Stop That: BMW Recalls Vehicles for Brake Issues
Pursuant to federal law (we’ve always wanted to start a post in that manner), BMW is recalling approximately 80,000 machines from the 2023 and 2024 model years for vexing problems with braking systems.
Models run the gamut, including some 5- and 7-Series sedans plus their electric i5 and i7 counterparts. On the crossover and SUV side of the ledger, the company has identified certain copies of the X1, X5, X6, X7, and the strange-looking XM as requiring attention. Even the Rolls Royce Spectre is mentioned in the campaign. A full list can be found here.
At issue is the so-called integrated brake system, a unit which may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the antilock brake and dynamic stability control systems to not function properly. In one of the most obvious statements ever put forth by a large agency (which is saying a lot), the NHTSA says a loss of power brake assist “can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle.” You don’t say.
Most drivers on the road have not had the misfortune of driving anything without power brakes; those who have, like numerous of you lot in the comments, know it requires stomping on the pedal like a vintner stomps grapes in order for anything meaningful to happen. They also point out malfunctioning ABS and haywire stability control can cause heartburn, though anyone who’s still driving a GM W-body from the ‘90s has those skills down pat. Other clues to calamity apparently include a warning lamp and message displayed in the instrument cluster and, in some cases, the vehicle may refuse to start.
As a remedy, BMW says dealers will replace the integrated brake system, a task which will surely add many hours of work orders to this brand’s service departments nationwide. According to a copy of the recall note found on a fan forum, the integrated brake system may not have been produced by its supplier according to BMW specifications.
Letters about this issue won’t go out until sometime in April. With that in mind, it’s never a bad idea to hit up the NHTSA website to check for recalls.
[Image: BMW]
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Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.
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- ToolGuy I don't think it is fair that the other car companies have to compete with VW.
- Wjtinfwb Seemed pointless to cannibalize your own products sales by offering a clearly inferior and older product toting the same name at a lower price point. Now many "Classic" buyers would have bought a current Generation RAM had that been all that was offered? It kind of made sense when GM did it for fleet only sales of outdated models like Malibu or Impala or even Ford while new model build grew to capacity. But they've sold these two side by side for at least 3 years now, which just seems counterproductive and costly.
- Tassos Remember, the safest most affordable trip is the one you do not take. Also remember, if I am driving there is a good reason for it -- I do not need you clogging up the roads out of habit lol. Learn how to drive, people. This includes knowing when to stay home. 🤡
- Spamvw Nice to know I've broken into the top 10.478000 yesterday, but it's digital odo so there will no pics when it goes to it's final resting place.As I've said before, since the computer brain reads in KM's it will stop at roughly 620k.I've been told that there are VW folks who can reset it. But I'm guessing rust will take the unibody by then.Sam'02 TDI Jetta Wagon (grey) (manual)
- Jkross22 Sounds like a jobs program instead of increasing safety.
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Recall notices in April? No instruction to "Park it outside in an open field, and don't drive it until it's fixed" notice? I thought safety recalls were more stringent, but I guess dragging a foot will get the job done.
Looking forward to buying 2 of these with all of those Rubles we have been earning lately.