Expansion tank cap

[minesapint]

Some months ago someone on here was talking about this subject in relation to blowing the heater valve. They mentioned a recall & provided a link to VOSA site where I obtained a copy of recall note.
This week I called into local BMW parts & presented VOSA printout & told the story. They said it wasn't applicable to my vehicle, asked the lady to check again, same answer.
I've re-read the Wiki & know my cap is original as I've had the car from new.
I'm not convinced they're right. Are they?
86 325i Cab

It does say 1.2 on the cap



Inside



Cheers

[kam-325i]

is it recall #R/1997/068 you have ?

[minesapint]

is it recall #R/1997/068 you have ?

Not sure now, I left the printout with them.

[kam-325i]

The recall dose include your car, Phone BMW UK direct, they can check to see if your car has been done..

[Brianmoooore]

The recall dose include your car, Phone BMW UK direct, they can check to see if your car has been done..

Not certain that it does. I'm think I read somewhere once that it only applies to the 1.4 bar cap.

[minesapint]

The Wiki talks about 1.4 bar cap, but implies it's come down to that from 2 bar.

Tank Cap
The expansion tank cap is more than just a lid for you to top up the coolant. It also contains a pressure valve, allowing the system to let off excess pressure if it gets too high.
In 1997 BMW issued a safety recall on the tank cap. The pressure valves in the original caps would jam up as they aged, preventing excess pressure from venting when the engine got too hot. Because of the increase in pressure, the heater valve would blow and spray the passengers legs with hot coolant. For that reason, BMW introduced a new pressure cap, rated at 1.4 bar. If there's a chance that your car is still running its original tank cap, take your VIN to BMW and claim your new, free tank cap.
That is, unless you have a 318iS. These cars use a 2.0 bar cap as standard.

But thanks I'll check again with BMW UK direct.

[minesapint]

Just re-reading the Wiki......

The pressure valves in the original caps would jam up as they aged, preventing excess pressure from venting when the engine got too hot.

.......says the caps would jam with age, not that the pressure rating was wrong, hence a recall with a new pressure cap. That implies to me mine needs changing regardless of it's pressure rating.
So to be sure have emailed BMW Germany to get a definative answer.

[Brianmoooore]

To run as efficiently as possible, an engine should run as hot as practically possible.
The limiting factor is local 'hotspots' in the cylinder head jacket where the coolant gets to its hottest, where local boiling has to be avoided.
This is achieved, as engine design evolves, by better cylinder head design and improved materials (BMW black plastic????!!*?) for the cooling system components, allowing the system to be run at higher pressures and temperatures. Generally speaking, pressure cap ratings have increased over the years, along with the specified opening temperature for the coolant thermostat.
Your early E30 only used a 1.2 bar cap, but this was increased to 1.4 bar when the facelift mods. were made, and up to 2.0 bar only on the iS when the more sophisticated M42 was introduced.
As I understand it, the earlier 1.2 bar caps were fine, as were the 2.0 bar caps - just the 1.4 version potentially giving trouble.
I look forward to hearing what BMW have to say on the matter.

[minesapint]

I look forward to hearing what BMW have to say on the matter.

Thanks for that information. I'll post when I hear from them.
Cheers

[kam-325i]

Details of the recall:

Reference : R/1997/068
Manufacturer Ref :
Make: BMW
Model : Old shape 3 Series (E30)
Launch Date : 16/02/1998
Numbers Involved : 161000
Build Start Date : 01/01/1982
Build End Date : 31/12/1994

Recall Details
Concern : OVERLOADING OF COOLANT CIRCUIT
Description : Overloading may occur in the coolant circuit which encompasses the engine, radiator and heat exchanger. Should the heater heat exchanger be affected, hot water and steam may suddenly escape into the vehicle interior. This could seriously impair visibility through the windscreen. Injuries to the feet and lower legs may also result.
Remedial Action : The affected vehicles are being recalled to BMW dealers for the fitment of a replacement radiator cap.
Vehicle Id : Various

there is also a recall for the 5,7 & 8 Series of the same era of the E30, for the exact same problem....

[minesapint]

Details of the recall:

Reference : R/1997/068
Manufacturer Ref :
Make: BMW
Model : Old shape 3 Series (E30)
Launch Date : 16/02/1998
Numbers Involved : 161000
Build Start Date : 01/01/1982
Build End Date : 31/12/1994

Recall Details
Concern : OVERLOADING OF COOLANT CIRCUIT
Description : Overloading may occur in the coolant circuit which encompasses the engine, radiator and heat exchanger. Should the heater heat exchanger be affected, hot water and steam may suddenly escape into the vehicle interior. This could seriously impair visibility through the windscreen. Injuries to the feet and lower legs may also result.
Remedial Action : The affected vehicles are being recalled to BMW dealers for the fitment of a replacement radiator cap.
Vehicle Id : Various

there is also a recall for the 5,7 & 8 Series of the same era of the E30, for the exact same problem....

Yes thanks, found this on the VOSA site myself.
Interesting the numbers involved recall figure of 161,000 between 82 & 94.
There were 2.33 million E30's built world wide through that period, so obviously the recall is for a relative "few" models/dates.
I've emailed both BMW Germany & UK & am still awaiting an answer from them.
Cheers

[minesapint]

Sorry, have had reply.... of sorts!

Message from BMW Germany, 14 Nov.

Thank you for your message.

We have forwarded your request to BMW UK. Our responsible colleagues will process this matter.

Disappointed!

Also this from Germany on the same date.

Hello,
I can not confirm anything.
1177592 does not exist anymore
New number for radiatior cap is 4379047

Best Regards
Christian Greiner

Well it would no longer exist if it had been subject to a recall! Double disappointed!

Haven't heard from "our responsible colleagues" even though I've emailed them separately twice, 12 Nov.
Is it me? I would have thought it an easy matter to check a recall on their data base.
Cheers

[minesapint]

Answer

Dear Mr Myers

Thank you for your email dated November 13, 2014.
I have investigated your enquiry and I can confirm that there are no recalls on your vehicle.
Once again thank you for contacting BMW UK.
Yours sincerely

BMW UK
Leigh Drummond
Customer Information Executive
Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell RG12 8TA
Tel: +44 (0) 800 325 600
Fax: +44 (0) 370 5050 205
Mailto: customer.information@bmw.co.uk
URL: www.bmw.co.uk

From the horse's mouth!
Cheers

[kam-325i]

Well, cant argue with that !!

[minesapint]

Brian Moore

As I understand it, the earlier 1.2 bar caps were fine, as were the 2.0 bar caps - just the 1.4 version potentially giving trouble.
I look forward to hearing what BMW have to say on the matter.

Well done Brian.........looks like you were correct again
Cheers