Recall 18V473 affects 1,645 2018 BMW M5 vehicles for a fuel-gauge error tied to stalling risk. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,645 2018 M5 vehicles because the fuel level sensor can get stuck against an in-tank fuel line, making the gauge show more fuel than is actually available. An incorrect reading can leave the vehicle out of fuel and stall, increasing crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel level sensor in the 2018 BMW M5 sits inside the fuel tank and reads how much gasoline is available. It sends that reading to the fuel gauge, so the gauge can show the driver when the tank is full, low, or somewhere between. The reading depends on the sensor moving freely as the fuel level changes.
On affected M5 vehicles, an in-tank fuel line inside the fuel delivery unit was not secured correctly during supplier production. That fuel line can contact the fuel level sensor and hold it in the wrong position. When that happens, the gauge shows an inaccurate reading and can display more fuel than the tank actually contains.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the gauge reading itself, so an owner can believe there is fuel remaining when the tank is lower than shown.
Who's affected?
| 2018 BMW M5 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,645 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 BMW M5 sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect fuel reading can leave the driver thinking there is more fuel than the tank has. The vehicle can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the faulty reading creates the stall risk, so keep fuel level conservative and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 BMW M5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free in-tank fuel-line service that keeps the fuel line from trapping the fuel level sensor and causing a false fuel reading.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V473 when you call.
- Avoid driving on a low tank until the repair is complete, because the gauge can read higher than the fuel actually available.
What happens at the repair
At the BMW center, a BMW technician secures the in-tank fuel line so it stays clear of the fuel level sensor. That keeps the sensor from sticking and helps the gauge read the fuel level correctly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 17, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 17, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 10, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V473?
Recall 18V473 covers 1,645 2018 BMW M5 vehicles with a fuel level sensor that can stick against an in-tank fuel line. The fuel gauge can show more fuel than the tank contains, which can lead to stalling and increase crash risk. BMW dealers secure the in-tank fuel line for free.
What should I do if my 2018 BMW M5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific M5 is included in recall 18V473. If it is, call a franchised BMW dealer and schedule the in-tank fuel line repair. Reference recall number 18V473 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW dealers will secure the in-tank fuel line so it does not contact the fuel level sensor, and parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is vehicle stalling from an incorrect fuel reading. If the gauge shows more fuel than the tank contains, the engine can run out of fuel while driving. That increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if included.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for a fuel gauge reading that does not match the amount of fuel you expect to have. The defect involves the fuel level sensor contacting an in-tank fuel line, which can make the gauge show more fuel than is actually available.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V473000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V473 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V473000 |
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)
- 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 →