BMW is recalling some vehicles manufactured from 2010-2012. More than 156,000 vehicles equipped with in-line six-cylinder engines have aluminum bolts on their cam-timing system's housing that could break.

Vehicles involved include the following:

1-Series coupes and convertibles, manufactured from January 2010 to August 2011

3-Series cars manufactured from September 2009 to February 2012

5-Series vehicles manufactured from February 2010 to August 2011

5-Series Gran Turismo hatchbacks manufactured from September 2009 to November 2011

6-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured from May 2011 to October 2011

X3 crossovers manufactured from January 2010 to September 2011

X5 crossovers manufactured from November 2009 to October 2011

X6 crossovers manufactured from February 2010 to October 2011

Z4 roadsters manufactured from January 2010 to August 2011

If the aluminum bolts break, the vehicle's check engine light will come on, and a check control message will be displayed on the dash. If operation of the cam-timing unit (called VANOS) is compromised, the engine will operate with reduced power in "safe mode" and could become noisy. If the problem is left uncorrected, performance will worsen, and could lead to no-start conditions, stalling or engine damage.

The fix

On affected vehicles, BMW will replace the VANOS unit's housing bolts. The repair takes approximately 4 hours, and will most likely require a full day at the dealer service bay.

BMW is unaware of any accidents or injuries associated with this recall.

If an owner has already had paid for this repair, they may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses they incurred. Make sure to have all associated documentation to the repair so any questions the customer service rep asks can be answered. It's best to make duplicate copies of the repair docs in case BMW requires their own copy.

BMW is managing this recall by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number); notification letters are being sent out to owners.

Story continues

For more information or answers to questions, call BMW Customer Service at 800-831-1117 or contact a service rep via e-mail here. Make sure to have the vehicle's VIN handy to give to customer service reps, as they will need it to verify if the vehicle in question is involved in this action.

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