BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series And 6 More Recall R/2014/068: Engine Emergency Mode May Be Activated During Driving, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 28 Jul 2014
- Launched
- 2,967
- vehicles in the UK
- 0011280300& 0011360300
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series and 6 more vehicles built between 1 September 2009 and 30 November 2011. The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. The recall notice describes the fix as: repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately. Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
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 the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit.
Are You Affected?
1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series and 6 more built between 1 September 2009 and 30 November 2011 may be included. BMW estimates 2,967 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 0011280300& 0011360300 or the DVSA reference R/2014/068. 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 | |
| X3Programming control units (Steering gear) | Urgent | R/2025/535 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2014/054 on 9 May 2014, for child safety lock may not activate. The one launched after it was R/2014/131 on 7 Oct 2014, for spare wheel may become loose. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2014.
Source: DVSA recall R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014. 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.