2023 BMW X5/X6/X7/7 Series Rocker Arm Recall 23E-A05

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SI B11 07 23 (Revision 8), dated February 20, 2025, to address a voluntary emission recall identified as 23E-A05. This bulletin supersedes the previous SI B11 07 23 dated May 2024. The recall impacts certain 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, and 7 Series vehicles, specifically addressing a potential issue with the BMW switchable rocker arm.

The core problem identified is that the return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers, commonly referred to as the BMW switchable rocker arm, may break. This condition can affect engine performance and emissions. This service bulletin outlines the necessary inspection and repair procedures to correct this issue.

Why This Matters

This is a voluntary emission recall (23E-A05) to ensure your vehicle complies with emission standards. A broken return spring on the exhaust camshaft followers can lead to improper engine operation, potentially affecting performance and increasing emissions. Addressing this issue promptly helps maintain your vehicle's optimal function and environmental compliance.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically targets the exhaust camshaft followers, also known as the switchable rocker arm, in affected vehicles. The issue is with the return springs within these components. The repair involves replacing all 12 exhaust camshaft followers if the vehicle's history does not show a prior engine or cylinder head replacement.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is the return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers (switchable rocker arm) may break. Owners may not immediately notice a direct symptom, but the underlying issue can lead to improper engine valve operation.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

BMW has provided several critical instructions and warnings for technicians and owners regarding this repair:

• Do not replace unnecessary parts: The Repair Instruction 11 33 055 currently advises removing both intake and exhaust VANOS central bolts. However, it is not necessary to remove and replace the "intake VANOS central bolt," only remove and replace the "exhaust VANOS central bolt."
• Do not replace VANOS gears: Current repair instructions may suggest replacing the "VANOS gears." BMW explicitly states, "Please do not replace the VANOS gears." These errors in the repair instructions will be corrected in a future ISTA release.
• Report broken valvetrain parts: If any "broken or missing parts are identified in the valvetrain (includes all valvetrain components) please create a TSARA TC case before continuing with this bulletin."
• Reusable gaskets: If the cylinder head cover gasket is not damaged, it can be reused. Similarly, if the high pressure pump gasket is not damaged, it can be reused.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in SI B11 07 23 (Revision 8) involves several key steps:

1. Initial Check: Technicians must first check the vehicle's history for any previous engine or cylinder head replacements. If such a replacement has occurred, the campaign may be cleared.
2. Rocker Arm Replacement: If no prior engine or cylinder head replacement is found, all 12 exhaust camshaft followers (the BMW switchable rocker arm components) must be replaced. This procedure refers to Repair Instruction 11 33 055, which details the removal and installation of the switchable cam follower on the exhaust side.
3. Special Tool Usage: The repair requires specific special tools for various steps, including pinning the crankshaft, locking camshaft adjusters (VANOS gears), pretensioning the timing chain, and checking camshaft position. These tools ensure precise timing and component alignment.
4. Timing Chain Adjustment: The timing chain must be pretensioned using special tool 2 455 654 to ensure correct installation, as detailed in Repair Instruction 11 31 005. This step is crucial for verifying proper chain tension.
5. Camshaft Position Check: After reassembly, the camshaft position must be checked using special test gauge 5 A7A 5B9 and basic carrier special tool 5 A4D A16.
6. Labeling: After the repair, a specific label (SD 92-435, "Emissions Recall Campaign Completed Label") must be affixed to the engine compartment. For vehicles registered in California, an orange "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (SD92-084) must also be provided to the customer.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will use several specialized tools and specific replacement parts:

• Special Tools:
  • Crankshaft pinning/locking tool: 2 288 380
  • Camshaft adjusters (VANOS gears) locking tool: 5 A53 587
  • Timing chain pretensioner: 2 455 654
  • Camshaft position test gauge: 5 A7A 5B9
  • Basic carrier special tool: 5 A4D A16
  • Special tool for compressing springs: 83 30 5 A4D A18
• Key Replacement Parts (examples):
  • Switchable rocker arm: 11 33 9 452 677 (Quantity: 12)
  • VANOS central bolt: 11 36 9 452 251 (Quantity: 1)
  • Sealing sleeve: 11 31 9 845 293 (Quantity: 1)
  • Hexagon bolts: 13 53 8 661 716 (Quantity: 12), 13 53 8 661 715 (Quantity: 8)
  • Profile seal: 11 12 9 847 198 (Quantity: 1, only if damaged)
  • Cylinder head cover seal set: 11 12 1 023 249 (Quantity: 1, only if damaged)

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, or 7 Series, your vehicle may be affected by this voluntary emission recall 23E-A05 concerning the BMW switchable rocker arm. BMW is notifying consumers. You can check if your vehicle requires this campaign by contacting your authorized BMW dealer. They can check your vehicle's status in systems like AIR, AWP, Campaign Summary, or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry. The repair will be performed free of charge under the recall.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11014420