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2012 BMW 3 Series

3 open recalls

Read the first one before you drive it again. Every repair below is free.

Key facts

  • Recall repairs are free by law, however old the vehicle is.
  • You don't need to be the original owner to have it fixed.
  • There is no deadline — an open recall stays open until it's repaired.

Open recalls

Source: NHTSA · synced 29 Jul 2026 13:14
Repair when you can Engine and engine cooling

Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.

What to do: Book it in at your next service. There is no deadline and no charge.

Free repair · 157,796 vehicles affected Read campaign 23V707000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
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Fire risk Engine and engine cooling

An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

What to do: Park away from buildings and book the repair now.

Free repair · 917,106 vehicles affected Read campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov ↗
Repair when you can Seats

In the event of a vehicle crash, the head restraint may unexpectedly move down slightly if it was adjusted to the fully extended position, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202a,"head restraints."

What to do: Book it in at your next service. There is no deadline and no charge.

Free repair · 7,600 vehicles affected Read campaign 12V176000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

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