On March 2, 2022, BMW issued a safety recall on the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater in some N51, N52, and N52K engines. Approximately 917,000 BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, and Z4 models produced between January 2005 and October 2013, are potentially affected.
The problem is the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve heater may not have been produced to specifications which could lead to a short circuit. Should a short circuit occur, the PCV valve heater could overheat, lead to smoldering, and possibly start melting. BMW says in rare cases, this could increase the risk of fire. BMW also advises that owners can still drive their vehicle unless they see smoke, or smell smoke or a burning plastic odor. The check engine light would illuminate as well.
BMW had similar Safety Recalls related to the PCV valve in 2017 and 2019. If you had those remedied you still need to have the 2022 Safety Recall performed. BMW does not have a remedy yet for the current recall, but owners of potentially affected vehicles will receive a letter in April via first class mail advising them of this Safety Recall. Owners will receive another letter when parts become available, requesting they schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center as soon as possible to have this Safety Recall performed. To ensure BMW has your current contact information, owners should visit the BMW USA Manage recall notices and contact information web page to update owner information or make sure the vehicle is registered in the “My Garage” section of your MyBMW account.
To check if your BMW is included in the recall, visit bmwusa.com/recall and enter your VIN.