Recalls: BMW F31 3-Series Touring
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW F31 3-Series Touring
2013 BMW F31 3-Series Touring: brake vacuum pump may fail
In October 2013, a recall was issued for BMW F31 3-Series Touring vehicles that were available for sale prior to 31 July 2013. In these vehicles, the vacuum pump may fail due to a lack of lubrication. As a result, the power brake boost unit would not be supplied with sufficient vacuum force, reducing the effectiveness of the brake assistance function. In turn, reduced braking effectiveness posed a hazard to the driver and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, see (PRA 2013/13801).
2012-17 BMW F31 3-Series Touring: Takata airbag recall
In December 2018, a staged recall campaign was initiated for BMW ‘F Series’ models – this included 2012-17 BMW F31 3-Series Touring vehicles. These vehicles had Takata driver’s airbags and the propellant wafers in these airbags could absorb moisture over time. In the event of airbag deployment, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal inflator housing to rupture and metallic fragments could be projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17191.
2013-17 BMW F31 3-Series Touring: Takata airbag inflator
In July 2024, recall campaigns 0032550300 and 0032790300 were issued for 2013-17 BMW F31 3-Series Touring vehicles. After production, some of these vehicles may have been converted with steering wheels that contained faulty Takata airbag inflators. In the event of airbag deployment, the airbag inflator may rupture and metal fragments may be propelled through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants – this posed a risk of serious injury or death. BMW provided an online tool at www.recall.bmw.com.au that enabled owners to upload photos of their VIN plate and steering wheel for further checking. Alternatively, owners could contact an authorised BMW dealer to schedule an appointment to have their steering wheel checked. If a faulty airbag inflator was found, the airbag (with centre horn pad) would be replaced. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006035.
2013-18 BMW F31 3-Series Touring: water pump connector could cause fire
In August 2024, recall campaign 0011800700 was issued for 2013-18 BMW F31 3-Series Touring vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the connectors for the electric water pump – this could cause an electrical short circuit, leading to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, as well as a risk of damage to property. To fix, an authorised BMW dealer was to inspect the plug connector inspected and, if necessary, replace it. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006063.
Problems and faults: BMW F31 3-Series Touring
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2012-14 BMW F31 320i and 328i: ‘Service Engine Soon’, ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ and VANOS faults
In September 2014, BMW North America issued Service Bulletin SI B12 26 14 for BMW F31 320i and 328i Touring vehicles that were manufactured prior to July 2014. These vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Illumination of the ‘Service Engine Soon’ warning (Malfunction Indicator Light);
- The engine may enter a reduced power mode with the ‘Drivetrain Malfunction’ message displayed; and,
- One or more VANOS faults may be stored in the DME, even though the engine is mechanically sound and no unusual noises can be heard from the VANOS area. These VANOS faults related to implausible camshaft position (intake or exhaust), the camshaft stuck situation, or the camshaft angle offset relative to the crankshaft being outside the tolerance range.
According to the service bulletin, these symptoms could be due to unfavourable Engine Position Management (EPM) parameters in the DME software. The service bulletin recommended test plans be performed using BMW’s ISTA/D diagnostics system and any VANOS hardware issues were to be corrected. After performing repairs, or if the ISTA test plan was inconclusive, the vehicle’s DME software was to be re-programmed with the latest version of ISTA/P. If further VANOS control faults occurred after the DME software was updated, further diagnosis would be required to identify its cause.
