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2011 BMW X5 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Recalls

5 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.

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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Safety Recalls

Critical #23V707000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The VANOS unit in your engine controls the timing of your engine's valves. It's secured by four special aluminum bolts that can loosen over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If these bolts break, the VANOS unit could fail, causing your engine to shut off while you're driving. This could increase the risk of a crash, especially if you're on the highway or in heavy traffic.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the VANOS bolts for free, to prevent this problem from happening. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, to ensure your safety on the road.
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 →
Critical #18V336000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The engine idler pulley bolt in your X5 xDrive 35d is a small metal piece that helps keep your engine running smoothly. Over time, it can come loose and break.
Risk if Unfixed
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, you could lose power steering, making it harder to steer your vehicle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty idler pulley bolt with a stronger one – at no cost to you – and you should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
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Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel vehicles. The engine idler pulley bolt may loosen over time and break.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the idler pulley bolt with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2019. 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 #18V248000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The electric auxiliary water pump in your vehicle is a small part that helps keep your engine cool. In some 2011-2012 models, this pump could fail and cause problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pump fails, it can cause the circuit board to overheat, which could lead to a fire. This is a serious risk, especially since it could happen while you're driving.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty water pump with a new one, free of charge. You'll get a notice to schedule the repair starting June 11, 2018, and you should park your vehicle outdoors until the repair is done to minimize any risks.
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Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #17V683000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The PCV valve in your vehicle helps clean the air in your engine. The heater in this valve needs to be replaced in certain models, as it may cause a short circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If the heater short circuits, it could melt parts inside the valve and cause a fire, even when your vehicle is parked and turned off.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the PCV valve heater for free. Since you've already received an initial notice, be sure to schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. 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 #11V521000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
What Happened
The turbocharger in your vehicle is a critical part that helps your engine breathe and run smoothly. The electric auxiliary water pump, which is connected to this system, might overheat due to a faulty circuit board in certain models.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pump overheats, it could catch fire, causing damage to your engine compartment and potentially putting you at risk of a vehicle fire.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the auxiliary water pump with a new one, at no cost to you. They'll take care of it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO, MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 7-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 X5 SAV, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 X6 SAV VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED, ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.
Original — Remedy
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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