Defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater coreRecall 93V-015 · BMW vehicles

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall 93V-015 covers 375,000 BMW vehicles for a defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core problem, reported to NHTSA on February 1, 1993.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected375,0003 models
ReportedFeb 1, 1993Owners notified Jun 4, 1993
Complaints since24Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 93V015000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

The risk

VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.

What to do

The fix

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

SYSTEM: COOLANT SYSTEM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

3 models

Vehicles in this recall

Built from January 1, 1983 to January 1, 1993. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    NHTSA