The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
The risk
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 23V-707 (23V707000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Engine |
| Report date | October 20, 2023 |
| Owners notified | June 19, 2024 |
| Vehicles affected | 157,796 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2010 BMW 1 Series
- 2011 BMW 1 Series
- 2010 BMW 3 Series
- 2011 BMW 3 Series
- 2012 BMW 3 Series
- 2010 BMW 5 Series
- 2011 BMW 5 Series
- 2010 BMW X3
- 2011 BMW X3
- 2010 BMW X5
- 2011 BMW X5
- 2010 BMW Z4
- 2011 BMW Z4
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
- 2010 BMW 1 Series engine problems 1
- 2011 BMW 1 Series engine problems 4
- 2010 BMW 3 Series engine problems 6
- 2011 BMW 3 Series engine problems 1
- 2012 BMW 3 Series engine problems 3
- 2010 BMW 5 Series engine problems 2
- 2011 BMW 5 Series engine problems 7
- 2010 BMW X3 engine problems 22
- 2011 BMW X3 engine problems 57
- 2010 BMW X5 engine problems 60
- 2011 BMW X5 engine problems 128
- 2010 BMW Z4 engine problems 4
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 23V-707 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 157,796 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.