The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The differential pinion shaft within the differential case assembly was produced without the appropriate surface hardening. This can result in the shaft experiencing premature wear.
The risk
This condition will cause a noise from the differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of drive.
The fix
Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-142 (98V142000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Power train › Driveline › Differential unit |
| Report date | June 22, 1998 |
| Owners notified | December 28, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,100 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Plus 4 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-142 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,100 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.