New BMW Recall, 128s in it but maybe not 135s..

[bagekko]

Heater valve wiring issue, fire risk...

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news...-north-america

[Ladydragonz]

Originally Posted by bagekko

Heater valve wiring issue, fire risk...

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news...-north-america

Jeez another one

Only benefits to this is when I take it in to BMW I get a free inspection since I'm out of warranty.

[gixracer]

Harness replacement

http://autoweek.com/article/recalls/...llion-vehicles


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.


1

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


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 1-800-
332-4269. 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.

2

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


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.

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.

[02Pilot]

I just pulled this up through BMW's database. The news stories are not entirely accurate, assuming the recall on my car is representative of the problem (mine is recall campaign 17V-683). It's a PCV valve heater that's being inspected and replaced due to irregularities in the insulation of the wiring contacts, that could allow moisture to collect and short the circuit, leading to a fire risk. They estimate 1-2 hours, depending on what needs to be replaced (in other words, how much, if anything, has already melted).

[doublevanosrc]

I remember that ABC news segment about BMWs catching fire. Way too many to be a coincidence.

[KNS]

I like how BMW said they became aware of the problem through their “Quality Control Procedures”. That’s rich.

They became aware of the problem when owners complained about the burning hulk in their driveway.

[WDE82]

Originally Posted by KNS

I like how BMW said they became aware of the problem through their “Quality Control Procedures”. That’s rich.

They became aware of the problem when owners complained about the burning hulk in their driveway.

It's a QC procedure to analyze patterns in customer complaints and warranty claims on vehicles. It's probably an issue with how the harness manufacturer was putting things together.

[tsk94]

I've read a few articles regarding this and they mention this effecting American cars, does anyone know if these include Canadian vehicles as well? I'd assume it would, but you never know..

[chris_flies]

Ah, so my car can spontaneously combust! Cool trick!

Just kidding.

I read that they won't be servicing any cars until December 18 this year. Happy Birthday to me, from BMW!

[04Enthusiast]

How many of you will now park your BMW 128i outside and not in the garage because of the potential fire hazard?

I read the stories and saw the pictures of the BMW car fires and decided last night to pull my car out of our garage and park it in the driveway so my house wouldn’t burn down with my family inside. Am I being paranoid or was this the right decision?

[02Pilot]

Originally Posted by 04Enthusiast

How many of you will now park your BMW 128i outside and not in the garage because of the potential fire hazard?

I read the stories and saw the pictures of the BMW car fires and decided last night to pull my car out of our garage and park it in the driveway so my house wouldn’t burn down with my family inside. Am I being paranoid or was this the right decision?

If you're that concerned about it, just pay to have the part replaced now, or do it yourself if you're so inclined. It's a ~$75 part. I'm debating doing it myself just so I don't have to go through the whole dealer scheduling/appointment/loaner dance again.

[NorthernDancer]

Well first of all I never back my car into garage. It fills the garage with exhaust fumes, then these fumes enter house with you.
I would not worry, I think the number of fires is extremely small. If you want more assurance, you could hang up a smoke detector in the garage 15-20 minutes after you arrive (give time for exhaust fumes to dissipate).

[chris_flies]

My car's normally, and unfortunately, parked on the street. Parent's much more valuable cars get the driveway priority. I'm worried to walk out of school and see a huge fireball of a 128 and my friend's Jeep, parked next to me, burning with it!

Screw your bad hair day, my car turned into the senior bonfire!

[04Enthusiast]

Thanks, that could be a solution I did not think about. I just assumed that with a recall, parts are not yet available. I’m still waiting for my driver side airbag that was recalled.

[Matticus91]

Friendly reminder that even if you don't race, it's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the car

[Lucky1]

Great. How many different non-standard ways can our car catch fire or otherwise kill us? I've lost count.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Great. How many different non-standard ways can our car catch fire or otherwise kill us? I've lost count.

I was laughing for like 5 minutes after this one...

[Enoe Ulbeht]

Just received the official BMW notice in the mail about the PCV Valve Heater recall. This is the initial notice only and I have to wait for a second notice to perform the recall replacement.
Says it is an approximately 3 hour job and I may request "alternate transportation" from the BMW center.

Somehow this phrasing suggests to me that they will not offer a loaner, although I may be just too suspicious of the dealership...

Anyhow, let's see how long it will be before they are ready.

[Tommm]

Originally Posted by Enoe Ulbeht

Just received the official BMW notice in the mail about the PCV Valve Heater recall. This is the initial notice only and I have to wait for a second notice to perform the recall replacement.
Says it is an approximately 3 hour job and I may request "alternate transportation" from the BMW center.

Somehow this phrasing suggests to me that they will not offer a loaner, although I may be just too suspicious of the dealership...

Anyhow, let's see how long it will be before they are ready.

That and the part about what to do if the car starts smoking. They will pay for the tow after they determine it was their part.

If the car starts smoking, there wont be a need for the part to be replaced, or anything to tow, since I will run like a roach when the lights are turned on and by the time the fire is put out, there wont be anything left. I will let my insurance company deal with BMWUSA. It's just a car.

[chris_flies]

Originally Posted by Tommm

That and the part about what to do if the car starts smoking. They will pay for the tow after they determine it was their part.

If the car starts smoking, there wont be a need for the part to be replaced, or anything to tow, since I will run like a roach when the lights are turned on and by the time the fire is put out, there wont be anything left. I will let my insurance company deal with BMWUSA. It's just a car.

But it's MY car. There is only one of it in the world...

Last week, I got my letter basically telling me that I have to waste time with something that has only affected about a half dozen N51/N52's, out of the 3 million E90's, the roughly 500 thousand E82/83/87/88's sold, and the who-cares-how-many E60's, X1's, and X3's. If it's a free loaner, then sweet, maybe I'll get a 2-series, and see what I'm not missing...

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

But it's MY car. There is only one of it in the world...

Last week, I got my letter basically telling me that I have to waste time with something that has only affected about a half dozen N51/N52's, out of the 3 million E90's, the roughly 500 thousand E82/83/87/88's sold, and the who-cares-how-many E60's, X1's, and X3's. If it's a free loaner, then sweet, maybe I'll get a 2-series, and see what I'm not missing...

Not that I'm overly worried about the odds of this happening but I echo your sentiment.

IMO Camry is "just a car" but a good condition 6MT w/ sports package 1er is getting rarer especially at the $$ your insurance company is likely to pay out for. I really want this and the airbag issue to be fixed a lot sooner than it has been happening. I'm not (and don't want to be) in the market to find a replacement.