All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.
Recall & Buyer Checklist
2003 BMW 7 Series · 2 recorded campaigns · Prepared 2026-11-08
Model-year records do not confirm VIN eligibility or completed repairs. Ask your dealer to check your VIN and the original filing's safety instructions.
Done
NHTSA Campaign
OEM Recall
Component
☐
03V324000
Ask dealer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
☐
03V240000
Ask dealer
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
☐ Confirm open recalls by VIN ☐ Schedule free repairs ☐ Keep completed repair orders
Buying used? ☐ Check title / accident / odometer history ☐ Arrange an independent inspection
The oil filter drain plug on your vehicle is a crucial part that keeps oil from leaking out when you drain it. In some cases, it might not be tightened properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the plug loosens and oil leaks out, you could lose a significant amount of oil, causing engine damage. A badly damaged engine could even lead to a crash, which is a serious safety concern.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will check the oil filter drain plug and tighten it with the right amount of force to prevent leaks — all at no cost to you. You should schedule the inspection as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible and follow up with your dealer if you have any questions. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE PLUG CAUSING AN INITIAL OIL SPRAY AND A SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL LOSS OCCURS, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY RESULT. DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG AND, IF NECESSARY, RETIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG WITH THE CORRECTLY SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Your BMW's engine has a computer that helps it run smoothly. In some cases, this computer can get confused and cause the engine to stall, especially in Bank I and II.
Risk if Unfixed
If the engine stalls, you might not be able to restart it, which could lead to a crash, especially if you're in heavy traffic or your engine is making rough noises.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the engine's computer system with the latest software, and this service is free. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible, and you can contact them at 1-800-831-1117 for more information. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THOSE CASES, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF ENGINE ROUGHNESS, OR STALLING, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
What is the overall risk grade for the 2003 BMW 7 Series?
The 2003 BMW 7 Series has a risk grade of F. This grade is calculated from 2 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).
How many safety recalls does the 2003 BMW 7 Series have?
The 2003 BMW 7 Series has 2 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.
What is the most severe recall for the 2003 BMW 7 Series?
The most severe recall for the 2003 BMW 7 Series is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.
Is the 2003 BMW 7 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 recall for the 2003 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #03V324000)
The oil filter drain plug on your vehicle is a crucial part that keeps oil from leaking out when you drain it. In some cases, it might not be tightened properly. If the plug loosens and oil leaks out, you could lose a significant amount of oil, causing engine damage. A badly damaged engine could even lead to a crash, which is a serious safety concern. Your BMW dealer will check the oil filter drain plug and tighten it with the right amount of force to prevent leaks — all at no cost to you. You should schedule the inspection as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible and follow up with your dealer if you have any questions. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING recall for the 2003 BMW 7 Series? (Campaign #03V240000)
Your BMW's engine has a computer that helps it run smoothly. In some cases, this computer can get confused and cause the engine to stall, especially in Bank I and II. If the engine stalls, you might not be able to restart it, which could lead to a crash, especially if you're in heavy traffic or your engine is making rough noises. Your BMW dealer will update the engine's computer system with the latest software, and this service is free. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible, and you can contact them at 1-800-831-1117 for more information. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
