BMW 6 Series recalls

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

Fix: Replace the engine of affected vehicles

53 vehicles · built 24 Sep 2018 to 24 Jan 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 auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.

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

• 6 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 21 Dec 2010 to 2 Sep 2011
• 6 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 22 Feb 2011 to 31 Aug 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

• 6 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 23 May 2011 to 11 Apr 2017
• 6 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 12 Mar 2011 to 1 Feb 2017
• 6 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 22 Sep 2011 to 11 Apr 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 23 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.

4,025 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 5 Jun 2018

Due to a fault in the supplier's production process the bolt on the outer side of the seat mechanism on both front seats might not have been fixed properly. In cases where the bolt loosens the customer would be alerted by noise coming from the seat and a noticeable increase in seat clearance/movement. If this is ignored by the customer the securing bolt on the outer side of the seat might come off. If the securing bolt comes off the seat can move backwards in a rear end crash situation.

Fix: The bolt on the seat mechanism will be checked for excessive clearance and if necessary replaced.

50 vehicles · built 7 Jul 2017 to 18 Jul 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

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

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.

• 6 SERIES: 128,701 vehicles · built 1 Dec 2003 to 31 Jul 2010
• 6 SERIES: 128,701 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2003 to 31 Jul 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

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.

• 6 SERIES: 665 vehicles
• 6 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

There is a possibility that the tyres on the affected vehicles may have been damaged when they were fitted to the rim. If the tyres have been damaged this may lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the rear tyres.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace all the tyres

11 vehicles · built 14 Feb 2006 to 6 Apr 2006

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