The 2003 BMW 7 Series has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the brakes and engine: a brake vacuum pump check valve can leak oil into the brake booster over time, potentially reducing or eliminating power-assisted braking, and certain models may have an undertightened engine oil filter drain plug that can work loose and spray or leak oil.
On the safety equipment side, vehicles equipped with heated seats have a recall for a heating mat in the seat backrest's side bolster that can be damaged by repeated contact when entering and exiting the vehicle. If the mat is compromised, it can produce excessive heat against the occupant or melt a small hole through the lower portion of the seat bolster.
At a glance
What can fail
A check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak small amounts of lubricating oil. Over time, this oil can contaminate the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the vehicle at no charge by repairing or replacing the affected brake vacuum pump component.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The heating mat in the heated seat backrest can be damaged by repeated contact when entering or exiting the vehicle, causing excessive heat, melting, electrical smell, or smoke. In rare cases, this may result in minor skin injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the front seat backrest heating circuit to prevent overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine oil filter drain plug may not have been tightened enough during manufacturing. This can cause the plug to loosen, leading to oil spray and leaks. If enough oil leaks out, the engine could be damaged.
What the fix does
The dealer will retighten the engine oil filter drain plug to the correct tightness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
