2023-2024 BMW i5/i7 HVAC Drumming Noise TSB SIB 64 01 24

Owners of certain 2023-2024 BMW i5 and i7 electric vehicles may notice a distinct rhythmic drumming noise coming from the air conditioning system. This issue, addressed by BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 64 01 24, describes the cause and the necessary repair to eliminate this sound.

Symptoms

Owners will primarily experience "A drumming noise is heard when the air conditioning system is operating." This rhythmic drumming noise from the HVAC system is most noticeable when the air conditioning is actively cooling the cabin.

Cause

The root cause of the BMW i5 HVAC drumming noise is related to condensate management within the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In warm, humid conditions, condensate forms in the blower housing. When the blower operates at high speeds, these condensate droplets are forcefully thrown against the condensation drain opening.

This impact creates a noise that is further amplified by the design of the long condensation drainage hose, the grommet, and the overall geometry of the heating and air conditioning unit. This combination results in an echoing effect heard through the condensate drain pipe, manifesting as the rhythmic drumming noise from the HVAC system.

Important Warnings

BMW emphasizes critical safety precautions for this repair, especially concerning the high-voltage (HV) system:

• High-Voltage System Work: Only properly trained personnel who have passed applicable HV Technical Training Courses should perform repairs that involve disconnecting or removing high-voltage battery components. Work performed by unqualified individuals on HV systems can lead to severe injury or vehicle damage. Additional safety information is found in Repair Instruction 61 00, "Observe safety instructions when handling electric vehicles."
• HV Battery Removal: High-voltage battery removal and rework can only be performed by an HV Specialist Technician certified through specific technical training courses (e.g., ST1825 – Alternative Drive Part 2) and with a corresponding HV Battery Certification level.
• Condensate Drain Modification: "DO NOT MODIFY the condensate drain pipe. This could allow water to collect upon the high voltage battery or back up into the HVAC box overflowing onto the vehicle floor." This warning highlights the importance of using the correct, optimized parts for the repair.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the BMW i5 HVAC drumming noise involves optimizing the condensation drainage system. For vehicles produced prior to December 31, 2023, the condensation water drain hose assembly needs to be replaced. The optimized condensation drain features a ramp insert placed into the condensation drain plug. This insert breaks up the water drops as they fall, preventing them from hitting the drain pipe opening at high speeds and eliminating the drumming noise.

Technicians will replace the condensation water drain. The optimized drain can be identified by a "WHITE DOT" or a revision of "INDEX 02" or higher. Before installing the new drain, lubricant G14 is applied to the top of the seal where it contacts the heater box. The procedure does not require accessing the vehicle from inside the passenger compartment.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, the following parts may be required:

• 64 11 5 A43 278: Condensation-water drain (Quantity 1)
• 83 23 2 360 412: Lubricant G14 (Sublet up to 1 oz)
• 83 19 5 A32 851: HT-12 Antifreeze RTU (Pre-mix) (Sublet as needed)
• 83 19 2 468 442: BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (HT-12) (Sublet as needed)

Additional materials like fluids, lubricants, one-time use screws, nuts, and seals, as specified in ISTA repair instructions, may also be required.

Claim Information

The repair for the rhythmic drumming noise from the HVAC system, identified by Repair Code 6411900500, is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. The repair code is specifically labeled as "G6x G7x BEV Knocking noise with ventilation switched on (condensation drainage hose)". Labor operations include diagnosis (51 00 001* or 00 58 500*), removing and installing the high-voltage battery unit (61 25 010 or 61 25 510), and additional work for replacing the condensation drainage hose (00 76 640).

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Source: NHTSA ID 11002669