10/5/2020

61 18 20_BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER

SIB 61 18 20
BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER

2020-09-17

MODEL
E-Series

Model Description

F15
F30
G12
G30
I01
I12
I15

X5 xDrive40e Sports Activity Vehicle
330e Sedan
740e Sedan, 745e xDrive Sedan
530e Sedan, 530e xDrive Sedan
i3 BEV, i3 REx
i8 Coupe
i8 Roadster

Affected Option
Code
0ZS8
0ZS8
0ZS8
0ZS8
0ZS8
0ZS8
0ZS8

SITUATION
The BMW-approved accessory TurboCord electric vehicle (EV) charger will not charge the vehicle.
Accessory offering (shown):
TurboCord Charger (complete)

P/N 61 44 2 448 670

Specifications:
Dual voltage mode electric vehicle
charging device
12 A @ 120 Volts
16 A @ 240 Volts

In the event of a malfunction with the TurboCord charger, either one or both charging modes (240 V/120 V)
may fail to operate:
1. If the 240 V fast charging mode is not operating but the charger still works on 120 V charging mode;

the 240 V Plug Adapter is most likely defective, refer to the testing procedure below.
2. If neither the 120 V charging mode nor the 240 V fast charging mode are working (not charging the

vehicle) and the power supply to the device is adequate, this indicates most likely a defective
TurboCord charger. Refer to the testing procedure below.
Note: For further assistance or questions regarding the TurboCord diagnosis or SI B61 18 20 please
submit an accessories TSARA case.

CORRECTION
Follow the instructions in the PROCEDURE section.

PROCEDURE
A. If Recall Campaigns 18V-652 or 18E-092: CHECK BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV CHARGER (SI
B61 12 18, B61 13 18 or B61 18 18) apply and show they are open (not completed) on the vehicle, then this

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10/5/2020

61 18 20_BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER

bulletin may not apply. Review the Recall bulletins to see if complete TurboCord replacement is necessary.
B. Visually inspect the cable to confirm that the issue with the TurboCord is not the result of an outside
influence, misuse or external damage (non-warranty) or inadequate power supply.
C. If items A and/or B do not apply, proceed to step D below.
D. Test the TurboCord on 120 V (level 1)
charge mode by plugging it into a (known
good) 120 V supply outlet and to the vehicle’s
charge socket.
E. If the TurboCord charger does NOT
operate/charge the vehicle on 120 V charge
mode, replace the complete TurboCord
Charger PN 61 44 2 448 670.
F. If the TurboCord operates/charges the
vehicle on 120 V charge mode, proceed to
step G.

G. Test the TurboCord on 240 V (Fast
charge mode) by plugging into a (known
good) 240 V supply outlet and to the vehicle’s
charge socket.
H. If the TurboCord charges properly on 120
V (level 1) charge mode but it does NOT
operate/charge on 240 V (Fast charge)
mode, replace the 240 V Plug Adapter shown
with PN 61 44 5 A2A D29.

Note: Refer to the attached troubleshooting guide for additional information.
For further assistance or questions regarding the TurboCord diagnosis or SI B61 18 20 please
submit an “Accessories” TSARA case.

PARTS INFORMATION
Only use and invoice the part number below that applies to the repair being performed.
Part Number

Description

Quantity

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10/5/2020

61 18 20_BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER

61 44 5 A2A D29
Or:
61 44 2 448 670

TurboCord 240 V Plug Adapter

1

BMW TurboCord Charger (Complete)

1

Only order these parts in the quantities that are needed to address customers’ TurboCords that have
confirmed failures.
The TurboCord 240 V Plug Adapter will be on limited weekly ordering until additional stock arrives.
The part numbers above that are claimed and credited will be requested to be returned to the Warranty
Parts Return Center (WPRC).

WARRANTY INFORMATION
For those vehicles that were ordered and delivered with an accessory TurboCord Portable
EV Charger Cable (Monroney Label Line Item, DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry - Option
Information: Code 0ZS8 TurboCord Charger)
Warranty Claim Type 1
These accessory TurboCord Portable EV Charger Cables are covered under the terms of the BMW New
Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (4 years/50,000 miles) for defects in
materials or workmanship.
For all other accessory TurboCord Portable EV Charger Cable Purchases (Vehicles without
Option Information: Code 0ZS8 TurboCord Charger)
Warranty Claim Type 2 – Parts Warranty
These accessory TurboCord Portable EV Charger Cables are covered under the terms of the BMW NA
Limited Parts Warranty for the first 24 months from the date of purchase without mileage limitation for
defects in materials or workmanship.
Should the TurboCord fail again, it is covered by the remaining portion of the limited warranty coverage
period above that applies.
For additional information including standard exclusions, please refer to the BMW Policy and Procedure
Manual.
For the applicable Warranty Claim type (1 or 2) submission: Reimbursement for a qualifying TurboCord
repair will be via normal claim entry utilizing the applicable information below and the part number listed
above that applies:
Defect Code:
:
Labor
Operation
61 25 000

61440079WB

Accessory TurboCord Plug Adapter (240 V) or Charger
Cable Complete Failure

Description

Labor Allowance

Work time for checking and replacing the accessory
TurboCord 240 V Plug Adapter or the complete
TurboCord Charger (Main work)

4 FRU

Work time for checking and replacing the accessory
TurboCord 240 V Plug Adapter or the complete
TurboCord Charger (Plus work)

3 FRU

Or:
61 25 000

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61 18 20_BMW TURBOCORD PORTABLE EV 120 V/240 V CHARGER

Only one Main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit
As applicable 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), WT and repair-related explanation procedures.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical inquiries
Warranty inquiries
Parts inquiries

Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin
Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department
Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department

Supporting Materials
picture_as_pdf B611820 TC EV CHGR Troubleshooting.pdf

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BMW TurboCord Charger (SI B61 18 20)

September 2020

TurboCord (EV Charger) Troubleshooting Guide
Please refer to this Troubleshooting Guide for possible solutions to common errors or difficulties with charging
your vehicle using this portable charger.
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair or service the charger yourself. Except for the Plug Adaptor, there are
no other serviceable parts.
A RED TROUBLE Indicator may be triggered by several sources, including the charger, the utility service, or
the vehicle. See Troubleshooting tips below.
The RED TROUBLE Indicator turns on when the charger detects an error whether it is connected to your
vehicle or not. With the RED TROUBLE Indicator on, the dual charger will not deliver power to the vehicle.
The error must be corrected before charging begins or resumes.
TurboCord 240V Plug Adapter (Level 2 Charging)
Problem
In Level 2 charging
mode (240V), BLUE
STATUS Indicator
does not illuminate,
when the Plug
Adapter is
connected and it is
fully inserted into a
working wall outlet,
Level 1 charging
mode (120V) will still
operate

Possible Cause

Solution

No power to unit
(TurboCord)

If the TurboCord charges when its connected to a 120V
outlet but it will not charge when its connected to a 240V
outlet, replace the 240V Plug Adapter

TurboCord excluding the 240V Plug Adapter
Problem
BLUE STATUS
Indicator does not
illuminate
Vehicle will not
charge
RED TROUBLE
Indicator remains
solid
RED TROUBLE
Indicator is on solid
NOT connected to
vehicle
RED TROUBLE
Indicator and BLUE
STATUS Indicator
are both on

Possible Cause

Solution

Charger internal failure

Check to determine if a complete TurboCord Charger
replacement is necessary

Communication error
between charger and
vehicle

Check to determine if a complete TurboCord Charger
replacement is necessary

Charger internal failure

Check to determine if a complete TurboCord Charger
replacement is necessary

Charger trying to resolve
internal error

Charger will return to normal operation within 1 minute. If
the problem persists, check to determine if a complete
TurboCord Charger replacement is necessary
1

BMW TurboCord Charger (SI B61 18 20)

September 2020

Vehicle
Problem
RED TROUBLE
Indicator is on solid
when connected to
vehicle

Possible Cause

Solution

RED TROUBLE
Indicator is off and
BLUE STATUS
Indicator is on when
you unplug from
vehicle

Vehicle problem

*Have the vehicle diagnosed accordingly

Problem

Possible Cause

BLUE STATUS
Indicator does not
illuminate

No power to unit

Vehicle will not
charge

Charge coupler is not
inserted into the vehicle

Possible Cause
1. Check circuit breaker for the wall outlet and other
circuit loads
2. Try another wall outlet
3. Ensure charger module (and adapter if operating in
240 VAC mode) is fully inserted into the wall outlet
1. Inspect the charge coupler
2. Remove the charge coupler from the vehicle, then
reinsert it into the vehicle receptacle until it clicks

RED TROUBLE
Indicator remains
solid

Vehicle is not in a state
to accept a charge

Other

Utility fault

RED TROUBLE
Indicator is blinking
rapidly

Above temperature limit
(122 Deg F) cases:
•

•

Temperature is too
high. The charger will
restart charging when
it cools down
House/socket wiring
may be faulty

Verify vehicle charge timer is set to permit charging.
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for charge timer
instructions
1. Disconnect the charger module from the wall outlet,
then reconnect to the wall outlet
2. If the condition persists, have a qualified electrician
inspect the wall outlet ground circuit integrity
3. Repair as required
1. Inspect charger module for overheating (hot to the
touch)
2. Carefully unplug charger module from the wall outlet
and allow to cool
3. Disconnect the charger (and adapter, if operating in
240 VAC mode) from the wall outlet
4. Have a qualified electrician inspect the wall outlet and
adapter integrity
5. Repair as required
6. If the condition persists, check to determine if a
complete TurboCord Charger replacement is
necessary

*Only properly trained personnel, who have passed all applicable technical training courses, should perform
any maintenance or repairs on any Hybrid or Electric Vehicles.
Work performed by unqualified persons may result in severe injury or damage to the vehicle. Additional
information may be found in REP 61 00… Observe all safety instructions when handling electric vehicles.
2