Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The VANOS unit in your engine helps regulate the timing of your valves. The bolts that hold it in place can loosen over time and break, which is a problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If the VANOS bolts break, your engine could stall while you're driving, making it hard to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the four VANOS bolts with new ones, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →