BMW Recalls 80,000 Vehicles Over Defective Integrated Brake Module

As it happens, the recalled vehicles come in many forms, beginning with the front-biased X1 xDrive28i crossover. Internal combustion-engined vehicles with rear-biased platforms include the X5, X5 M, X6, X6 M, X7, Alpina XB7, XM, 7 Series, and 5 Series. The list continues with zero-emission vehicles ranging from the i5 to the Spectre. Indeed, that would be Rolls-Royce's first production EV.

BMW claims the integrated brake system may malfunction, resulting in reduced power assistance. In this case, both the antilock brake system and stability control system may stop functioning. Looking at the glass half full, the mechanical side isn't affected, meaning that customers will be able to slow down and eventually stop the vehicle in case of a malfunction.

The brake force distribution's emergency function isn't affected either, with said feature helping maintain vehicle stability under braking. BMW also notes that its parking brakes are programmed to activate in this case, aiding braking performance. Dealers have been instructed to replace the suspect integrated brake modules with modules produced outside of the suspect window. The replacement modules feature similar part numbers (5A8D899, 5A8D8A9, 5A8D8B0, 5A8D8B9, and 5A8D8E0).

BMW is required to inform affected customers about said concern by mail. Notifications will be sent no later than April 5, although it's hard to imagine that Rolls-Royce won't inform Spectre customers in advance by phone or email. BMW customers, meanwhile, can take matters into their own hands by entering the 17-character vehicle identification number on the NHTSA's website.

Internally codenamed U11, the 2023 and newer X1 uses the UKL-derived FAAR platform. The most affordable specification available stateside is the X1 xDrive28i, which carries a starting price of $40,500 (excluding the $995 destination freight charge).

The X5, X6, X7, Alpina XB7, XM, 5 Series, and 7 Series are underpinned by the CLuster ARchitecture, a highly modular platform that – similar to the FAAR – supports electric powertrains. Not long now, the Munich-based automaker will step up its EV game with an EV-specific platform dubbed Neue Klasse. The first vehicle to feature this platform will be the 2026 model year BMW iX3.

Over at Rolls-Royce, the Spectre rides on a development of the Architecture of Luxury. Even though R-R insists that it's different from the CLuster ARchitecture, there's no denying that a handful of assemblies and components are shared in order to keep the production costs under control.

The Spectre starts at more than $420,000 in the United States of America, which puts it above the Cullinan sport utility vehicle and Ghost sedan. The Phantom remains the automaker's flagship. With Rolls-Royce intending to become fully electric by 2030, the brand's V12 will sadly be discontinued.