The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine oil filter drain plug May be insufficiently tightened. This could lead to loosening of the plug causing an initial oil spray and a subsequent oil leak.
The risk
If a large amount of oil loss occurs, engine damage May result. Depending on the extent of the damage, a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the torque of the oil filter drain plug and, if necessary, retighten the drain plug with the correctly specified torque. Owner notification began on September 12, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-324 (03V324000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling |
| Report date | August 26, 2003 |
| Owners notified | September 12, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 2,400 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-324 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the torque of the oil filter drain plug and, if necessary, retighten the drain plug with the correctly specified torque. Owner notification began on September 12, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 2,400 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.