BMW 7 Series Recall R/2002/073: Engine May Cut Out Whilst The Car Is Being Driven, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Jul 2002
- Launched
- 832
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2002/073
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 7 Series vehicles built between 2 January 2002 and 23 May 2002. Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres. The recall notice describes the fix as: likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE MAY CUT OUT WHILST THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN Defect: Due to an ECU software error within the electrical system the fuel pump may operate at an insufficient speed once the fuel tank level has been reduced to less than 30 litres. Remedy: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: engine may cut out whilst the car is being driven.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled to have the ECU's reprogrammed with updated software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
7 Series built between 2 January 2002 and 23 May 2002 may be included. BMW estimates 832 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/2002/073. 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 | |
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, M5Replace double universal joint (Steering) | Urgent | R/2024/409 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring and 10 moreIntegrated braking system | Urgent | R/2024/383 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2002/027 on 4 Mar 2002, for front suspension outer ball joint may become detached. The one launched after it was R/2002/106 on 31 Jul 2002, for brake pedal may become detached. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2002 and fuel leak recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/073, launched 10 July 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.