Recall 19V273 covers 2006 BMW 325I, 325XI, 330I, 330XI, 525I, 525XI, 530I, 530XI, and Z4 vehicles for PCV valve heater shorts. Free BMW dealer repair.
BMW is recalling 184,505 2006 vehicles, including the Z4, 530XI, 525I, 325XI, and 330I, because the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater can short circuit. The short can melt parts inside the PCV valve and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is parked; BMW dealers will replace the heater free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, also called the PCV valve heater or blow-by-heater, is part of the engine breathing system on these 2006 BMW vehicles. The PCV system routes crankcase vapors back into the engine instead of letting pressure build up. The heater helps keep that valve area warm so moisture and oil vapors keep moving through the system.
On affected BMW 325I, 325XI, 330I, 330XI, 525I, 525XI, 530I, 530XI, and Z4 vehicles, supplier manufacturing irregularities left cavities near the electrical contacts and heating element. Moisture can collect there over time. That moisture can degrade nearby plastic and create a conductive path, which can short circuit the heater and cause overheating.
Owners can see the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, often called the check-engine light. Smoke from the engine compartment, or a plastic burning odor, is also a warning sign.
Who's affected?
Covers 9 BMW model variants from the 2006 model year, all tied to the crankcase PCV component.
| 2006 BMW Z4 | Crankcase (pcv) |
|---|---|
| 2006 BMW 530XI | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 525I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 325XI | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 525XI | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 325I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 330XI | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 330I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2006 BMW 530I | Crankcase (pcv) |
| Units affected | 184,505 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching model year and model name does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in the PCV valve can melt internal parts and increase the risk of a fire, even when the BMW is not in use. The malfunction indicator lamp, smoke near the engine compartment, or a plastic burning odor are warning signs. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006 BMW Z4, 530XI, 525I, 325XI, 525XI, 325I, 330XI, 330I, or 530I 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, or reference recall number 19V273 when you call.
- Avoid parking near structures until the repair is complete, since the PCV valve heater short can cause a fire even when the vehicle is not in use.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, also called the PCV valve heater. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. If you already paid out of pocket to replace the PCV valve heater before the recall notification, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service about the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 4, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 5, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 28, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 30, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V273?
Recall 19V273 covers 184,505 2006 BMW Z4, 530XI, 525I, 325XI, 525XI, 325I, 330XI, 330I, and 530I vehicles with a PCV valve heater that can short circuit. BMW dealers will replace the PCV valve heater for free.
What should I do if my 2006 BMW Z4, 530XI, 525I, 325XI, 525XI, 325I, 330XI, 330I, or 530I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V273. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the PCV valve heater replacement. Reference recall number 19V273 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, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the PCV valve heater free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
An electrical short can melt parts inside the PCV valve and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use. If your VIN is included, contact a franchised BMW dealer for the free PCV valve heater replacement.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Safety recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2006 BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 19V273.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V273000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V273 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V273000 |
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 →