BMW Engine Recalls Cover Oil Leaks and Brake Assist Loss
These BMW engine recalls cover three different defects: oil cooler hose attachment, counterbalance shaft bearings, and engine management software. The Z4 appears repeatedly, with the 2019 Z4 included in the counterbalance shaft recall and 2019–2021 Z4 M40i vehicles included in the brake assist recall. Certain 2019–2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles also face the counterbalance shaft problem, which can cause severe engine damage. The oil leak recall concerns 2020 S 1000 RR motorcycles, where oil may reach the rear tire's path. The software recall also includes specified BMW sedans and SUVs and 2020–2021 Toyota Supra vehicles.
Warning signs to watch for
- Oil leak: the 2019-10-02 S 1000 RR oil cooler hose recall describes leaking oil.
- Loss of braking assist during engine start: the 2021-08-02 BMW and Toyota Supra recall explicitly describes this behavior.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of these three notices tells owners to stop driving or park outside. That includes the S 1000 RR oil cooler hose recall, the Z4 and 330i counterbalance shaft recall, and the BMW and Toyota Supra brake assist recall. The brake assist notice specifically states that full mechanical braking remains available without assist. The notices do not tell owners to stop driving, but they identify crash risks from oil reaching the rear tire's path, severe engine damage, or loss of braking assist.
What the free repair involves
For the S 1000 RR oil leak recall, dealers replace the oil cooler assembly, including its hoses, free of charge. For the counterbalance shaft recall, dealers replace the engine free of charge. For the BMW and Toyota Supra brake assist recall, dealers update the engine management software free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 2 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Where owners report engine problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under engine for the BMW models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW M340I | 42 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 25 |
| 2020 BMW Z4 | 2 |
| 2019 BMW Z4 | 2 |
| 2021 BMW X4 | 2 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2, 2021 | BMW and Toyota Supra May Lose Brake Assist | medium |
| Oct 15, 2019 | BMW Z4 Engine Counterbalance Shaft May Loosen | high |
| Oct 2, 2019 | BMW S 1000 RR Oil Cooler Hoses May Leak | high |
Common questions
Why does a BMW engine recall mention braking?
The August 2021 notice says engine management software may cause loss of braking assist during engine start. It specifically states that full mechanical braking remains available without assist. Dealers address that recall with a free engine management software update.
Which BMW Z4 years appear in these engine notices?
The counterbalance shaft notice includes certain 2019 Z4 vehicles. The brake assist notice includes certain 2019–2021 Z4 M40i vehicles. The remedies differ: engine replacement for the counterbalance shaft recall and an engine management software update for the brake assist recall.
What is the remedy for the S 1000 RR oil leak?
For certain 2020 S 1000 RR motorcycles, the notice says improperly attached oil cooler hoses may leak oil into the rear tire's path. Dealers replace the oil cooler assembly, including the hoses, free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.