide plates (from parts kit) on the side receiving the glue with BMW brake cleaner spray.
10. Assemble the glue gun. glue cartridge, and nozzle tip according to the directions included with the gun. Cut the mixing nozzle tip of the Teromix 6700 glue gun on the second line from the tip end. This should provide a 2mm diameter glue bead. Note that the working time of the mixed glue in the tip is approximately 10 minutes.
11. Apply glue to the back side of guide plates in a circular bead as indicated (driver's side shown, bead is item # 1):
12. Position the guide plates as indicated. The stampings in the guide plates align with the contours and stamped holes in the B-pillar.
13. Hold the guide plates in place with heavy tape until set (15 minutes). Remove the mixing nozzle from the glue gun. Replace the protective cap on the glue cartridge. The glue in the cartridge has not yet been mixed, and can be reused. The cartridge contains enough glue to repair eight vehicles. However, once the glue in the tip has started to set, the nozzle must be replaced.
14. Remove any excess glue pressed out from underneath the guide plates. The tape may remain in the vehicle.
15. Reassembly may begin after 15 minutes; however, the glue must cure for 24 hours for full strength.
16. Reinstall the sound insulation.
17. Install the new safety' belts from parts kit. Torque to 19.5 +/- 2.5 N-m (175 +/-20 in.lbs.) This is a critical torque, and must, under all circumstances, be tightened to the specification given.
18. Feed the safety belts through the openings in the B-pillar trim.
19. Reinstall the B-pillar trim pieces.
20. Reinstall the safety belt D-rings and height adjuster buttons. Make certain the door seals along the B-pillars are properly positioned.
21. Fasten the belt ends to the seats (torque = 48 N-m).
22. Install seats (torque = 55 N-m.) and reconnect harness.
23. Check the function of the safety belts, height adjustment, and seat travel.
24. Apply the Service Action Label with # 117 punched out according to the "Service Campaign Label Instructions" listed near the end of this S.I.
Parts Information:
Part Numbers are given below only for reference. DO NOT ORDER PARTS. Parts will be allocated for this Service Action automatically, based on dealer stock of affected vehicles. One glue gun, which can be reused on multiple repairs, will be sent to each dealership through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program.
Service Action Label Instructions:
This Service Action has been assigned code number 117. After the prescribed work has been performed, obtain a label (SD 92-031) and:
a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b) punch out code number 117 printed on the label (2); and
c) bend the label to crease an edge and remove the backing paper. Then affix the label to the "B" pillar as shown:
Warranty Status:
Reimbursement for this Service Action will be provided Campaign Entry. Refer to Work Packages below for proper claim entry:
Special Defect Code: O0 72 O1 09 OO
Work Package # 1 - Install Modified Safety Belt Components
Labor Operation: OO 51 043
Labor Allowance: 20 FRU
Sublet Allowance: $4.00 (cleaning solvent: Brake Cleaner P/N 81 22 9 407 704)
(duct tape: obtain locally)
(1 glue cartridge: enough glue for 8 vehicles)
Part Allowance: