Recall 97V-131: 1992–1997 BMW 318i, 1994–1997 BMW 318ic and 14 more
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall for vehicle speed control, reported to NHTSA on Aug 19, 1997, covering about 410,000 vehicles.
The problem
The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
The risk
This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of october 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE |
|---|---|
| Component | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 97V131000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 318i | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW 318ic | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW 318is | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW 318TI | 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW 325i | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 325ic | 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 325is | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 525i | 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 525IT | 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 530i | 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 530IT | 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 540i | 1994, 1995 | All years |
| BMW 740i | 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW 840ci | 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW M3 | 1995, 1996, 1997 | All years |
| BMW Z3 | 1996, 1997 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 97V-131?
The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
How is recall 97V-131 fixed?
Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.