Recall 19V732 affects 217 2019-2020 BMW 330I and Z4 vehicles for loose counterbalance shafts. Engine replacement is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 217 2019-2020 330I and Z4 vehicles because an installation defect in the counterbalance shaft needle roller bearings can let the shaft loosen. If that happens, severe engine damage raises the risk of a crash; BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine in the 2019-2020 BMW 330I and Z4 uses counterbalance shafts to smooth vibration as the crankshaft turns. Needle roller bearings support those shafts, letting them spin in the correct position with low friction. When those bearings are installed correctly, the rotating parts stay aligned and the engine runs smoothly.
On affected vehicles, some needle roller bearings were pressed into place with less force than BMW specified. That weak installation lets the bearing lose its proper hold. Once the bearing shifts, the counterbalance shaft can loosen inside the engine, which can damage internal engine parts and lead to a breakdown.
The warning sign is a loud noise from the engine compartment. If you hear that kind of engine noise, treat it as a sign that the counterbalance shaft bearing is no longer holding the shaft correctly.
Who's affected?
The 330I appears in both model years, while the Z4 appears for 2019 only; each listed vehicle involves the engine component.
| 2020 BMW 330I | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW 330I | Engine |
| 2019 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| Units affected | 217 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
A loose counterbalance shaft can cause severe engine damage and increase the risk of a crash. Loud noise from the engine compartment is the warning sign. If you hear it, pull over when safe and call a BMW dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 BMW 330I or Z4 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free engine replacement for the counterbalance-shaft bearing defect.
- Bring the owner letter if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V732 when you call.
- Limit driving until the engine replacement is complete, and ask the BMW dealer about towing if engine damage is suspected.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the engine covered by recall 19V732. The replacement engine, related parts, and labor are free under the recall. Prior repair costs are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW states a separate reimbursement process is not necessary. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior engine repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 15, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| October 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 6, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 6, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 13, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V732?
Recall 19V732 covers 217 2019-2020 BMW 330I and 2019 BMW Z4 vehicles with counterbalance shaft needle roller bearings that were improperly installed. If the shaft loosens, severe engine damage can occur and increase crash risk. BMW dealers will replace the engine for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 BMW 330I or Z4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V732. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free engine replacement. Reference recall number 19V732 when you call, or contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the affected engine free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 19V732.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V732000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V732 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V732000 |
Source documents
-
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →