BMW 3 Series Recall R/1996/037: Security Of Stub Axle Mountings, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 23 Feb 1996
- Launched
- 1,600
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1996/037
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 3 Series vehicles built between 8 January 1996 and 30 January 1996. The three bolts which secure the stub axle to the spring strut may not have been fully torqued on initial assembly. The dealer will check the torque setting on the bolts involved retorqueing as required. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The three bolts which secure the stub axle to the spring strut may not have been fully torqued on initial assembly.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SECURITY OF STUB AXLE MOUNTINGS Defect: The three bolts which secure the stub axle to the spring strut may not have been fully torqued on initial assembly. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles and check the torque setting on the bolts involved retorqueing as required. Any bolts found to have been loose (as distinct from being insufficiently torqued) will be replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: security of stub axle mountings.
The Fix
The dealer will check the torque setting on the bolts involved retorqueing as required.
Are You Affected?
3 Series built between 8 January 1996 and 30 January 1996 may be included. BMW estimates 1,600 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1996/037. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
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This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/1995/030 on 7 Apr 1995, for possible damage to wheel bearings. The one launched after it was R/1997/005 on 27 May 1997, for corrosion on lower steering shaft. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 1996 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1996/037, launched 23 February 1996. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.