BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

AutoBlog: BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

Catastrophic engine failure... not exactly what you want to hear no matter what you're driving, but especially so when you've just purchased a brand-new 2013 BMW M5 or M6.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "a manufacturing process error" could cause the oil pump's driveshaft to separate from its rotor, leading "to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash."

As is always the case with such recalls, BMW will be contacting owners and dealerships with plans to fix the problem free of charge. On the plus side, we'd imagine some owners already know of the problem, considering the brand issued a stop sale notice on the M5 and M6 on September 21.

In kinda-sorta related news (hey, Mini is owned by BMW after all), a recall notice has also been issued for certain 2011 Mini Clubman and Clubman S models regarding a glitch that may cause owners to miss an in-dash warning for malfunctioning ABS brakes. Not exactly catastrophic engine failure, and it only affects 75 cars, says NHTSA, but you can find both recalls in their entirety below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Report Date : October 5, 2012 at 12:16 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 12V475000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / M5 2013
BMW / M6 2013

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Report Receipt Date: SEP 28, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V475000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 696

Summary:
BMW is recalling certain model year 2013 M5, M6 Coupe, and M6 Convertible vehicles, manufactured from July 19, 2012, through September 11, 2012. Due to a manufacturing process error, the tolerance between the engine oil pump's drive shaft and the pump's rotor was not within specification. As a result, the pump's driveshaft could separate from the rotor.

Consequence:
Separation of the pump's driveshaft from the rotor could lead to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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Report Date : October 5, 2012 at 12:31 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V299000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MINI / COOPER CLUBMAN 2011
MINI / COOPER S CLUBMAN 2011

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Report Receipt Date: MAY 25, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V299000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 75

Summary:
BMW Is recalling certain model year 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman vehicles manufactured from February 8, 2011, through May 11, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 101, "Controls and Displays." These vehicles are equipped with a European specification tachometer that uses brake-system telltales/symbols that do not meet U.S. requirements.

Consequence:
In the event of an ABS system problem, only the the outer circle of the symbol illuminates, not the ABS letters. As such, the driver may be unaware that there is a problem with the ABS, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
All affected vehicles have been repaired at dealerships. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.