BMW 5 Series Recall R/2002/012: Engine Cooling Fan May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 31 Jan 2002
- Launched
- 7,500
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2002/012
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 5 Series vehicles built between 5 January 2001 and 31 August 2001. Manufacturing faults and software errors in the electronics of the electric fan could cause these components to be thermally overloaded and destroyed. The dealer will check the fan type and build. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Manufacturing faults and software errors in the electronics of the electric fan could cause these components to be thermally overloaded and destroyed. In isolated cases the overloading could lead to scorching or a fire in the fan.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE COOLING FAN MAY FAIL. Defect: Manufacturing faults and software errors in the electronics of the electric fan could cause these components to be thermally overloaded and destroyed. In isolated cases the overloading could lead to scorching or a fire in the fan. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and check the fan type and build. Replace the fan where necessary.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause these components to be thermally overloaded and destroyed.
The Fix
The dealer will check the fan type and build.
Are You Affected?
5 Series built between 5 January 2001 and 31 August 2001 may be included. BMW estimates 7,500 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/2002/012. 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, 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 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2001/146 on 9 Nov 2001, for tyres may have cuts in side walls. The one launched after it was R/2002/025 on 22 Feb 2002, for possible detachment of ball bearing from front suspension strut top mounting. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2002 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/012, launched 31 January 2002. 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.