NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683
Manufacturer BMW
of North America, LLC
Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected 740,561
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 18, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your BMW has a Recall
TIS Service Bulletin
| SI B11 16 17 | November 2017 | |
| Engine | Technical Service |
RECALL 17V-683: POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER
MODEL
The following models have a N51, N52, N52K, or N52T engine.
| E82 (1 Series Coupe) | E88 (1 Series Convertible) | E90 (3 Series Sedan) | E91 (3 Series Wagon) |
| E92 (3 Series Coupe) | E93 (3 Series Convertible) | E60 (5 Series Sedan) | E61 (5 Series Wagon) |
| F10 (5 Series Sedan) | E83 (X3) | F25 (X3) | E70 (X5) |
| E85 (Z4 Roadster) | E89 (Z4 Roadster) | E86 (Z4 Coupe) |
SITUATION
BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective November 2, 2017) on certain Model Year 2007-2011 BMW vehicles involving the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater.
This issue involves the “blow-by-heater” which is designed to prevent the engine’s Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve from freezing. The electrical contacts of the blow-by-heater are coated with a plastic material.
Irregularities in the manufacturing process could allow moisture to occur near the blow-by-heater and lead to a short circuit.
Approximately 740,561 vehicles are affected by this recall.
Vehicles in dealer inventory are affected by this recall. Vehicles which are affected will show the campaign as “Open” when checked either in AIR or ISPA Next. Once the Warranty Vehicle Inquiry system is updated on Friday, November 3, 2017, it will display the same information. The affected vehicles will be identified with the comment: 0011640400 B111617 Recall: PCV Valve Heater – Do not retail or deliver.
The PCV Valve will be replaced. The repair procedure is still under development and the part numbers have not yet been confirmed. Please do not order those listed in ETK for this recall. This bulletin will be updated with repair instructions, parts and warranty information when they become available. Please monitor the Parts Matrix for parts ordering procedures.
Since this information is initial and a remedy is currently unavailable, it’s recommended that your center utilize BMW loaners (AMP) / rental vehicles as needed for those customers requesting alternate transportation.
Recall notice and Q & A have been attached for further information.
Points of Contact:
If you have any questions in the meantime, contact your Aftersales Area Manager. Please direct any media inquiries to BMW NA Corporate Communications at [email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
View PDF attachment B111617 Recall Notice.
View PDF attachment 2017-BMW-MY2007-2011-Exx-Fxx-PCV-Valve-Heater-QA-(30Oct2017)-FINAL.
SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
| To: | All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor |
| RE: | Recall 17V-683: Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater B11 16 17 |
BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective November 2, 2017) on certain Model Year 2007-2011 BMW vehicles involving the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater.
Owners will be notified by First Class mail about the Recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts are available.
Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law (The Safety Act) for you to sell, lease or deliver any new motor vehicle covered by this notification until the recall repair has been performed. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles to consumers until they are fixed or use/sell replacement equipment/parts subject to this recall. Note also that substantial civil penalties apply to violations of the Safety Act.
Also, you should not sell, lease or deliver any Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles subject to a safety recall until the repair is completed.
Please follow any special instructions that we provide to you for the return or disposition of recall parts.
We appreciate all your assistance with this Recall.
Safety Recall 17V-683
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Heater – (“Blow-By-Heater”)
Model Year 2007-2011
N51, N52, N52K, N52T
BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, Z4
Last Update: 10/30/2017
Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Safety Recall?
Approximately 740,561 BMW vehicles in the US, as noted below, are potentially affected.
| Series | Model Year | Model | Approx. Volume | Production Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E82 | 2008-2011 | 1 Series Coupe | 12,401 | Nov 2007 – Feb 2011 |
| E88 | 2008-2011 | 1 Series Convertible | 13,021 | Nov 2007 – Feb 2011 |
| E90 | 2007-2011 | 3 Series Sedan | 305,352 | Jul 2006 – Dec 2011 |
| E91 | 2007-2011 | 3 Series Wagon | 10,221 | Jul 2006 – Aug 2011 |
| E92 | 2007-2011 | 3 Series Coupe | 54,544 | May 2006 – Aug 2011 |
| E93 | 2007-2011 | 3 Series Convertible | 40,227 | Nov 2006 – Aug 2011 |
| E60 | 2007-2010 | 5 Series | 114,750 | Feb 2006 – Dec 2009 |
| F10 | 2011 | 5 Series | 19,656 | May 2010 – Aug 2011 |
| E61 | 2007 | 5 Series Wagon | 1,442 | Feb 2006 – Feb 2007 |
| E83 | 2007-2010 | X3 SAV | 64,417 | Aug 2006 – Aug 2010 |
| F25 | 2011 | X3 SAV | 15,649 | Nov 2010 – Sep 2011 |
| E70 | 2007-2010 | X5 SAV | 68,770 | May 2006 – Mar 2010 |
| E85 | 2007-2008 | Z4 Roadster | 12,496 | Jun 2006 – Aug 2008 |
| E89 | 2009-2011 | Z4 Roadster | 5,868 | Feb 2009 – Aug 2011 |
| E86 | 2007-2008 | Z4 Coupe | 1,747 | Sep 2006 – Aug 2008 |
Q2. What is the specific issue?
This issue involves the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater (“blow-by-heater”) which is designed to prevent the engine’s PCV valve from freezing. The electrical contacts of the PCV valve heater are coated with a plastic material. Irregularities in the manufacturing process could allow moisture to occur near the PCV valve heater and lead to a short circuit.
Q3. What can happen as a result of this issue?
In rare cases, the plastic material could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly melting. In extremely rare cases, this could increase the risk of a fire.
Q4. Why are other vehicles not included in this Safety Recall?
Other models have different designs for the PCV valve heater.
Q5. Do I need to stop driving my vehicle?
No. The possibility of this issue occurring is extremely rare.
However, you should stop driving your vehicle if any of the following warning signs occur:
- You see smoke from the area near the engine compartment.
- You smell smoke, or a plastic burning odor.
If any of these warning signs occur, then as soon as possible, carefully move away from traffic, pull over to a safe location, and shut off the engine. All occupants should carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic. Do not continue to drive your vehicle.
Dial 911 in the event of an emergency or contact an authorized BMW center immediately to have your vehicle brought to the nearest authorized BMW center for inspection and, if necessary, repair.
If an authorized BMW center is not available, then contact BMW Roadside Assistance at 1-800332-4269. Please note that if you no longer have roadside coverage, you may be required to pay in advance for the towing service. However, BMW will reimburse you for the towing service after validation of the recall repair claim.
Q6. I am nervous about continuing to drive my vehicle. Can I get a loaner vehicle? Is alternate transportation available?
If you request a loaner vehicle and replacement parts are not available, we have directed our authorized BMW centers to assist customers with alternate transportation needs.
Q7. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?
No. This can only be determined through proper inspection at an authorized BMW center.
Q8. How did BMW become aware of the problem?
BMW became aware of the problem through our quality control procedures.
Q9. How will I be informed of this Safety Recall?
All affected owners will receive an initial letter in December via First Class mail advising them of this recall. Due to the large vehicle population, sufficient parts may not be immediately available to repair all vehicles. Therefore, affected owners will receive a second letter on a rolling basis as parts become available. When owners receive the second letter, they should promptly schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have this recall performed. The nearest authorized BMW center can be located at www.bmwusa.com/dealers.
To ensure BMW has the most recent contact and vehicle information, owners should register their vehicle at www.bmwusa.com/myBMW. Registration is free, and will give them access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to their BMW.
Q10. How will my vehicle be repaired?
The PCV valve heater will be inspected and a new part will be installed. In some cases, additional components may need to be replaced which will be determined at the time of repair.
Q11. How long will the repair take?
This repair should take approximately one to two hours, depending upon the specific repair necessary; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center’s schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.
Q12. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?
Yes. Due to the large vehicle volume, a sufficient quantity of parts may not be immediately available for all potentially affected vehicles. Therefore, potentially affected owners will receive a second letter on a rolling basis. When you receive the second letter, you should promptly schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have this recall performed. You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealers.
Q13. I see the “TREAD Act Customer Reimbursement Plan” attached to my letter. Can you explain what that is about? Am I eligible for reimbursement?
If you have already had this repair performed at your own expense, you may be eligible for reimbursement of certain expenses that you incurred.
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