The 2010 BMW 5 Series has 4 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a positive battery cable connector that can loosen and overheat, and a crankcase ventilation valve heater that can short and ignite, both of which can cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the battery cable issue is repaired.
On the mechanical side, a variable valve timing component called the VANOS unit can shed bolts, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving. There is also a fuel gauge concern where the sender unit inside the fuel tank can stick and read higher than the actual fuel level, meaning the gauge may show fuel remaining when the tank is nearly empty.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum bolts securing the variable camshaft timing adjustment housing can loosen and break over time, potentially causing the unit to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four VANOS bolts at no cost to you.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The insulated connector for the positive battery cable may be improperly attached to the trunk floor panel. The bolt connection can loosen over time, increasing electrical resistance and causing the cable connection to overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the battery cable bolt connection as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel gauge sender inside the tank can get stuck, making the gauge show more fuel than you actually have. If the tank empties without warning, your engine could stall.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the fuel level sender with an updated part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
