Recall 23V707 affects 157,796 select 2010-2012 BMW vehicles for loose VANOS bolts that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 157,796 2010-2012 X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, and X3 vehicles because aluminum bolts for the VANOS variable camshaft timing unit can loosen over time and break. A loose or broken bolt can stall the engine and increase crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair for free.
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What's wrong?
The VANOS system on these 2010-2012 BMW X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, and X3 vehicles changes camshaft timing while the engine runs. That timing helps the engine breathe correctly at different speeds. Aluminum VANOS bolts secure the adjustment unit housing on the intake and exhaust camshafts, so the system stays fixed while it changes timing.
On affected vehicles, those aluminum bolts were made with a quality fault. Over time, they can loosen and break. When the housing is no longer held correctly, the camshaft timing adjustment does not stay controlled. The engine can enter reduced-power Limp-Home mode, stall, or fail to restart after it is switched off.
Drivers are given warning signs. The Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light and a Check Control message can appear at startup or while driving. You can also notice reduced engine power, a distinct change in how the engine runs, and louder engine noise.
Who's affected?
All included X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, and X3 models share the same VANOS bolt and engine component.
| 2010 BMW X5 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2010 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2010 BMW 3 Series | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X5 | Engine |
| 2010 BMW 1 Series | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 1 Series | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 5 Series | Engine |
| 2010 BMW 5 Series | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X3 | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 3 Series | Engine |
| 2011 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 3 Series | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 1 Series | Engine |
| 2010 BMW X3 | Engine |
| Units affected | 157,796 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can stall the engine and increase crash risk. Warning signs include a Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light, a Check Control message, limp-home mode, reduced power, rough running, louder engine noise, or a no-start after shutoff. Treat those signs as a reason to stop and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 BMW X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, or X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free VANOS bolt replacement that secures the variable camshaft timing unit and addresses the engine-stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, or reference recall number 23V707 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the four VANOS bolts that secure the variable camshaft timing adjustment unit housing. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. BMW's standard reimbursement plan addresses eligible out-of-pocket repairs completed before the recall notification. If you already paid for the VANOS bolt remedy, bring repair orders, receipts, and proof of payment to the service desk or contact BMW customer service for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 20, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 27, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| October 27, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 12, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 19, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V707?
Recall 23V707 covers 157,796 2010-2012 BMW X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, and X3 vehicles with VANOS housing bolts that can loosen or break. Under NHTSA campaign 23V707, broken bolts can lead to engine stall and increased crash risk. BMW dealers replace the four VANOS bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 BMW X5, Z4, 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, or X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 23V707. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the free VANOS bolt replacement. Reference recall number 23V707 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts free of charge. Any franchised BMW dealer can perform the recall repair.
Is it safe to drive my BMW before the VANOS bolt repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk in NHTSA campaign 23V707 is that loose or broken VANOS bolts can cause an engine stall, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN, then ask a BMW dealer how soon the repair can be completed.
What if I bought this BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you bought the vehicle used and never received BMW's owner letter, check your VIN and give recall number 23V707 to the BMW dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V707000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V707 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V707000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →