External Oil Leaks From The Rear Axle Differential-Diagnosis And Repair (SI B33 03 21)
Publication date: 2021-07-23Reference number: SI B33 03 21
EXTERNAL OIL LEAKS FROM THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR
SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
| BMW: | All Models |
SERVICE INFORMATION
This Service Information Bulletin (Revision #1) replaces SI B33 03 21 dated July 2021.
What's New (Specific text highlighted):
- Update to CORRECTION
SITUATION
During the vehicle's operational life, normal gear oil seepage or sweating, in addition to accumulated road dust, dirt and grime under the vehicle can give an appearance that there is an active rear differential oil leak.
This is further exaggerated by residual oil that remains on the rear differential cover after maintenance services are performed.
If this visual appearance of accumulated oil on the rear differential is misinterpreted as an active engine oil leak, then unnecessary seal/gasket repairs/replacements will result.
CAUSE
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide your workshop with the information and a procedure that will help you in identifying differential oil leaks (that do require repair) vs. slight oil seepage (that do not require repair).
CORRECTION
Misting or sweating oil from the differential shaft seals and/or housing gaskets is not considered an active oil leak.
As previously announced, the BMW Warranty Department is in the process of introducing and piloting a Warranty Picture Documentation App. When it is fully introduced, this App will be the one of the tools your center will use to document active oil leaks through VIN-specific photos, this repair-related information will be used by BMW during the claim review process.
PROCEDURE
Refer to Attachment 1
PARTS INFORMATION
When a repair is necessary, please refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK/EPC), using the customer's VIN to locate the applicable replacement part numbers.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
This Service Information bulletin provides technical, diagnostic, and repair-related information.
For related information for external engine oil leak diagnosis and repairs, refer to SI B01 10 21 .
Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs
When used to repair a verified defect in materials or workmanship, the repair procedure information provided in this bulletin is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program.
To submit a claim, please following the established and applicable warranty policy and procedures (Labor/Part/Sublet - bulk materials) that apply to the repair being performed. Refer to AIR for the corresponding defect code, flat rate labor operations (including diagnosis) and flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
Only one Main labor operation code can be claimed per repair visit.
Based on which one applies to your center, please refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for claiming your diagnosis work time, job/repair work time (WT), RO/Claim WT and/or repair explanation procedures, unless otherwise required by State law.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
| Technical inquiries | Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin |
| Warranty inquiries | Please contact the Warranty department by either using the Live Chat that's available in the Warranty Documentation Portal or through IDS by selecting Coverage, Policy, Coding Questions and Mileage Corrections |
| Parts inquiries | Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department |
Supporting Materials
picture as pdf B33 03 21Attachment1.pdf
