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BMW Recalling Over 150,000 Vehicles in North America over Fuel Pump Issues

BMW X5 M 1 photo
Photo: BMW
We don't have the statistics at hand, but simply judging by the frequency we write about recalls, we'd suspect no high-volume brand managed to escape without at least one in its history.
Given the complexity of modern cars, it's actually surprising we don't hear about them more often. When you think of all the little bits that can malfunction in a vehicle and how the manufacturers have to make sure they all work properly, you start to realize why it takes them years before they can launch a new model, even though it looks 90 percent identical to the previous one.

Most BMW recalls so far - and there haven't been that many - have focused on airbag problems, but the NHTSA has informed of a new one earlier this month, and this time it's related to the vehicles' gas tank fuel pump. It would seem a series of BMW models have insufficiently crimped wire contacts on the in-tank fuel pump, which could make the connector melt. The consequences can range from a fuel leak to a fuel pump malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly which, depending on the situation, can be potentially hazardous.

The list of vehicles affected is pretty vast: 2007-2011 X5 (X5 M included), 2008-2011 X6 (X6 M included), 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 2011-2012 535i, 2011-2012 550i, 2012 640i, 2012 650i. The 6 Series models include all body types (coupe and convertible) and xDrive all-wheel-drive versions as well.

As always, the NHTSA allows owners to introduce their vehicle's VIN on its website to see whether their car is affected by the recall. If that turns out to be the case, the owners don't really need to do anything as they will be contacted by BMW to arrange an appointment with the closest dealer. The fuel pump will then be replaced, a procedure which might take a few hours to complete. The recalls are expected to debut December 5, 2016.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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