The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 17V-683 (17V683000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv) |
| Report date | October 30, 2017 |
| Owners notified | June 18, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 740,561 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2008 BMW 128i
- 2009 BMW 128i
- 2010 BMW 128i
- 2011 BMW 128i
- 2007 BMW 328i
- 2008 BMW 328i
- 2009 BMW 328i
- 2010 BMW 328i
- 2011 BMW 328i
- 2007 BMW 525i
- 2008 BMW 528i
- 2009 BMW 528i
- 2010 BMW 528i
- 2011 BMW 528i
- 2007 BMW 530i
- 2007 BMW X3
- 2008 BMW X3
- 2009 BMW X3
- 2010 BMW X3
- 2011 BMW X3
- 2007 BMW X5
- 2008 BMW X5
- 2009 BMW X5
- 2010 BMW X5
- 2011 BMW X5
- 2007 BMW Z4
- 2008 BMW Z4
- 2009 BMW Z4
- 2010 BMW Z4
- 2011 BMW Z4
Plus 9 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
- 2008 BMW 128i engine problems 3
- 2009 BMW 128i engine problems 8
- 2010 BMW 128i engine problems 10
- 2011 BMW 128i engine problems 25
- 2007 BMW 328i engine problems 100
- 2008 BMW 328i engine problems 86
- 2009 BMW 328i engine problems 66
- 2010 BMW 328i engine problems 86
- 2011 BMW 328i engine problems 364
- 2007 BMW 525i engine problems 9
- 2008 BMW 528i engine problems 35
- 2009 BMW 528i engine problems 12
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 17V-683 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 740,561 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.