BMW 3 Series, 5 Series Recall R/2001/146: Tyres May Have Cuts In Side Walls, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 9 Nov 2001
- Launched
- 264
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2001/146
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 3 Series, 5 Series vehicles built between 28 September 2001 and 24 October 2001. Cuts have been observed on isolated Continental tyres fitted to vehicles. The recall notice describes the fix as: examine all tyres and replace any found with cuts in the sidewalls. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Cuts have been observed on isolated Continental tyres fitted to vehicles. The cuts (1-5 cm in length) are of varying severity and can lead to a loss of tyre pressure. This can destroy the tyre if the vehicle continues to be driven.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: TYRES MAY HAVE CUTS IN SIDE WALLS. Defect: Cuts have been observed on isolated Continental tyres fitted to vehicles. The cuts (1-5 cm in length) are of varying severity and can lead to a loss of tyre pressure. This can destroy the tyre if the vehicle continues to be driven. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles examine all tyres and replace any found with cuts in the sidewalls.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to a loss of tyre pressure.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: examine all tyres and replace any found with cuts in the sidewalls.
Are You Affected?
3 Series, 5 Series built between 28 September 2001 and 24 October 2001 may be included. BMW estimates 264 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/2001/146. 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?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, 7 Series - High Security and 2 moreChecking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness | Urgent | R/2026/092 | |
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series and 3 moreReplace the driver’s airbag: takata PSDI-5 | Urgent | R/2025/327 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 5 SeriesProgram control units (CoC documents) | Low | R/2026/075 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2000/135 on 26 Feb 2001, for lower steering shaft may fail. The one launched after it was R/2002/012 on 31 Jan 2002, for engine cooling fan may fail. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2001.
Source: DVSA recall R/2001/146, launched 9 November 2001. 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.