2023-2024 BMW i7 High-Voltage Cable Abrasion Service Action
BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SIB 61 16 24 to address a potential issue with the high-voltage cable in 2023-2024 BMW i7 vehicles. Chafing of this cable can lead to a 'Drive faulty' Check Control message. This service action involves inspecting the cable, replacing it if damaged, and…

Also applies to
- BMW i7
- 2023
Important Warnings
BMW has issued a critical advisory regarding vehicles affected by this service action. Dealers are instructed: "Do not deliver to a customer, a New, Certified Pre-Owned or Used vehicle subject to a Delivery Stop, until the vehicle is repaired. Do not use or sell replacement equipment/parts subject to a Delivery Stop."
Additionally, working on high-voltage (HV) systems in BMW Group vehicles requires specialized training. Only properly trained personnel who have passed applicable HV Technical Training Courses should perform repairs that involve disconnecting or removing High Voltage battery components. Performing such work without proper qualification can result in severe injury or damage to the vehicle. The HV system must be disabled and secured by a properly trained HV technician before any HV component is disconnected or removed.
Symptoms
Owners of affected 2023-2024 BMW i7 vehicles may notice a specific warning message on their instrument cluster. The primary symptom associated with this issue is a "Check Control message 'Drive faulty'" appearing on the dashboard. This message indicates a potential problem with the electric drive unit.
Cause of the Problem
The root cause of the "Drive faulty" message in the 2023-2024 BMW i7, as identified in Service Information Bulletin SIB 61 16 24, is the chafing of the rear high-voltage cable for the electric drive unit. This abrasion can compromise the cable's integrity, leading to the warning message.
Repair Procedure Summary
To address the BMW i7 high-voltage cable abrasion, technicians will perform a specific service action. The procedure involves inspecting the high-voltage cable for the rear electrical machine for any signs of chafing or damage. If damage is found, the cable will be replaced. Regardless of whether damage is present, retrofit abrasion protection will be installed as required. The repair process references instruction REP 61 12 477, which details the removal and installation of the rear electrical machine high-voltage cable.
It is important to note that if a replacement high-voltage cable with an index Al08 is installed, abrasion protection must be retrofitted. However, if a cable with an index Al09 or higher is used, the abrasion protection is already integrated and does not require additional retrofitting.
Required Parts
The following parts may be required for this service action:
- 61 29 5 B5B BE9: Repair cable
- 61 12 5 A37 103: High-voltage wiring harness (if required)
Additional materials and small parts, such as fluids, lubricants, one-time use screws, nuts, and seals, will be selected from the Electronic Parts Catalogue or other approved BMW Group resources as needed.
Claim Information for Dealers
Reimbursement for this service action, SIB 61 16 24, is processed using Repair Code 0061610800. Various work packages are available depending on the repair scenario, including checking for damage, replacing the cable, and retrofitting abrasion protection. These work packages have specific labor allowances (FRU) for claiming purposes.
What Owners Should Do
If you own a 2023-2024 BMW i7 and experience a "Drive faulty" message, or if you are unsure if your vehicle is affected by the BMW i7 high-voltage cable abrasion issue, you should contact your authorized BMW dealer. They can check if your vehicle requires this service action by reviewing its campaign status in their system. This repair will be performed free of charge under the service action.
Source: NHTSA ID: 11006740
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 61 16 24 about?
- BMW Service Information Bulletin SIB 61 16 24 addresses a potential issue where the rear high-voltage cable for the electric drive unit in certain 2023-2024 BMW i7 vehicles can chafe, leading to a 'Drive faulty' Check Control message.
- What warning message might I see if my BMW i7 is affected by high-voltage cable abrasion?
- If your BMW i7 is affected by the high-voltage cable abrasion, you may see a 'Check Control message 'Drive faulty'' displayed on your instrument cluster.
- Is it safe to drive my BMW i7 if I see a 'Drive faulty' message?
- The document does not explicitly state whether it is safe to drive with a 'Drive faulty' message. However, given that it relates to the high-voltage system, it is recommended to contact your BMW dealer immediately for diagnosis and repair to address the BMW i7 high-voltage cable abrasion.
- Will I be charged for the repair related to SIB 61 16 24?
- No, this is a service action issued by BMW, and the inspection and repair, including any necessary parts and labor, will be performed free of charge by an authorized BMW dealer.
- What is involved in the repair for the BMW i7 high-voltage cable abrasion?
- The repair involves inspecting the rear high-voltage cable for chafing or damage. If damaged, the cable will be replaced. In all cases, abrasion protection will be installed to prevent future chafing. This work must be performed by specially trained high-voltage technicians.
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