BMW M5 Recall R/2018/215: Distance Between Sensor And In-tank Fuel Line Could Be Too Small, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 274
- vehicles in the UK
- 0016380200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled M5 vehicles built between 16 January 2018 and 24 May 2018. The fault affects the fuel level sensor within the fuel tank.The distance between the sensor and an in-tank fuel line could be too small which could allow the sensor to contact the fuel line and in some cases become stuck. The dealer will rework the fuel line supply unit system. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The fault affects the fuel level sensor within the fuel tank.The distance between the sensor and an in-tank fuel line could be too small which could allow the sensor to contact the fuel line and in some cases become stuck. If the fuel sensor becomes stuck the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster displays a larger amount of fuel than is actually in the tank. Therefore the tank could become empty leading to the engine stalling without prior warning.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DISTANCE BETWEEN SENSOR AND IN-TANK FUEL LINE COULD BE TOO SMALL Defect: The fault affects the fuel level sensor within the fuel tank.The distance between the sensor and an in-tank fuel line could be too small which could allow the sensor to contact the fuel line and in some cases become stuck. If the fuel sensor becomes stuck the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster displays a larger amount of fuel than is actually in the tank. Therefore the tank could become empty leading to the engine stalling without prior warning. Remedy: On the affected vehicles the fuel line supply unit system will be reworked.
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 engine stalling without prior warning.
The Fix
The dealer will rework the fuel line supply unit system.
Are You Affected?
M5 built between 16 January 2018 and 24 May 2018 may be included. BMW estimates 274 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 0016380200 or the DVSA reference R/2018/215. 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, M5Screw connections of some seats and seatbelts may not have been properly tightened during vehicle production | Urgent | R/2022/257 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series, 5 Series, I3 and 3 moreThe material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications | Urgent | R/2021/442 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2018/171 on 9 Jul 2018, for front axle swivel bearings may not have been produced to specification. The one launched after it was R/2018/220 on 10 Aug 2018, for pistons in rear brake calipers may not be coated to specifications. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and fuel leak recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/215, launched 10 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.