BMW has had to recall over 176 000 vehicles worldwide due to a camshaft problem that can affect the vehicle’s brakes. Of this number 5 533 are in South Africa.
The affected models in South Africa includes vehicles produced between June 2012 and August 2013 and encompasses all 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series models, as well as certain X1, X3 and Z4 model lines.
BMW says that owners will be notified to bring their cars in for repair. BMW spokesperson Edward Makwana says, “The recall applies to all BMW 1, 3 and 5 series as well as the X1, X3 and Z4 series of vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder petrol engines,”
According to BMW, in rare cases an interruption in oil supply to the the camshaft can cause the brake booster unit to stop working. This doesn’t mean the brakes will fail, it just means you will need a lot more pedal pressure to stop the car.
BMW has warned that if pressure assistance is lost people should pull off the road and call BMW roadside assistance.
Makwana states, “The camshafts will be inspected and reworked as necessary. Corrective measures will be performed by authorised BMW service centres (dealerships).”