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2012 BMW 3 Series ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Recalls

2 recalls Highest severity: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service for ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING issues.

← View all 2012 BMW 3 Series recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Safety Recalls

Critical #24V608000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's water pump has an electrical connector that might be exposed to water, which can cause a short circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If the electrical connector gets wet and shorts, it could cause a fire in your car, which can be very dangerous.
Free Fix
A BMW dealership will inspect and replace the water pump and electrical connector for free, and add a protective shield to prevent this from happening again, all at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #14V176000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The VANOS unit in your engine helps your engine run smoothly. It's held in place by four bolts that can loosen over time, which could cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts loosen or break, your engine could lose power or stall while you're driving. This increases the risk of a crash, especially if you're not in a safe location.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units, at no cost to you. They'll make sure your engine is secure and running smoothly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Other BMW 3 Series 2012 Recalls

AIR BAGS
3 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 recalls
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall

Other BMW 3 Series Years

2025
1 recall
2024
3 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
15 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
6 recalls
2017
3 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
8 recalls
2014
12 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2011
11 recalls
2010
9 recalls
2009
7 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2006
11 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2003
8 recalls
2002
8 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
7 recalls

Similar ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Recalls in Other Vehicles

2010 BMW X5
40 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls
2011 BMW X5
40 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls
2010 BMW Z4
32 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls
2011 BMW Z4
32 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls
2026 FORD Explorer
32 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls
2014 JEEP Grand Cherokee
32 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2012 BMW 3 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 2 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP recall for the 2012 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #24V608000)

Your vehicle's water pump has an electrical connector that might be exposed to water, which can cause a short circuit. If the electrical connector gets wet and shorts, it could cause a fire in your car, which can be very dangerous. A BMW dealership will inspect and replace the water pump and electrical connector for free, and add a protective shield to prevent this from happening again, all at no cost to you.

What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE recall for the 2012 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #14V176000)

The VANOS unit in your engine helps your engine run smoothly. It's held in place by four bolts that can loosen over time, which could cause problems. If the bolts loosen or break, your engine could lose power or stall while you're driving. This increases the risk of a crash, especially if you're not in a safe location. Your BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units, at no cost to you. They'll make sure your engine is secure and running smoothly.