BMW has issued a recall for over 150 000 luxury cars and SUVs due to bolt faults in some of the six-cylinder engines, potentially causing engine-stalling, failure and damage.

The defect affects BMW models like the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, X6 and Z4 models built between 2009 and 2011. The 2012 6 Series is also included in the recall.

“As already announced, as part of a global voluntary quality measure BMW is taking the precaution of checking the bolts on the Vanos unit in selected vehicles with six-cylinder engines. Depending on the results, the bolts or the Vanos unit will be replaced. Worldwide this affects 489 000 vehicles. The biggest individual markets – as already announced – are China with 232 000 vehicles and the USA with 156 000 vehicles,” said Edward Makwana, BMW’s group automotive communications manager.

He added that 3 120 vehicles have been affected in South Africa.

“We will be contacting all the affected customers to check the Vanos unit on the affected vehicles. Depending on the results of this check, either the bolts or the complete Vanos unit will be replaced. Vehicles will spend approximately 4 hours in the BMW workshop and this service will be free of charge.”

*Earlier, we posted incorrect model years. We were advised by BMW South Africa of the correct model years affected and have amended the article. Cars.co.za apologises for any inconvenience caused.*