Recall 12V475 affects 696 2013 BMW M5 and M6 vehicles for oil pump driveshaft separation. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
If the oil pump driveshaft separates from the rotor, oil pressure can drop suddenly and the engine can fail, creating an engine stall-like condition and increasing crash risk. Do not drive the vehicle, including short trips. If it has to move, ask BMW about towing. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
BMW is recalling 696 2013 M6 and M5 vehicles under recall 12V475 because the engine oil pump driveshaft can separate from the rotor, causing sudden loss of oil pressure and complete engine failure. Do not drive an included vehicle; an engine stall-like condition increases crash risk, and the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The engine oil pump in the 2013 BMW M6 and M5 moves oil through the engine while it is running. That oil keeps fast-moving internal parts coated so metal surfaces do not run dry against each other. The pump uses a drive shaft and rotor: the shaft turns, the rotor moves oil, and the engine keeps steady oil pressure.
On affected vehicles, a manufacturing process error left the fit between the pump drive shaft and the rotor outside specification. That fit matters because the shaft has to stay engaged with the rotor for the pump to work. If the shaft separates from the rotor, the rotor stops being driven and oil flow through the engine stops.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is inside the oil pump, an owner is not expected to hear or feel a clear change before the pump drive separates.
Who's affected?
Covers both M6 and M5 models for 2013, with the same engine component listed for each.
| 2013 BMW M6 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW M5 | Engine |
| Units affected | 696 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the oil pump driveshaft separates from the rotor, oil pressure can drop suddenly and the engine can fail, creating an engine stall-like condition and increasing crash risk. Do not drive the vehicle, including short trips. If it has to move, ask BMW about towing. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 BMW M6 or M5 is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until BMW confirms whether your VIN is included and gives repair instructions.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to a franchised BMW dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to ask about the free oil-pump replacement that fixes the driveshaft separation risk and loss of oil pressure.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V475 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the engine oil pump covered by the recall. BMW's remedy says the replacement is free of charge, and the safety recall began on November 30, 2012. Because the current remedy status is not identified in the provided recall data, confirm the repair status for your VIN before planning the service visit. The repair targets the oil pump drive issue described in the recall, where the driveshaft can separate from the rotor and stop proper pump operation.
Timeline
| September 28, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V475?
Recall 12V475 covers 696 2013 BMW M6 and M5 vehicles with an oil pump manufacturing error. The pump driveshaft can separate from the rotor, causing sudden oil pressure loss, complete engine failure, and an engine stall-like condition. Do not drive the vehicle until BMW replaces the oil pump for free.
What should I do if my 2013 BMW M6 or M5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V475. If it is included, do not drive the vehicle. Contact a franchised BMW dealer to arrange the free oil pump replacement, and ask about towing if the vehicle needs to move.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW dealers will replace the oil pump free of charge. Reference recall number 12V475 when you contact the dealer service desk.
What does "Do not drive" mean for this BMW recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until the oil pump replacement is complete. The defect involves sudden oil pressure loss that can lead to complete engine failure and an engine stall-like condition, increasing crash risk. Ask the BMW dealer about towing instead of driving it in.
What if I bought my 2013 BMW M6 or M5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair included vehicles regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific M6 or M5 is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer for the oil pump replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V475000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V475 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V475000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →