Bad news for the brand new 2013 BMW M5 and BMW M6 drivers came in from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These models are being recalled due to catastrophic engine failure that is being blamed on “a manufacturing process error”. This error apparently caused the oil pump’s driveshaft to actually separate from the rotor. If this happens there it leads 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.”
BMW has plans underway to contact the owners and dealerships in regard to this potentially dangerous error. Of course the problem will be fixed free of charge. Many owners and dealerships are all ready aware of the problem however because BMW had issued a “Stop Sale” notice on September 32. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filed its report on October 5, shortly after BMW figured out the problem on their own. The Campaign ID number assigned by the National Highway Safety Administration in regard to this recall is 12V475000. 696 BMW M5 and BMW M6 models combined are affected in this recall notice.
Along with this recall the 2011 Mini Clubman and Clubman S (BMW owned) models are also being recalled due to another potentially dangerous issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report is as follows:
“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. 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.”
Source National Highway Traffic Safety Administration