BMW 7 Series recalls

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

• 7 SERIES: 705 vehicles · built 2 Feb 2021 to 5 Feb 2021
• 7 SERIES: 705 vehicles · built 29 Jan 2021 to 4 Feb 2021

The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly

Fix: Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.

• 7 SERIES: 139 vehicles · built 19 Feb 2020 to 27 Nov 2020
• 7 SERIES: 139 vehicles · built 17 Feb 2020 to 18 Mar 2020

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.

• 7 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 16 Jun 2017 to 15 Mar 2018
• 7 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 6 Oct 2017 to 24 May 2018

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.

• 7 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 2 Mar 2020 to 18 Aug 2020
• 7 SERIES: 2,665 vehicles · built 2 Mar 2020 to 23 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.

• 7 SERIES: 871 vehicles · built 16 Jun 2020 to 10 Jul 2020
• 7 SERIES: 871 vehicles · built 16 Sep 2020 to 16 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.

161 vehicles · built 13 Jul 2016 to 5 Apr 2017

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

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

• 7 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 2 Dec 2010 to 5 Jul 2011
• 7 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 5 May 2009 to 1 Aug 2011
• 7 SERIES: 5,866 vehicles · built 11 Nov 2008 to 5 Sep 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

• 7 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 27 Jan 2012 to 21 May 2015
• 7 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 31 Jul 2012 to 13 May 2015

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

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

153,602 vehicles

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 25 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.

• 7 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 4 Jun 2018
• 7 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 16 May 2018 to 6 Jun 2018

The engine oil cooler feed pipe may disconnect and leak oil. This may reach the front brakes and affect the braking efficiency.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace engine cooler pipe.

71 vehicles · built 10 May 2016 to 1 Jun 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

The connection sleeves of the engine oil cooler pipes (feed and return) may not have been crimped correctly. This may result in the connection sleeves becoming loose and engine oil suddenly escaping. If the oil gets to the front brake discs the efficiency could be adverely affected.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the connection sleeves for the engine oil cooler pipes. Where necessary replace the pipes.

37 vehicles · built 10 May 2016 to 27 Mar 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

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

Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. This may reset the control module illuminating the airbag warning lamp and prevent the airbag(s) from acting as intended during a collision.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the airbag control unit.

587 vehicles · built 1 Jul 2015 to 11 Dec 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

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

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.

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

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

The front seat occupancy detector can fail to detect that a seat is occupied with the result that the front and associated side air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners may fail to operate in the event of a collision.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and carry out full coding of the ECUs reprogramming as necessary.

2,448 vehicles · built 1 Jul 2003 to 2 Jun 2003

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

Due to a possible manufacturing error the damping element of the Directional Stability Control (DSC) yaw rate sensor could be faulty.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles check the batch number and replace if necessary.

45 vehicles · built 25 Feb 2004 to 10 Mar 2004

The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. Leaking oil could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components.

Fix: Check union bolts for signs of leakage. If leaks are found at either of the unions the steering gear will be replaced. If no leaks are found the union bolts will be checked for correct torque.

1,627 vehicles

Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres.

Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software.

832 vehicles · built 2 Jan 2002 to 23 May 2002

There is a possibility that the brake light switch circuits may become defective and cause the brake light circuit to fail stay on continuously or flicker. In extreme cases the brake switch could overheat.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace brake light switch with a modified version.

5,634 vehicles · built 16 Sep 1999 to 28 Oct 1999

Possibility that the automatic transmission may lock up at speeds below 15mph.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a new quality assured gearbox.

12 vehicles