Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The Valvetronic system in your engine is a computer-controlled mechanism that helps your engine run smoothly. In some cases, a software glitch could cause the system to malfunction and stall your engine.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you might not be able to restart your engine, which could lead to a crash, especially if you're on the road and can't control your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will update the engine's computer system to fix the software issue, and the repair is free. You should contact your dealer to schedule the update as soon as possible.
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.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →