BMW 3 Series Recall R/2012/149: Rear Window May Detach, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 11 Dec 2012
- Launched
- 17
- vehicles in the UK
- 0051860200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 3 Series vehicles. It is possible side and rear windows made out of Makrolon (Synthetic Polycarbon Laminate) may become loose due to insufficient adhesion fixing them in place. The dealer will replace the Makrolon windows with conventional glass windows. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
It is possible side and rear windows made out of Makrolon (Synthetic Polycarbon Laminate) may become loose due to insufficient adhesion fixing them in place. This will result in a visual and audible warning of the issue to vehicle occupants. If these warnings are ignored it is possible a window could detach from the vehicle.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REAR WINDOW MAY DETACH Defect: It is possible side and rear windows made out of Makrolon (Synthetic Polycarbon Laminate) may become loose due to insufficient adhesion fixing them in place. This will result in a visual and audible warning of the issue to vehicle occupants. If these warnings are ignored it is possible a window could detach from the vehicle. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace the Makrolon windows with conventional glass windows.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a visual and audible warning of the issue to vehicle occupants.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the Makrolon windows with conventional glass windows.
Are You Affected?
3 Series may be included. BMW estimates 17 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 campaign code 0051860200 or the DVSA reference R/2012/149. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 3 SeriesReplace the front passenger airbag takata PSPI | Urgent | R/2025/323 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2012/150 on 6 Dec 2012, for drive may fail. The one launched after it was R/2013/024 on 4 Apr 2013, for engine may cut out. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2012.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/149, launched 11 December 2012. 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.