Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2000 08:09:15 EST
From: FLBEARCUB_at_aol.com
Subject: Re: X5 - Truth or Rumor???

In a message dated 1/3/00 6:02:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, bmwuucdigest_at_topica.com writes:

> Last week.
> After two "loss of control" failures nationwide. BMW has **recalled the X5
> for a possible separation of the steering column shaft at the steering gear.
>
> ** Since the X5 is on "retail hold", this recall is "in house" at the dealership
> level. I got the impression BMW is keeping this one quiet.
> Panic at BMW last week!!
>
> So is it true???

Here is what the bulletin says:

SIB# 32-50-99

PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINES I THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES PRIOR TO DELIVERY TO CUSTOMER OR PLACING IN SERVICE AS A DEMONSTRATOR.

IN AN AFFECTED VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN DELIVERED, THE CUSTOMER SHOULD BE CONTACTED AND A TECHNICIAN SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CUSTOMER'S HOME TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION.

Subject: Check of steering coupling

Model: X5

Situation: The lower steering shaft coupling may not have been installed

fully onto the steering rack input shaft.

Vehicle
affected: A complete listing of all affected chassis numbers is attached.

Correction: This Service Action involves visually checking the connection,

and correcting if necessary.

Procedure: Look down alongside the engine at the connection between the

            steering rack and the steering shaft. The plastic collar with 
            alignment fin should be pushed down fully onto the rack, so that 
            there is no more than 4 mm clearance between the plastic collar 
            and the aluminum housing of the rack. If the shaft is not 
            assembled correctly, there will be substantially more clearance 
            (approx. 15-20 mm) between the rack and the collar.

            Check to ensure that the plastic collar is fully down on the 
            steering rack.

            If the collar is properly seated, no further action is necessary.

            If the collar is not seated, notify the Technically Hotline 
            immediately. 
            Remove the lower Torx bolt from the coupling, push the collar and 
            coupling fully down on the shaft, replace the bolt, part number 
            32-30-1-094-718, and torque to 19Nm. Check to ensure that the 
            steering 
            wheel is centered and the pointer on the rack is centered.

FYI, there are 151 vehicles on the list.

Stephen
'99 R1200C
'96 328ti Sport

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