BMW Recall: 2010-2012 Z4 for VANOS Bolts Issue (6 cylinder models)

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW NA Recalling 156,137 Cars for VANOS Issue

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BMW is recalling a 156,137 vehicles, both luxury cars and SUVs, to make sure bolts holding a component in their six-cylinder engines don't break loose and cause stalling or engine damage.

BMW says it has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that in rare cases, bolts holding the variable camshaft timing unit may come loose or break, causing the engine to go into a "safe mode." If the problem continues, it can lead to stalling, engine damage – and it may not start.

Drivers will know of a telltale sign of trouble when the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light illuminates. BMW says they need to contact a dealer for service immediately. If the car stalls, they should get over to the side of the road and call for a tow.

The problem is confined to 2010 to 2012 vehicles with the popular inline six-cylinder engine. Those vehicles being recalled include:

2010-12 1 Series
2010-12 3 Series
2010-2012 5 Series
2010-12 5 Series Gran Turismo
2012 6 Series
2010-2012 X3 crossover
2010-12 X5 crossover
2010-12 X6 crossover
2010-12 Z4 sports car

Via USA Today

Wow Very Nice!!!!

[Vintage]

I guess I will check and see if my 2010 Z4 35i needs to go in for surgery.

[2011CrazE89]

I have an appointment in the morning. Better get this taken care of also. Thanks for posting!

[Lambobimmer]

Wow. This is the same problem that the S54 had, except that the S54 would grenade itself if the bolts backed out. I wonder why 2009 models are not affected. Wonder what BMW changed between 2009 and 2010 with these bolts.

[BMWZ4RIDER]

Originally Posted by Lambobimmer

Wow. This is the same problem that the S54 had, except that the S54 would grenade itself if the bolts backed out. I wonder why 2009 models are not affected. Wonder what BMW changed between 2009 and 2010 with these bolts.

Agree what changed from early and 1st year production 2009 to 2010 N54 engines that they are not being regardless.
I have a mid year 09 35i.
I will be calling BMW to find out the info on the 09's.

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by 2011CrazE89

I have an appointment in the morning. Better get this taken care of also. Thanks for posting!

Dealerships haven't gotten the recall or parts yet (I checked because I have an appt too). It takes several weeks or months for them to open the recall.

[HerrK]

The recall covers these vehicles with the in-line six-cylinder engine:

•2010-12 1 Series
•2010-12 3 Series
•2010-2012 5 Series
•2010-12 5 Series Gran Turismo
•2012 6 Series
•2010-2012 X3 crossover
•2010-12 X5 crossover
•2010-12 X6 crossover
•2010-12 Z4 sports car

BMW is recalling 156,137 vehicles powered by the 6 cylinder N55 for issues with the VANOS bolts.

So why is the N54 powered Z4 affected? Unless they are recalling the N54 powered vehicles as well.

[F1LOCO]

So this is only N55? That doesn't make sense as 2011 Z4's were N54's and they are listed. Guess time will tell.

[cuddapah]

BMW USA site hasn't been updated yet with this recall. Site says it will take up to 30 days after completion of a recall for this data to be updated.
You can enter you VIN and search here :
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...er/Recall.aspx

[2011CrazE89]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Dealerships haven't gotten the recall or parts yet (I checked because I have an appt too). It takes several weeks or months for them to open the recall.

Originally Posted by cuddapah

BMW USA site hasn't been updated yet with this recall. Site says it will take up to 30 days after completion of a recall for this data to be updated.
You can enter you VIN and search here :
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...er/Recall.aspx

Just got back from dropping her off. I did mention the recall. SA said they were notified of the recall but are just starting to compile all the info. Like mentioned. It could be 30 days before receiving anything in the mail.

[mbetoni]

I too am confused as to why Z4s are on this list if it only covers the N55. Also, since the press release only mentions "2010-12 1 Series", I initially thought my wife's 128i might be included. However, it's actually the 135i and 135is that used the N55, her car shares a version of the N52 that was in my E85.

Seems like the release is a bit vague at this point.

[nicknaz]

SA told me today that there was a "pending" recall and BMW would give more info and make parts available in about a month. At this point, it seems like we should all just take a "wait and see" approach, unless we get a check engine light...

[wrxm33]

I called the dealer yesterday. Nothing has been reported in the system yet.

Should I be concerned??

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by wrxm33

I called the dealer yesterday. Nothing has been reported in the system yet.

Should I be concerned??

We all have to just wait and see. If you don't get a CEL I would say don't worry about it.

[cuddapah]

Received a notification from NHTSA regarding the recall. "The recall is expected to begin in May 2014."
Link to NHTSA:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...tsa_ids=14V176
So far I didn't receive any notice from BMW. I will be dropping off my car for service tomorrow (intermittent AC) and will check at that time.

[BMWZ4]

Are N52's affected? (naturally aspirated 3.0)

[VailM3]

is this just for US or world wide?

[cuddapah]

Some more info ...

Model Year.L.Madel: Inclusive Dates oLM.anufacture:
2010-12/1 Series January 2010- August 2011
2010-12/3 Series September 2009- February 2012
2011-12 I 5 Series September 2009 - August 2011
201 0-12 I 5 Series Gran Turismo September 2009 - November 2011
2012/6 Series May 2011 -October 2011
201 0-12 I X3 SAV January 2010 -September 2011
2010-12/ X5 SAV November 2009 - October 2011
2010-12/ X6 SAV February 2010 - October 2011
2010-12/ Z4 January 2010 - February 2011

[bigendbob]

Looks like someone didn't set the torque wrench to the right setting?

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Are N52's affected? (naturally aspirated 3.0)

From the NHTSA, notice

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 (N52), 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.

Since its's spread over a range of models & engines but relatively tight range of years - probably a bad lot of bolts, would be my guess.

[jparnes1]

Also, those 2010-2012 IL-6 cars not affected by the recall will receive an extended warranty for this issue.