BMW Recall 11V-521: Engine and engine cooling

The problem

BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.

The risk

This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.

The fix

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign	11V-521 (11V521000)
Manufacturer	BMW of North America, LLC
Component	Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Other fuel types › Turbo/supercharger
Report date	October 20, 2011
Owners notified	December 19, 2011
Vehicles affected	32,084
Initiated by	Manufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 3 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the engine & cooling

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 11V-521 repair free?

Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on December 19, 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 32,084 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.