BMW RECALL INFORMATION -
Answers to your question on the BMW Recall Campaign for the 5,6,7 Series Brake Vacuum Pump.

2002-2010 BMW 5, 6,7 Series (8- and 12-Cylinder Engine)

Q1.  Which models are affected by this recall?

Affected are BMW 5,6,7 Series (including the BMW Alpina B7), specific to models with 8- and 12-cylinder engines as follows: 

• 2004-10/5 Series Aug. 2003 - No. 30, 2009
• 2004-10/6 Series Sept. 30, 2003 - Nov. 30, 2009
• 2002 - 08/7 Series Oct. 23, 2001 - July 24th, 2008

Q2.  When will I receive my owner notification letter?

Mailings are planned to start in late October.

Q3.  Do I have to wait for my recall letter in order to have my recall performed?

Yes.  BMW is in the process of implementing the recall campaign to ensure that the necessary parts are at the authorized BMW centers prior to sending out the owner notification letters.

Q4.  Why are other models not affected?

Other models have a different brake vacuum pump design.

Q5.  How many models in the US are affected?

The number of BMW vehicles in the US affected is approximately 196,300, as follows:

Model Number of Units Potentially Affected 5 Series 33,900 6 Series 40,800 7 Series (including the BMW Alpina B7) 121,600

Q6.  What is the specific problem?

The issue involves the power-assisted braking system of the affected vehicles.  In rare instances, a small leak could develop in the system.

Q7.  What can happen?

Over time, power-assisted braking could be affected.  In an extreme case, loss of power-assisted braking could occur.  However, mechanical braking would still be available to slow and stop the vehicle.   In addition, the vehicle still satisfies the applicable Federal Safety Standards pertaining to conditions in which there is a loss of power-assisted braking.

Q8.  Can the driver become aware of the problem?

Yes.  If the driver notices a loss of power-assisted braking, the vehicle may be experiencing this issue.

Q9.  What corrective measures will be taken?

Vehicles will be inspected and, depending upon the results of the inspection, various components of the power braking system will be replaced.

Q10.  How did BMW become aware of the problem?

BMW became aware of the problem through its quality control procedures.

Q11.  Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the recall?

No.

Q12.  Can customers continue to drive their cars?

Yes, but we recommend that owners of affected vehicles who receive a letter asking them to have this service performed by their authorized BMW center, do so as soon as possible. 

If the issue occurs in your vehicle, mechanical braking would still be available to slow and stop the vehicle.

In addition, the vehicle still satisfies the applicable Federal Safety Standards pertaining to conditions in which there is a loss of power-assisted braking. 

Should you need BMW Roadside Assistance, they can be reached at 800-332-4269.

If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.

Q13.  How will customers be informed of the recall?

Owners of affected vehicles will receive a letter via First Class mail asking them to schedule an appointment with their authorized BMW center.

Q14.  How will the recall be performed?

Affected customers who make an appointment will have the following service performed:

Vehicles will be inspected and, depending upon the results of the inspection, various components of the power braking system will be replaced.

Q15.  How long will the repair take?

This repair should take approximately four hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon the center's scheduling and processing.  The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.

Q16.  How many models have experienced this problem?

The exact number is unknown at this time.