BMW is recalling 136,188 vehicles in the United States and another 18,284 in Canada due to improperly crimped wiring for the fuel pump in the gas tank. The affected models are:
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2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo
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2011-2012 528I
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2011-2012 535I
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2011-2012 550I
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2012 640I
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2012 650I
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2007-2011 X5
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2008-2011 X6
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2010-2011 X6 ACTIVEHYBRID
The in-tank fuel pumps on these vehicles have insufficiently crimped wire contacts. This causes an increase in contact resistance and extra heat. Over time, the plastic around the contact pins can melt, and this can allow fuel to leak. If the pump isn’t working, then the engine could stall. If this problem occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp should illuminate, and some customers report smelling gasoline in the cabin.
BMW first became aware of this problem in June 2011 from customer complaints of a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The company determined that if the problem occurred then it would illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, and this was enough to alert people of the issue. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries from this problem. However, some people experienced their vehicle stalling. BMW will begin the recall in the U.S on December 5. As a fix, dealers will replace the fuel pump module on the affected vehicles, and the repair will take several hours, according to the company.
