BMW U.S. recall for 135i, 335i, 535i, X6 & Z4 turbo models

After numerous complaints by owners, threats of a lawsuit and lambasting on U.S. news channels, BMW’s American arm is now conducting a full recall on all models fitted with the “award-winning” turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine due to reports of fuel pump failure.

BMW of North America will conduct a “voluntary” recall for the turbo models, all of which feature “BMW High Precision Injection” direct fuel injection system. Models include the 2007–2010 BMW 335i, the 2008–2010 135i, the 2008-2010 535i, the 2008-2010 X6 xDrive35i and the 2009–2010 Z4 sDrive35i.

According to BMW, “affected vehicles may experience a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the ‘Engine Malfunction’ light.”

Based on the individual service history of the vehicle, BMW will replace the high-pressure fuel pump and do a software update, but not necessarily both. Approximately 130,000 vehicles in the U.S. are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high-pressure fuel pump.

In a separate recall, BMW is also calling back almost 21,000 of the 2008 X5 equipped with the normally-aspirated 3.0-litre inline-6 engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump. In this case, should the fuel pump experience a failure, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power-assist for steering and brakes although both remain operational.

So far there has not been a public announcement regarding these recalls in the Middle East, but the problem had been brewing for years now among disgruntled turbo owners.