After attracting too much media attention, BMW announced a voluntary recall of nearly 130,000 model year 2007-2010 BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines. This is the same engine that caused BMW to rank very low at 2010 Consumer Reports Reliability Survey due to its problems. They’ve also recalled another 20,800 units of 2008 BMW X5 modes.
The problem with the X5 is related to its low-pressure fuel pump. When it fails, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational. BMW will replace the system completely.
The bigger recall involves the cars powered by the N54 twin-turbo in-line which has won many praise for its performance. But it does not seem to be very reliable! There is an issue with the engine’s High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. 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.
Approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump. Affected BMW models include:
• MY 2007–2010 335i models.
• MY 2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
• MY 2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i
