BMW X5 Recall R/2017/001: Engine May Cut Out, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 31 Dec 2016
- Launched
- 1
- vehicles in the UK
- 0012390400
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled X5 vehicles built between 17 August 2015 and 17 August 2015. The bolt that connects the ground cable from the wiring harness of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) to the engine block may not have been tightened/torqued to the correct specification. The dealer will check and if required retorque the bolt for the ground cable on the engine block. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The bolt that connects the ground cable from the wiring harness of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) to the engine block may not have been tightened/torqued to the correct specification. This can lead to an under voltage supply which can trigger a reset of the DME. This can result in the engine cutting out or depending on vehicle speed to restart/turn on the engine once the reset has been completed.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE MAY CUT OUT Defect: It has been identified that the bolt that connects the ground cable from the wiring harness of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) to the engine block may not have been tightened/torqued to the correct specification. This can lead to an under voltage supply which can trigger a reset of the DME. This can result in the engine cutting out or depending on vehicle speed to restart/turn on the engine once the reset has been completed. Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required retorque the bolt for the ground cable on the engine block.
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 an under voltage supply which can trigger a reset of the DME.
The Fix
The dealer will check and if required retorque the bolt for the ground cable on the engine block.
Are You Affected?
X5 built between 17 August 2015 and 17 August 2015 may be included. BMW estimates 1 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 0012390400 or the DVSA reference R/2017/001. 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, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| X5Replace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/406 | |
| X5Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary | Book soon | R/2025/360 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2016/300 on 21 Dec 2016, for power steering may not perform correctly. The one launched after it was R/2017/011 on 10 Jan 2017, for airbags may not deploy. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/001, launched 31 December 2016. 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.