BMW of North America will recall nearly 200,000 vehicles because a leak may develop in their power braking systems, hindering stopping power.
On Thursday, the company notified the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration of the voluntary recall, which applies to 198,000 V8- and V12-powered BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars produced between 2002 and 2010.
In the vehicles covered by the recall, the brake vacuum pump and the brake booster are connected by a vacuum hose. In rare occurrences, a check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil, BMW stated in its letter to the NHTSA. Over time, this could result in contamination of the brake booster. If this occurred, then power assist braking could be affected. In an extreme case, loss of power assist braking could occur.
Mechanical braking would still be available to slow and stop the vehicle, BMW of North America asserted. No accidents or injuries related to the issue have been reported.
BMW said it has prepared an inspection and repair procedure and will distribute replacement parts throughout its North American dealer network. Letters will go to owners of affected vehicles in the coming weeks, requesting scheduling of a service appointment with an authorized BMW center to check their vehicle.