BMW X3, X4 Recall R/2018/220: Pistons In Rear Brake Calipers May Not Be Coated To Specifications, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Aug 2018
- Launched
- 1,032
- vehicles in the UK
- 0034370200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled X3, X4 vehicles built between 16 April 2018 and 8 June 2018. The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. The recall notice describes the fix as: the brake system will be bled. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. Because of a faulty coating hydrogen gas (approximately 10 ml) could be created in the coating of the piston of the brake caliper. This will be completely outgassed during the first 2 months after the production process causing longer brake pedal travel. Under certain circumstances the relevant brake pressure cannot be build up in the rear brake circuit. As a result the brake force of the system may be reduced by up to 30%. The driver may feel a soft brake pedal and a reduction of the brake performance. In certain cases the rear brake circuit could fail leading to increased risk of an accident.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PISTONS IN REAR BRAKE CALIPERS MAY NOT BE COATED TO SPECIFICATIONS Defect: The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. Because of a faulty coating hydrogen gas (approximately 10 ml) could be created in the coating of the piston of the brake caliper. This will be completely outgassed during the first 2 months after the production process causing longer brake pedal travel. Under certain circumstances the relevant brake pressure cannot be build up in the rear brake circuit. As a result the brake force of the system may be reduced by up to 30%. The driver may feel a soft brake pedal and a reduction of the brake performance. In certain cases the rear brake circuit could fail leading to increased risk of an accident. Remedy: On the affected vehicles the brake system will be bled.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause longer brake pedal travel.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the brake system will be bled.
Are You Affected?
X3, X4 built between 16 April 2018 and 8 June 2018 may be included. BMW estimates 1,032 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 0034370200 or the DVSA reference R/2018/220. 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?.
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| 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 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2018/215 on 10 Aug 2018, for distance between sensor and in-tank fuel line could be too small. The one launched after it was R/2018/211 on 20 Aug 2018, for software fault with crankshaft sensor. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/220, 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.