Recall 16V540 affects 956 2015 BMW M5 and M6 vehicles for an inadequately welded driveshaft. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 956 2015 M5 and M6 vehicles because an inadequately welded driveshaft can fracture and cut power to the rear wheels. A failed driveshaft can also let the car roll if it is parked without the parking brake, which increases the risk of a crash; BMW dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driveshaft in the 2015 BMW M5 and M6 is the metal shaft that carries engine power from the transmission to the rear differential. From there, the differential sends that power to the rear wheels. The shaft has to stay straight, balanced, and firmly joined at its welded sections while it spins under load.
In these vehicles, a supplier error in the welding process left some driveshafts outside BMW's manufacturing specification. The weld is the joint that holds part of the shaft together. If that joint is weak, the shaft can crack or separate instead of carrying power smoothly to the rear wheels.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not expect a light, sound, or change in how the car feels before the driveshaft weld fails.
Who's affected?
Two BMW M models share the same driveline component scope for the 2015 model year.
| 2015 BMW M5 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW M6 | driveline |
| Units affected | 956 |
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 driveshaft fractures, the car can lose drive to the rear wheels and lose propulsion. If it is shut off and left without the parking brake set, it can roll. Either condition increases crash risk, so schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 BMW M5 or M6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driveshaft inspection and replacement that addresses the improper weld behind the loss-of-propulsion and rollaway risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, and reference recall number 16V540 when you call.
- Use the parking brake every time until the repair is complete.
- Stop driving and call the dealer if the car loses propulsion before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driveshaft for the recalled weld condition and replaces the driveshaft if the inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for a related driveshaft repair before the recall notice. Bring documentation for any prior related repair to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 14, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| September 2, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 9, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V540?
Recall 16V540 covers 956 2015 BMW M5 and M6 vehicles with a driveshaft weld that was not made correctly during manufacturing. The driveshaft can fracture and fail, leading to loss of propulsion or vehicle rollaway risk. BMW dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft for free as needed.
What should I do if my 2015 BMW M5 or M6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V540. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the driveshaft inspection and replacement if needed. Reference recall number 16V540 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will inspect and replace the driveshaft as necessary free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in this BMW driveshaft recall?
The safety risk is loss of propulsion or rollaway. If the driveshaft fractures, the vehicle can lose drive to the rear wheels. If the car is turned off and exited without the parking brake applied, it can roll. Either condition increases crash risk.
What if I bought my BMW M5 or M6 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2015 BMW M5 or M6 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 16V540.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V540000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V540 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V540000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →