BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring And 8 More Recall R/2024/191: Replace VANOS Bolts N51 N52 N55, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 1 May 2024
- Launched
- 4,180
- vehicles in the UK
- 0011520700
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring and 8 more vehicles built between 3 September 2009 and 3 August 2011. Overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated. The dealer will replace the eight aluminium screws if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55 Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated. Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in engine emergency mode being activated.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the eight aluminium screws if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
Are You Affected?
1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring and 8 more built between 3 September 2009 and 3 August 2011 may be included. BMW estimates 4,180 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 0011520700 or the DVSA reference R/2024/191. 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 | |
| 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 | |
| X3Programming control units (Steering gear) | Urgent | R/2025/535 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2024/157 on 4 Apr 2024, for checking and if necessary replacing the tailgate trim. The one launched after it was R/2024/262 on 20 May 2024, for seat belt warning (Front seat belts). You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2024.
Source: DVSA recall R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. 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.