BMW 7 Series reliability

On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired

Fix: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON · 549 vehicles

On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection may have been insufficiently fastened during production which may result in the system detecting the hands are on the steering wheel even though they are not��

Fix: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection will be checked and if required reworked.�

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON · 953 vehicles

The �seat module� control unit controls the seat functions and after initialisation continuously transmits the seat position to the airbag control unit. A software error can lead to the loss of the initialisation function.

Fix: Program the seat module control unit for all seats.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON · 48 vehicles

In rare cases the starter motor can inadvertently be activated permanently presenting a risk of a thermal event.

Fix: Rework the starter motor assembly.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON · 25,982 vehicles

Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON LWB · 322,745 vehicles

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES SALOON LWB · 319,399 vehicles

Affected vehicles may be fitted with brake discs which were not produced according to the specifications

Fix: On the affected vehicles the brake discs will be checked and if necessary replaced

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 705 vehicles

The Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit may have been produced incorrectly

Fix: Replace the Integrated Brake system hydraulic unit.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 139 vehicles

Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 63,888 vehicles

A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.

Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 2,665 vehicles

In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.

Fix: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 871 vehicles

Curtain airbags may have propellant which may have a humidity level higher than specification and in the event of a collision may not deploy correctly increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Replace the airbags on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 161 vehicles

The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.

Fix: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 5,866 vehicles

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 225,449 vehicles

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 153,602 vehicles

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 1,642 vehicles

The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 4,025 vehicles

The engine oil cooler feed pipe may disconnect and leak oil. This may reach the front brakes and affect the braking efficiency.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace engine cooler pipe.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 71 vehicles

The ball head connecting the brake pedal and the master brake cylinder the ball head might not be locked properly into the ball cage. If the driver accidentally pulls up the brake pedal the brake switch would be activated permanently. This will cause: The brake lamps to be illuminated even while driving A Check Control Message would not alert the driver. An engine start or gear selection would be possible without brake actuation. If the driver's door were opened after switching off the engine the gear would not switch automatically to P as designed.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the locking of the ball head on the brake pedal. If necessary the pedal mechanism will be replaced.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 24 vehicles

The connection sleeves of the engine oil cooler pipes (feed and return) may not have been crimped correctly. This may result in the connection sleeves becoming loose and engine oil suddenly escaping. If the oil gets to the front brake discs the efficiency could be adverely affected.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the connection sleeves for the engine oil cooler pipes. Where necessary replace the pipes.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 37 vehicles

Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 10,849 vehicles

It has been identified that the airbag/SRS central sensor has been programmed with faulty software. If the vehicle is involved in a frontal or rearward collision then the airbag and seat belt tensioners may not be triggered which could lead to an increased risk of injury to the occupants.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the airbag/SRS central sensor.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 1,047 vehicles

Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. This may reset the control module illuminating the airbag warning lamp and prevent the airbag(s) from acting as intended during a collision.

Fix: On affected vehicle replace the airbag control unit.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 587 vehicles

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 2,967 vehicles

Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 21,502 vehicles

Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.

Fix: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 21 vehicles

Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 557 vehicles

Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 21,923 vehicles

It is possible that engine oil can enter the brake servo via the brake vacuum pump and vacuum hose. If this occurs it could damage the brake servo membrane which may leak so causing a reduction in braking assistance and a requirement to apply increased pedal force to achieve the same braking efficiency.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified servo hose. In addition the checking of the brake servo for contamination and replacement if required.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 10,567 vehicles

It has been identified that defects in a material joint may have resulted during the heat treatment of individual components of the rear axle carrier. This may result in failure of the holders of the links and struts even under normal driving conditions. Should the holder of a link fail whilst the vehicle is in motion the handling characteristics of the vehicle would undergo an unexpected change which could result in an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked and if necessary fitted with a quality assured rear axle carrier.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 665 vehicles

It has been identified that the lower rubber mounting on the metal bush of the rear shock absorbers may fail to meet the quality requirement. Dependant on the mileage and operating conditions the rubber mounting may come completely free from the shock absorber. If this occurs the bodywork would no longer be supported above the wheels causing it to come into contact with the wheel concerned. Should this occur the possibility exists that a critical driving condition might occur or even the risk of an accident.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the rear shock absorbers checked and replaced if necessary.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 3,743 vehicles

The bearings of the high pressure fuel injector pump may fail after a short travelled distance (approximately 3000 to 6000 miles) This leads to a total failure of the engine's fuel supply which results in the engine stalling.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the fuel injector pump.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 697 vehicles

Mechanical loads exerted on the back-rest heating element of the front seats when persons enter or exit the vehicle may result in damage to the door side contact line in the back-rest padding. In the event that this causes a break of a contact line the damaged area may overheat to unacceptable levels with the heater switched on. It would then not be possible to rule out the risk of minor burns to the occupants clothes and possibly their skin.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check condition where necessary fit an additional in-line fuse.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 3,009 vehicles

The front seat occupancy detector can fail to detect that a seat is occupied with the result that the front and associated side air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners may fail to operate in the event of a collision.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and carry out full coding of the ECUs reprogramming as necessary.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 2,448 vehicles

Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.

Fix: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 231 vehicles

Due to a possible manufacturing error the damping element of the Directional Stability Control (DSC) yaw rate sensor could be faulty.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles check the batch number and replace if necessary.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 45 vehicles

The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. Leaking oil could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components.

Fix: Check union bolts for signs of leakage. If leaks are found at either of the unions the steering gear will be replaced. If no leaks are found the union bolts will be checked for correct torque.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 1,627 vehicles

Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres.

Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 832 vehicles

There is a possibility that the brake light switch circuits may become defective and cause the brake light circuit to fail stay on continuously or flicker. In extreme cases the brake switch could overheat.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace brake light switch with a modified version.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 5,634 vehicles

Possibility that the automatic transmission may lock up at speeds below 15mph.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a new quality assured gearbox.

Recalled models: 7 SERIES · 12 vehicles