Automotive / Passenger Cars
BMW Safety Recall 23V-707 VANOS Assembly Bolts Notice
Official safety recall notice for BMW vehicles regarding VANOS engine bolts. Learn about the symptoms, safety precautions, and how to schedule your free repair.
Quick answers from the manual
Quick answer
- The VANOS assembly bolts in certain 2010-2013 BMW models may loosen and break. BMW is offering a free replacement of these bolts. Contact your nearest authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment. p. 1, 3
Key actions
- Contact an authorized BMW center to schedule the free repair. p. 1, 3
Problems and fixes
Engine stalling or rough running
Pull over safely, stop driving, and contact a BMW center for transport.
p. 1, 3Show 2 more answers Show less
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value | Meaning | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair Duration | 4 hours | Estimated time for the VANOS bolt replacement. | p. 1, 3 |
Where to find it in the PDF
- Safety Recall Notice p. 1, 2
- Frequently Asked Questions p. 3
Table of contents
Important Safety Recall Information
This document serves as an official notification for BMW Safety Recall Campaign No. 23V-707. The recall addresses a defect involving the VANOS assembly (engine) bolts in specific 2010-2013 BMW models equipped with inline 6-cylinder engines.
Affected Models
This recall applies to the following BMW models from the 2010-2013 model years:
- 1 Series
- 3 Series
- 5 Series
- X1 SAV
- X3 SAV
- X5 SAV
- Z4
The Issue
The VANOS assembly bolts may loosen over time and eventually break. This can lead to several critical vehicle issues:
- Activation of a reduced engine power "safe mode".
- Engine stalling, which increases the risk of a crash.
- Inability to restart the engine after it has been switched off.
Safety Precautions and Symptoms
If you experience any of the following conditions, you should immediately move away from traffic and pull over to a safe location:
- Rough running engine.
- Unusual engine noise.
- Illumination of the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon warning lamp.
- Warning messages in the instrument cluster.
- Engine stalling.
Do not continue to drive your vehicle if these symptoms occur. Contact the nearest authorized BMW center immediately to arrange for pickup and transportation of your vehicle.
Action Required
BMW will replace the VANOS attachment bolts free of charge. The repair process is estimated to take approximately four hours. You do not need to wait for BMW to contact you; you are encouraged to contact your local authorized BMW center as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I continue to drive my vehicle? Yes, provided you are not experiencing the symptoms listed above. However, you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
- How do I find my nearest BMW center? You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center by visiting bmwusa.com/dealer.
- What if I am not the current owner? If you have sold the vehicle or changed your address, please update your information at bmwusa.com/mybmw or bmwusa.com/recall.
Official resources from the manual
Manufacturer information
BMW
Practical help
Common problems
Engine stalling
Pull over to a safe location immediately and contact an authorized BMW center for transport.
Rough running engine or unusual noise
Do not continue to drive; contact an authorized BMW center immediately.
Before use
- Verify if your vehicle is a 2010-2013 model (1, 3, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5, or Z4).
- Monitor the instrument cluster for Check Engine or Service Engine Soon warnings.
- Listen for unusual engine noises.
- Contact your local BMW center to schedule an appointment for the free repair.
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Specs in practice
- Repair Duration
- Approximately 4 hours for the VANOS bolt replacement.
Model compatibility
- Applies to specific 2010-2013 BMW models with inline 6-cylinder engines.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst