BMW 5 Series recalls

A quality check has revealed that the affected G61 vehicles software does not reflect the associated CoC documentation.

Fix: To ensure your vehicle is in perfect working order we would like to program the control units to adapt the vehicle's software level to the CoC documents. as soon as possible. Naturally this work will be free of charge.

263 vehicles · built 4 Nov 2024 to 27 Jun 2025

During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.

Fix: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.

• 5 SERIES: 6,401 vehicles · built 10 Feb 2017 to 26 Jun 2018
• 5 SERIES: 6,401 vehicles · built 14 Oct 2016 to 25 Jun 2018

The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.

38 vehicles · built 2 Dec 2021 to 2 Dec 2021

Thermal ageing of an inline fuse located on the front right spring strut dome.

Fix: Modify the circuit to a later specification and replace the fuse.

8,875 vehicles · built 1 Aug 1988 to 1 Jun 1989

A microprocessor fault in the airbag control unit can lead to faulty operating conditions.

Fix: The airbag control unit will be replaced.

354 vehicles · built 9 Jan 2001 to 29 Aug 2001

The rear drive shafts may not fulfil the durability requirements.

Fix: On the affected vehicles one or both output shafts will be replaced.

• 5 SERIES: 15 vehicles · built 19 Jun 2020 to 1 Jul 2020
• 5 SERIES: 15 vehicles · built 25 Jun 2020 to 29 Jun 2020

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

• 5 SERIES: 705 vehicles · built 27 Jan 2021 to 5 Feb 2021
• 5 SERIES: 705 vehicles · built 28 Jan 2021 to 5 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.

• 5 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 17 Oct 2016 to 19 Jun 2018
• 5 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 3 Jul 2014 to 26 Oct 2016
• 5 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 16 Feb 2017 to 14 Jun 2018
• 5 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 2 Jul 2014 to 23 Feb 2017

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.

• 5 SERIES: 388 vehicles · built 7 Nov 2019 to 27 Aug 2020
• 5 SERIES: 388 vehicles · built 28 Nov 2019 to 24 Sep 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.

• 5 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 4 Mar 2020 to 29 Sep 2020
• 5 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 9 Jun 2020 to 9 Jun 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.

871 vehicles · built 29 May 2020 to 7 Sep 2020

Curtain airbags may have propellant which may have a humidity level higher than specification and in the event of a collision may not deploy correctly increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Replace the airbags on affected vehicles.

• 5 SERIES: 161 vehicles · built 8 Nov 2016 to 26 Apr 2017
• 5 SERIES: 161 vehicles · built 24 Aug 2016 to 24 Aug 2016

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

Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

• 5 SERIES: 53 vehicles · built 27 Sep 2018 to 13 May 2019
• 5 SERIES: 53 vehicles · built 27 Jul 2018 to 15 May 2019

The branch-off point of the main battery cable may corrode

Fix: The branch-off point will be checked and reworked appropriately depending on the level of corrosion present

121,849 vehicles · built 5 Feb 2002 to 27 Jul 2010

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

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

• 5 SERIES: 195 vehicles · built 1 Oct 2003 to 19 Dec 2003
• 5 SERIES: 24,785 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2000 to 25 Sep 2003

The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.

Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.

• 5 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 2 Jul 2010 to 26 Aug 2011
• 5 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2011 to 22 Mar 2011
• 5 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 29 Sep 2010 to 25 May 2011

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

• 5 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 6 Jun 2011 to 22 Feb 2017
• 5 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 8 Mar 2011 to 27 Oct 2016
• 5 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 25 Jan 2012 to 2 Feb 2017

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

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

• 5 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 22 Jan 2014 to 23 Feb 2017
• 5 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 8 Mar 2016 to 13 Dec 2017
• 5 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 12 Dec 2013 to 27 Oct 2016
• 5 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 2 Feb 2017 to 4 May 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.

1,642 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 28 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.

• 5 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 6 Jun 2018
• 5 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 26 Jun 2018

If the retaining ring inside the steering gear has not been fitted correctly the sealing cap would not be fixed axially and might start moving. If the sealing cap has moved the ball return channel would not be fixed anymore and might move out of position possibly resulting in a ball jam accompanied by an extensively increased steering force and possibly lock.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new steering rack and ensure it is programmed correctly.

3 vehicles · built 11 Aug 2017 to 28 Aug 2017

The ball head connecting the brake pedal and the master brake cylinder the ball head might not be locked properly into the ball cage. If the driver accidentally pulls up the brake pedal the brake switch would be activated permanently. This will cause: The brake lamps to be illuminated even while driving A Check Control Message would not alert the driver. An engine start or gear selection would be possible without brake actuation. If the driver's door were opened after switching off the engine the gear would not switch automatically to P as designed.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the locking of the ball head on the brake pedal. If necessary the pedal mechanism will be replaced.

24 vehicles · built 19 May 2017 to 20 May 2017

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

The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.

Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.

668 vehicles · built 8 Aug 2016 to 14 Nov 2016

It has been identified that the airbag/SRS central sensor has been programmed with faulty software. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal or rearward collision then the airbag and seat belt tensioners may not be triggered which could lead to an increased risk of injury to the occupants.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the airbag/SRS central sensor.

1,047 vehicles · built 2 Dec 2011 to 28 Jun 2012

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 Jan 2002 to 31 Aug 2006

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

Electronically deployed tow hitch is automatically deployed by button located ion luggage compartment. The pivot uses a mechanical control link which is electrically adjusted. This is necessary to prevent a loosening or shaking loose of the end stop during driving. Due to a software error in the instrument cluster the driver may not in certain cases get prior warning if the adjustment fails. The consequences of this are that the ball hitch can shake loose from the end stop whilst driving. The control link can break due to the imposed load of the trailer and the hitch can pivot downwards causing loosening/detachment of the trailer and adversely affect the vehicle control.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and reprogramme the control unit/instrument cluster.

13 vehicles · built 28 Jun 2013 to 12 Nov 2013

Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.

21,502 vehicles · built 1 May 2009 to 30 Nov 2009

In individual cases the oil pump may no longer provide the required oil pressure. This may cause severe engine damage. Additionally the occurrence of critical driving situations cannot be ruled out because the oil pressure may drop suddenly while driving. The driver will usually notice a drop in the engine oil pressure due to the check control message ''Low oil Pressure''. It is also possible the engine block will be damaged and as a result engine oil may be lost.

Fix: The oil pump will be replaced with the correct version.

80 vehicles · built 1 Jul 2012 to 27 Sep 2012

The positive battery cable routed from the vehicle battery to the engine bay consists of one cable in the luggage compartment and one cable in the underbody. Both cable are connected by a screw connection and covered by a plastic cover. In single cases the plastic cover may have been fitted incorrectly during the vehicle production. Over time an incorrectly fitted cover could cause the screw connections to come loose leading to an increased resistance also humidity may affect the connection and cause high resistance and drop in current. This can lead to the vehicle not starting and in extreme cases the connection could over heat leading to the possibility of a fire in the luggage area.

Fix: The clips on the battery will be checked the cover replaced and sealed.

• 5 SERIES: 128,701 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2004 to 31 May 2010
• 5 SERIES: 128,701 vehicles · built 1 Mar 2003 to 30 Sep 2010

Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.

Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.

21 vehicles

Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.

557 vehicles · built 16 Nov 2007 to 2 Feb 2011

Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.

21,923 vehicles · built 20 Aug 2008 to 12 Jun 2009

It is possible that engine oil can enter the brake servo via the brake vacuum pump and vacuum hose. If this occurs it could damage the brake servo membrane which may leak so causing a reduction in braking assistance and a requirement to apply increased pedal force to achieve the same braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified servo hose. In addition the checking of the brake servo for contamination and replacement if required.

10,567 vehicles · built 30 Oct 2001 to 23 Nov 2009

It has been identified that defects in a material joint may have resulted during the heat treatment of individual components of the rear axle carrier. This may result in failure of the holders of the links and struts even under normal driving conditions. Should the holder of a link fail whilst the vehicle is in motion the handling characteristics of the vehicle would undergo an unexpected change which could result in an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked and if necessary fitted with a quality assured rear axle carrier.

• 5 SERIES: 665 vehicles
• 5 SERIES: 665 vehicles · built 10 Jun 2008 to 20 Jun 2008

It has been identified that the lower rubber mounting on the metal bush of the rear shock absorbers may fail to meet the quality requirement. Dependant on the mileage and operating conditions the rubber mounting may come completely free from the shock absorber. If this occurs the bodywork would no longer be supported above the wheels causing it to come into contact with the wheel concerned. Should this occur the possibility exists that a critical driving condition might occur or even the risk of an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear shock absorbers checked and replaced if necessary.

3,743 vehicles

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

Mechanical loads exerted on the back-rest heating element of the front seats when persons enter or exit the vehicle may result in damage to the door side contact line in the back-rest padding. In the event that this causes a break of a contact line the damaged area may overheat to unacceptable levels with the heater switched on. It would then not be possible to rule out the risk of minor burns to the occupants clothes and possibly their skin.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check condition where necessary fit an additional in-line fuse.

3,009 vehicles · built 25 Sep 2002 to 9 Jun 2004

Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.

231 vehicles · built 12 May 2004 to 6 Jul 2004