Car · BMW recalls
2011 BMW 5 Series recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 BMW 5 Series, filed between October 20, 2023 and October 20, 2023. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
Save my car and watch its recallsCheck repair status at NHTSA
| Part | Filed | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling: engine | October 20, 2023 | Dealer fix |
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Campaign 23V707000 · Filed October 20, 2023
What is wrong. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Show NHTSA's full text
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
What could happen. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2011 BMW 5 Series may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN at NHTSA to see whether a campaign is open for your exact car.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized BMW dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, BMW may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or BMW customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the 5 Series
More: all BMW recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2011 BMW 5 Series recall questions
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 5 Series have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2011 BMW 5 Series. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2011 BMW 5 Series free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized BMW dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2011 BMW 5 Series was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows whether a campaign is open for that exact car. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-29. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.