BMW 3 Series recalls

Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

26,164 vehicles · built 30 Oct 1997 to 22 Aug 2006

For vehicles fitted with a Takata front passenger airbag with a PSPI inflator these vehicles have previously received a like for like replacement front passenger airbag via a previous safety recall campaign.

Fix: The front passenger airbag module of the affected vehicles will now be replaced by an airbag module or an inflator that does not contain ammonium nitrate.

102,611 vehicles · built 3 May 1999 to 24 Aug 2006

Excessive increase of cooling system temperature could (in a worst case) lead to a bursting of the heater matrix radiator.

Fix: Fitting an additional thermostat and modified hoses into the heating system to bypass the heat exchanger if overheating was to occur.

66 vehicles · built 1 Mar 1987 to 1 May 1992

Some vehicles may be susceptible to damage to the anti-corrosion coating of the lower steering shaft.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the steering shaft must be replaced.

277,987 vehicles · built 1 Aug 1990 to 24 Aug 2000

The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly.

Fix: On affected vehicles the screw connection of the lower belt of the front seats will be checked and if necessary reworked.

• 3 SERIES: 60 vehicles · built 7 Sep 2020 to 4 Mar 2021
• 3 SERIES: 60 vehicles · built 4 Sep 2020 to 11 Mar 2021

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications

Fix: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced

705 vehicles · built 27 Jan 2021 to 3 Feb 2021

Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

• 3 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 6 Jul 2015 to 25 Aug 2018
• 3 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 30 Jun 2015 to 1 Aug 2018
• 3 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 30 Jun 2015 to 17 Sep 2018

The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.

Fix: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.

• 3 SERIES: 388 vehicles · built 3 Mar 2020 to 26 Oct 2020
• 3 SERIES: 388 vehicles · built 24 Feb 2020 to 26 Oct 2020

A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.

Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.

• 3 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 5 Jun 2020 to 23 Jul 2020
• 3 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 3 Mar 2020 to 22 Sep 2020

In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.

Fix: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.

• 3 SERIES: 871 vehicles · built 27 Jan 2020 to 30 Sep 2020
• 3 SERIES: 871 vehicles · built 30 Jun 2020 to 21 Sep 2020

A steering tie rod with an earlier design configuration can become broken in the �kink� groove area of the rod.

Fix: Both of the steering tie rods will be replaced on the affected vehicles.

4,542 vehicles · built 22 Oct 2018 to 16 Mar 2019

The rear center head restraint interlock was not welded according to specification.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the center rear head restraint will be replaced.

1,737 vehicles · built 5 Jul 2019 to 31 Jul 2019

Drivers air bag may deploy incorrectly

Fix: Replace the air bag inflators.

67,548 vehicles · built 28 Oct 1997 to 10 Jul 2000

The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

53 vehicles · built 11 Mar 2019 to 9 Jul 2019

The front drivers air bag may not deploy correctly on activation.

Fix: Check and replace the drivers front air bag if required.

6,927 vehicles · built 28 Sep 1999 to 29 Dec 2001

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

• 3 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 9 Dec 2011 to 11 Apr 2017
• 3 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 20 Nov 2012 to 11 Apr 2017
• 3 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 3 Feb 2012 to 11 Apr 2017

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.

• 3 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 19 Mar 2015 to 17 Oct 2017
• 3 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 25 Mar 2015 to 22 Nov 2017
• 3 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 23 Mar 2015 to 18 Jul 2017

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

• 3 SERIES: 1,642 vehicles · built 16 May 2018 to 7 Jun 2018
• 3 SERIES: 1,642 vehicles · built 16 May 2018 to 29 May 2018
• 3 SERIES: 1,642 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 29 May 2018

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

• 3 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 24 May 2018 to 5 Jun 2018
• 3 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 18 May 2018 to 5 Jun 2018
• 3 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 18 May 2018 to 7 Jun 2018

Over time irregularities in the crimp connection in conjunction with relative movements of the tin coated connector at the end of the wiring harness which connects to the tin coated blower regulator pin could lead to frictional corrosion. In combination with very high current flow which would occur which could lead to a temperature increase. As a result the blower regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands. this could result in an irregular current flow further overheating and increase the risk of fire.

Fix: The blower regulator wiring harness will be inspected and a new part will be installed.

• 3 SERIES: 279,104 vehicles · built 22 Apr 2005 to 8 Jul 2011
• 3 SERIES: 279,104 vehicles · built 15 Oct 2004 to 8 Jul 2011
• 3 SERIES: 279,104 vehicles · built 20 Apr 2006 to 27 May 2011
• 3 SERIES: 279,104 vehicles · built 28 Nov 2006 to 27 May 2011

The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.

Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.

311,848 vehicles · built 20 Sep 2006 to 30 Jun 2011

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

10,849 vehicles · built 30 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

36,410 vehicles · built 1 Dec 2009 to 13 Oct 2011

The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).

41 vehicles · built 19 Sep 2011 to 8 Dec 2015

The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment. Metal shards may pass through the air bag material and cause injury to occupants.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag and inflator assemblies.

218,559 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2002 to 31 Dec 2003

The bolts securing the rear axle support should not be re-used after removal. Affected vehicles may have had the rear axle support refitted after repair work using the original fitted bolts. These may work and though noise and vibration are likely continued use may affect the vehicle's handling.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the rear axle support bolts.

60 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2015 to 1 Sep 2016

The in tank fuel pump may contain sub components that have not been correctly nickel plated. This may cause excessive friction leading to the fuel pump being inoperative. The driver may experience a no start condition or in the worst case an engine stall. A warning lamp and error message will display. Steering and brakes will still function.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the in tank fuel pump with a modified version.

1,646 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2013 to 30 Apr 2014

On affected vehicles the Driver's seatbelt retractor may be faulty. The seat belt may be hard to pull out or below zero degrees it may not be possible to pull the belt out. In these instances a driver may not be able to use the belt as intended.

Fix: On affected vehicles Check belt operation and replace belt if necessary

1,502 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2014 to 31 Mar 2015

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

2,967 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2009 to 30 Nov 2011

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.

316,043 vehicles · built 1 May 1999 to 31 Aug 2006

It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.

4 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2013 to 30 Jun 2013

It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

36 vehicles

It is possible side and rear windows made out of Makrolon (Synthetic Polycarbon Laminate) may become loose due to insufficient adhesion fixing them in place. This will result in a visual and audible warning of the issue to vehicle occupants. If these warnings are ignored it is possible a window could detach from the vehicle.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the Makrolon windows with conventional glass windows.

17 vehicles

Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.

• 3 SERIES: 701 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2007 to 31 Dec 2011
• 3 SERIES: 701 vehicles

It has been identified that due to faulty crimping of the component parts of the airbag wiring harness and seat belt tensioner the side airbag or seatbelt tensioner may not trigger in the vent of a collision.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the harness checked and repaired as necessary.

1,756 vehicles · built 23 May 2008 to 21 Jul 2008

It has been identified that the connections for the left and right hand door pressure sensors have been reversed at their connection with the airbag control unit. This would have the effect of delaying the detection of a side impact thus causing the airbag to be deployed too late. It should be noted that the fault would not be indicted by the illumination of the airbag system warning lamp.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pin assignment of the airbag control unit corrected.

7,703 vehicles · built 20 Nov 2006 to 11 Jan 2008

The control cam of the steering lock may break. This is most likely to occur as the vehicle is started or parked. However the possibility of this occurring whilst the vehicle is in motion cannot be ruled out. In this event the steering lock could engage with the effect that it would no longer be possible to steer the vehicle.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check manufacturer of lock and if necessary replace steering lock.

2,222 vehicles · built 1 Nov 1995 to 1 Nov 1996

A temporary fault in the greasing system on the brake servo sealing ring could lead to the sealing ring being subject to wear. In unfavourable conditions the seal may be pressed into the brake servo housing as a consequence of increased friction. The arising leak will cause a hissing sound audible within the vehicle interior with the additional consequence that there may be a risk that loss of brake assistance will ensue.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake servo replaced.

287 vehicles · built 4 Mar 2006 to 14 Mar 2006

The bearings of the high pressure fuel injector pump may fail after a short travelled distance (approximately 3000 to 6000 miles) This leads to a total failure of the engine's fuel supply which results in the engine stalling.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the fuel injector pump.

697 vehicles · built 30 Nov 2004 to 31 Jan 2005

It is possible that the ball bearing in the front suspension strut top mounting may not have been securely fitted. If the weight of the car is taken off of the road wheel for any reason the bearing may became displaced with a risk of personal injury or damage to the suspension.

Fix: Replace both front suspension strut mounts.

2,023 vehicles · built 6 Nov 2001 to 20 Nov 2001