BMWSouth Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it will be part of a global BMW brake recall, or voluntary corrective quality initiative, affecting about 176 000 vehicles worldwide for a possible brake issue. This means that certain models will be repaired at no cost to the motorist.

BMW SA confirmed that 5533 vehicles in South Africa are affected – mainly the 1, 3, 5, X1, X3 and Z4 Series vehicles equipped with four-cylinder petrol engines produced between June 2012 andAugust2013.

BMW brake recall does not mean brakes will fail

The issue comes from a restriction to the oil supply from the intake camshaft to the brake vacuum pump. If the oil supply is restricted, the brake vacuum pump can fail due to lack of lubrication and can result in a loss of power brake assist.

However, this doesn’t mean the brakes will fail, just that the driver might have to apply extra pressure for the same braking force.

A service letter will apparently be sent out in November-December for the recall. However if you own the vehicle and experience a loss in braking power, it is advised to pull to the side of the road and have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorised BMW service centres (dealerships), where the camshafts will be inspected and reworked as necessary.