BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series And 8 More Recall R/2018/211: Software Fault With Crankshaft Sensor, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 20 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 4,025
- vehicles in the UK
- 0013850200 0013860200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series and 8 more vehicles built between 10 May 2018 and 13 July 2018. Some vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The dealer will replace the crankshaft sensor with a new version. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Some vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message ,engine malfunction,. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: SOFTWARE FAULT WITH CRANKSHAFT SENSOR Defect: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded. Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: software fault with crankshaft sensor.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the crankshaft sensor with a new version.
Are You Affected?
1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series and 8 more built between 10 May 2018 and 13 July 2018 may be included. BMW estimates 4,025 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 0013850200 0013860200 or the DVSA reference R/2018/211. 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 SeriesReworking the PVC seam in the rear light housing | Urgent | R/2026/262 | |
| 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 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2018/220 on 10 Aug 2018, for pistons in rear brake calipers may not be coated to specifications. The one launched after it was R/2018/242 on 24 Sep 2018, for crash protection plate for the high pressure fuel pump was not installed in 3 cylinder…. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/211, launched 20 August 2018. 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.