CarRecallWatch- Component
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
What this recall means for you
The aluminum bolts that hold the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may break. This affects several BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5 and Z4 models from 2010 to 2011 and related 2012 models.
If the VANOS bolts loosen or break, the engine may stall unexpectedly, which raises the risk of a crash.
The repair is free. An authorized BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS bolts at no charge. Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or by contacting BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| BMW 1 Series | 201020112012 |
|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | 201020112012 |
| BMW 5 Series | 20102011 |
| BMW X3 | 20102011 |
| BMW X5 | 20102011 |
| BMW Z4 | 20102011 |