OCTOBER 2011 -- 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. This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011.   11V-521

NEWS:   BMW recalling 32,000 vehicles over engine fire risks

DETROIT NEWS -- November 1,  2011 – BMW AG said Saturday it is recalling 32,000 vehicles to replace potentially faulty electric auxiliary water pumps that can overheat and cause a vehicle fire.

The German automaker said the recall covers 2008-2011 5-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, 7-Series, X5 SAV, and X6 SAV models that have eight- or 12-cylinder turbocharged engines.

The recall comes after BMW found at least 102 cases of pump failures worldwide — including two engine-compartment fires. BMW said it is unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of the condition.

The auxiliary pump helps cool the turbocharger during some driving conditions and in some cases can fail, causing the circuit board to overheat. That could lead to a fire. BMW said in most cases drivers will be alerted by a warning message on the instrumental cluster during driving.

BMW first discovered the issue in June 2009 on test vehicles. In April 2010, a smoldered electrical cable of the water pump was found on a BMW-owned vehicle.

The company set up a task force in May 2010 after two customer vehicles reported burned engine compartments.

Dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump and will be notified next month. Owners will be notified starting next month as well.

MORE RECALL INFO:  

• BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
• BMW 7-Series
• BMW X5 SAV
• BMW X6 SAV

NEWS:   Feds look into BMWs that can roll away unattended

YAHOO NEWS -- August 9,  2011 – U.S. safety regulators are looking into a problem with BMW automatic transmission shifters that can allow cars to roll away after drivers have left the vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday on its website that about 120,000 BMW 7-Series luxury sedans from the 2002 through 2008 model years could be affected. The inquiry could lead to a recall.

The cars have electronic transmission shifters that are designed to automatically shift into park if the driver presses the button to turn off the engine. The agency says one driver complained to regulators about the problem, and the company has received additional complaints.

No crashes or injuries have been reported. Regulators say they haven't found the cause of the problem.

BMW says it's cooperating with the inquiry

MORE RECALL INFO:   BMW 7-Series

OCTOBER 2010 -- BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-Series, 6-Series, and model year 2002-2008 7-Series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster. Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash. The manufacturer has not yet provided a remedy or an owner notification schedule for this campaign.   10V-446

NEWS:   BMW recalls 198,000 cars in US due to brake problems

YAHOO NEWS -- October 2,  2010 –  BMW of North America said Thursday it will recall nearly 200,000 luxury vehicles to fix leaks that could develop in the power braking system.

The recall involves BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series vehicles powered by V8 and V12 engines from the 2002-2010 model years and certain Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from the 2003-2010 model years.

The German automaker said in a statement a leak could develop in the power braking system, leading to a vacuum loss and the reduction of power braking assistance. Mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle, the company said.

BWM said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

Vehicles covered by the recall include: 2002-2008 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li and 760i/Li; 2007-2008 BMW Alpina B7; 2004-2010 BMW 645i and 650i; and 2004-2010 BMW 545i and 550i. The recall also includes 2003-2010 Rolls Royce Phantom models. The automaker said the Rolls-Royce Ghost is not affected.

BMW said it had prepared an inspection-and-repair procedure and would distribute replacement parts throughout its North American dealer network. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and asked to schedule an appointment with their dealer to check their vehicle.

The company said drivers who experience reduce power braking assistance should immediately schedule a service appointment.

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• 2002-2008 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li and 760i/Li
• 2004-2010 BMW 645i and 650i
• 2004-2010 BMW 545i and 550i

FEBRUARY 2010 -- BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 7-Series and model year 2010 550i Grand Turismo vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110 "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicle's are equipped with a tire pressure label indicating that the vehicle's seating capacity is five (5) passengers. The actual seating capacity is four (4) passengers. The tire size, tire pressure, and vehicle capacity weight on the label are correct. The tire label does not conform to FMVSS 110. BMW has not yet provided a remedy or an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 10V-047

NEWS:    BMW Recalls 200,000 Vehicles for Airbag Failures

Extends airbag warranty for some models

ConsumerAffairs.com -- August 13, 2008 -- BMW is recalling 200,000 cars and small SUVs because the front passenger-side airbag could fail.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned that in some of the recalled BMWs it is possible that "the front passenger airbags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur."

The recalled BMWs include the 2004 to 2005 5-Series standard and sport seat models, the 2004 to 2006 X3 and the 2006 3-Series with sport seats.

NHTSA reported on its Web site that the passenger-side airbags can deactivate because of wear associated with a passenger getting in and out of the vehicle.

"Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the (sensor) mat. If this occurs, the front passenger airbags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated," the agency warned.

BMW dealers will repair the sensor system in the passenger seat when the recall begins in late September. BMW will extend the warranty for airbags on the recalled vehicles "to 10 years from the first registration without any mileage limit," according to NHTSA.

The warranty extension covers the 2006 6-Series, 3-Series with a standard seat, 2004 to 2005 Z4, 2004 to 2006 7-Series, 2006 X5 and 2004 to 2006 5-Series with a comfort seat.

"Under the extended warranty program, the occupant detection mat in a vehicle that experiences this specific issue will be replaced at not charge to the customer," NHTSA advises on its Web site.

NHTSA began investigating airbags failures in the BMW earlier this year when the Office of Defect Investigation reported that "the passenger frontal airbag may malfunction and render the passenger airbag inoperative."

The models included in the initial investigation were the 2004 to 2006 BMW 5 and 7 series sedans, Z4 convertibles and X3 SUVs, as well as 2006 BMW 3 and 6 series cars and X5 SUVs.

NHTSA reported "729 non-duplicating owner reports and 23,739 non-duplicating warranty claims" prompted the investigation or engineering analysis.

BMW owners can contact the automaker at 1-800-525-7417 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

MORE RECALL INFORMATION:    BMW 3-Series     BMW 5-Series     BMW X3