2023-2024 BMW 5 Series / 7 Series Rattling Washer Fluid Reservoir TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2023-2024 BMW 5 Series Sedan (G60, i5 Sedan) and 7 Series Sedan (G70, i7 Sedan) vehicles may notice a distinct BMW i5 rattling noise when driving over rough surfaces. This low-frequency rattling sound is commonly heard inside the cabin, often localized to the front right footwell area of the vehicle.

Cause

According to BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 61 01 24, the root cause of the rattling noise is excessive play in the windshield washer fluid reservoir's mounting hook. This looseness allows the reservoir to vibrate, generating the audible noise.

Fault Codes and OEM Labels

This issue is associated with the following defect code:

• Defect Code: 6166013700 - "Washer fluid reservoir (including filler channel) Loose"

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

To address the BMW i5 rattling noise, technicians should follow a specific procedure. The bulletin includes an image highlighting the washer fluid reservoir's mounting point, indicating where play or looseness might occur.

1. Initial Inspection: The first step involves a thorough inspection of the washer fluid reservoir. Technicians are instructed to check for any signs of play or looseness, specifically examining the mounting points and surrounding areas where contact might occur and generate noise.
2. Noise Source Confirmation: It is crucial for the technician to confirm that the windshield washer fluid reservoir is indeed the definitive source of the rattling noise before proceeding with any repairs.
3. Reservoir Replacement: If the reservoir is confirmed as the source of the noise, it must be replaced with an improved part. This replacement should strictly adhere to the detailed repair instructions found in the BMW workshop manual, specifically referenced as "Replacing the washer fluid reservoir for the washer system 61 71 065 | REP-REP-P-6171065-G60/G70 - V.1".
4. Post-Installation Checks: After the new washer fluid reservoir is installed, the system requires final checks. This includes verifying for any leaks and thoroughly testing the functionality of the entire washer system to ensure proper operation.

Required Parts

The following part is required for this repair:

• Part Number: 61 66 5 A3A 029
• Description: Tank window Washer System
• Quantity: 1

Warranty and Claim Information

This repair is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. When submitting a claim, technicians will use the defect code 6166013700, which describes the issue as "Washer fluid reservoir (including filler channel) Loose".

The following labor operations are specified for diagnosis and repair:

• Diagnosis:
  • 51 00 001: Used for "Localizing body complaint(s) (Work time)" and inspecting the washer fluid reservoir for play or looseness. This operation is assigned a "WT FRU" (Work Time Flat Rate Unit) allowance.
  • 00 58 500: Designated as "Diagnosis Worktime Flat Rate" with a "2 FRU" allowance. Both 51 00 001 and 00 58 500 are not considered Main labor operations.
• Replacement:
  • 61 71 065: This is the "Main work" operation for "Replacing washer fluid reservoir for washer system". The labor allowance is "As applicable".
  • 61 71 565: This is the "Plus work" operation for "Replacing washer fluid reservoir for washer system". It should be used if 61 71 065 is already being claimed as a Main labor operation for another repair on the vehicle. The labor allowance is also "As applicable".

For proper documentation of diagnosis work time, technicians are advised to refer to Service Information Bulletins SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20. To determine the correct part number for a specific vehicle, technicians must enter the VIN/chassis number into BMW's ETK or AIR systems, which will identify parts based on the vehicle's specific equipment and options. Flat Rate Unit (FRU) allowances for labor operations are obtained via the BMW Group's AIR application resource by entering the chassis number or full VIN and searching for the specific labor operation code.

Important Bulletin Information

This Service Information Bulletin, SIB 61 01 24 Revision 1, is an update that supersedes the previous bulletin SI B61 01 24, which was dated January 2024. The revision includes specific text highlighting the affected models and option codes: 5DN (Parking assistant Plus) and 5DW (Parking assistant Professional). Additionally, BMW notes that "THIS REPAIR IS MOBILE FRIENDLY", indicating it can be performed outside of a traditional service bay.

NHTSA ID: 10250894