Recall 17V683 affects 740,561 2007-2011 BMW vehicles for a PCV valve heater short that raises fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 740,561 2007-2011 vehicles, including the 328I, 128I, X5, Z4, and X3, because the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. The short can melt parts inside the PCV valve and raise the risk of fire, even when parked; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, also called a blow-by heater, sits in the engine's crankcase ventilation system on affected 2007-2011 BMW 128I, 328I, 525I, 528I, 530I, X3, X5, and Z4 vehicles. The PCV system routes gases from the crankcase back into the engine to be burned, and the heater helps keep moisture and oily vapor from freezing or clogging the valve in cold conditions.
In these vehicles, supplier manufacturing irregularities left cavities near the heater's electrical contacts and heating element. Moisture can collect there and degrade plastic around the heater. As that plastic breaks down, it can form a conductive path where one does not belong, letting current short through the heater and overheat the part.
Owners can see the malfunction indicator lamp on the dashboard. Smoke near the engine compartment, smoke from under the hood, or a plastic burning odor are warning signs that the heater is overheating.
Who's affected?
Spans 8 BMW model lines across 5 model years, all involving the same crankcase PCV component.
| 2010 BMW 328I | Crankcase (pcv) |
|---|---|
| 2010 BMW 128I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW X5 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW 328I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW 128I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW 128I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW 528I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW 528I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW 528I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW 328I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW X5 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW 528I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW 328I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW 128I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW 328I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW X3 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW X3 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2009 BMW X3 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2007 BMW 528I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2008 BMW X5 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW X5 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW X5 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW X3 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2011 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2010 BMW X3 | Crankcase (pcv) |
| Units affected | 740,561 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 17V683, an electrical short can melt parts inside the PCV valve and raise the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is parked. Treat a malfunction indicator light, smoke near the engine compartment, or a plastic burning odor as a reason to park safely and call the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2011 BMW 328I, 128I, X5, 530I, 528I, 525I, Z4, or X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free PCV valve heater replacement that addresses the short-circuit fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V683 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer cannot confirm the repair appointment or parts status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, the electrical heater tied to the PCV system. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. The dealer should handle the PCV valve heater replacement under the recall campaign, then confirm the repair is complete before returning the vehicle. BMW owner notices for this repair have already been mailed, so owners with an included VIN can work through a BMW dealer for the free repair.
Timeline
| October 30, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 18, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 18, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V683?
Recall 17V683 covers 740,561 2007-2011 BMW 328I, 128I, X5, 530I, 528I, 525I, Z4, and X3 vehicles with a positive crankcase ventilation valve heater that can short circuit. The short can melt parts inside the PCV valve and increase fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked.
What should I do if my 2007-2011 BMW 328I, 128I, X5, 530I, 528I, 525I, Z4, or X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 17V683. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule replacement of the PCV valve heater. Reference recall number 17V683 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers will replace the PCV valve heater free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 17V683.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. An electrical short can melt parts inside the PCV valve, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair and ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 about any immediate handling guidance.
What if I bought this BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 17V683 when scheduling the PCV valve heater replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V683000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V683 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V683000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →