BMW is recalling a 156,137 vehicles, both luxury cars and SUVs, to make sure bolts holding a component in their six-cylinder engines don't break loose and cause stalling or engine damage.
BMW says it has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that in rare cases, bolts holding the variable camshaft timing unit may come loose or break, causing the engine to go into a "safe mode." If the problem continues, it can lead to stalling, engine damage – and it may not start.
Drivers will know of a telltale sign of trouble when the "check engine" or "service engine soon" light illuminates. BMW says they need to contact a dealer for service immediately. If the car stalls, they should get over to the side of the road and call for a tow.
The problem is confined to 2010 to 2012 vehicles with the popular inline six-cylinder engine. Those vehicles being recalled include:
2010-12 1 Series
2010-12 3 Series
2010-2012 5 Series
2010-12 5 Series Gran Turismo
2012 6 Series
2010-2012 X3 crossover
2010-12 X5 crossover
2010-12 X6 crossover
2010-12 Z4 sports car
Via
USA Today