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BMW Fuel System Recalls Cover Leaks and Incorrect Gauge Readings
Fuel leaks recur across BMW tank, fuel rail, and injector notices, while the 2018 M5 recall concerns an inaccurate fuel reading and possible stalling. The 2020-2021 Z4 and Toyota Supra notice identifies a potentially failing weld between fuel tank halves. Certain 2021 X3 and X4 vehicles have a different issue involving the inlet check valve weld. The 2022 X1 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive30i, and 228i Gran Coupe notice concerns a cracking high-pressure fuel rail. Missing injector damping components affect certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupes and 2020 M4 Coupes. X3 appears in two notices, with separate defects affecting the 2021 and 2022 model years.
Warning signs to watch for
- 2018-07-17 BMW M5 Fuel Gauge May Show Incorrect Level — the gauge may display more fuel than is actually available, and the vehicle may stall.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of the supplied BMW gasoline fuel system notices tells owners to stop driving or park outside. The November 2020 Z4 and Toyota Supra fuel tank notice does not tell owners to stop driving. Neither does the March 2021 X3 and X4 fuel tank notice or the July 2022 fuel rail notice. The July 2018 M5 fuel gauge notice and October 2020 M2 and M4 injector notice also do not tell owners to stop driving.
What the free repair involves
The Z4/Supra and X3/X4 tank recalls each specify free fuel tank replacement. The 2022 fuel rail recall specifies free high-pressure rail replacement. For the M5, dealers secure the in-tank fuel line free of charge. The M2/M4 recall provides free injector inspection and replacement of injectors and fuel rail if a damping component is missing.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 3 |
| high | 2 |
Models affected most
Where owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under fuel system, gasoline for the BMW models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Fuel system, gasoline complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 | 5 |
| 2018 BMW M5 | 1 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2022 | BMW X1, X3 Fuel Rail May Crack, Leak Fuel | critical |
| Mar 24, 2021 | BMW X3, X4 Fuel Tank Weld May Fail | critical |
| Nov 12, 2020 | BMW Z4, Toyota Supra Fuel Tank May Leak | critical |
| Oct 29, 2020 | BMW M4 Fuel Injector Issue May Cause Fuel Leak | high |
| Jul 17, 2018 | BMW M5 Fuel Gauge May Show Incorrect Level | high |
Common questions
Which BMW fuel recalls involve replacing the fuel tank?
The November 2020 notice for certain 2020-2021 Z4 and Toyota Supra vehicles specifies fuel tank replacement. The March 2021 notice for certain 2021 X3 and X4 vehicles also specifies tank replacement. Both notices say the replacement is free.
What can the recalled M5 fuel gauge show?
The July 2018 notice says the fuel level sensor in certain 2018 M5 vehicles may become stuck against an in-tank fuel line. The gauge can display an inaccurate, possibly larger fuel amount. The notice identifies stalling as a possible consequence.
Does the M2 and M4 injector recall always require replacement?
The October 2020 notice specifies an inspection for certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupes and 2020 M4 Coupes. If a damping component is missing, dealers replace the injectors and fuel rail. The notice says this remedy is free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.