In response to an ongoing concern regarding VANOS housing bolts, BMW has announced a recall affecting 155,627 vehicles. This issue stems from a January 2014 recall, which addressed issues with aluminum bolts in the variable valve timing system housing. While the initial recall included new bolts and an extended warranty, recent developments have prompted BMW to revisit the issue.
Despite the corrective action taken in 2014, some models that were subject to the original recall have experienced a recurrence of problems related to loose or broken VANOS housing bolts. Since April 2023, BMW has been investigating the situation and has noted an increase in warranty claims and consumer complaints. Problems reported on affected models ranged from failing to start to emergency mode or stalling.
BMW of North America has processed 620 warranty claims from the extended warranty period, but has decided to address the issue with new housing bolts without offering an additional extended warranty at this time. Affected models include the Z4 sDrive30i Roadster, 328i and 328xi in F30 Sedan and F31 Wagon configurations, 128i Coupe and Convertible, and X3 and X5 in xDrive28i and xDrive30i versions.
Owners of the affected models will benefit from a free replacement of the housing bolts, which will be carried out by BMW dealers. To ensure transparency and awareness, BMW will send interim and final notification letters to affected owners outlining the safety risk and the steps involved in the remedy process.
