BMW 3 Series Recall R/2021/288: The Tandam Vacuum/oil Pump May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 9 Aug 2021
- Launched
- 1
- vehicles in the UK
- 0012650500
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 3 Series vehicles built between 13 April 2019 and 13 April 2019. The fault involves the tandem vacuum/oil pump fitted to the engine. The recall notice describes the fix as: the control unit (DME) will be programmed to prevent the failure from occuring. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The fault involves the tandem vacuum/oil pump fitted to the engine. On affected vehicles it is possible that the engine rotates in the opposite direction than it is meant to on start-up causing the tandem pump to fail.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THE TANDAM VACUUM/OIL PUMP MAY FAIL Defect: The fault involves the tandem vacuum/oil pump fitted to the engine. On affected vehicles it is possible that the engine rotates in the opposite direction than it is meant to on start-up causing the tandem pump to fail. Remedy: On the affected vehicles the control unit (DME) will be programmed to prevent the failure from occuring.
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 the tandem pump to fail.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: the control unit (DME) will be programmed to prevent the failure from occuring.
Are You Affected?
3 Series built between 13 April 2019 and 13 April 2019 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 0012650500 or the DVSA reference R/2021/288. 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
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 3 SeriesReplace the front passenger airbag takata PSPI | Urgent | R/2025/323 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2021/268 on 13 Jul 2021, for some vehicles may be susceptible to damage to the anti-corrosion coating of the lower…. The one launched after it was R/2021/294 on 16 Aug 2021, for static electricity may accumulate in the fuel filler tube. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2021.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/288, launched 9 August 2021. 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.