The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·14V176000·Announced 2014-04-10

BMW Recalls 2010-2012 Models for Engine Bolt Failure Risk

BMW is recalling approximately 156,137 vehicles because VANOS housing bolts may loosen or break, potentially causing the engine to stall and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine component failure) that can cause the engine to stall, explicitly increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles, including the 128i, 135i, 328i, 335i, 528i, 535i, 535i Gran Turismo, 640i, X3, X5, X6, and Z4. The recall covers approximately 156,137 vehicles.

The defect involves the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit. These bolts can loosen over time and may possibly break. If the bolts loosen or break, the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust) free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BMW 128I, 135I, 328I, 535I
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Engine Component
Hazard
Affected units
156,137

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (12)

  • 128I
  • 135I
  • 328I
  • 535I
  • X3 SAV
  • 640I
  • 528I
  • X5 SAV
  • X6 SAV
  • 335I
  • 535I GRAN TURISMO
  • Z4

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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