2023 BMW X7/X6/740i Switchable Rocker Arm Recall

BMW has released Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 11 07 23, a Voluntary Emission Recall (23E-A05), to address a potential issue with the exhaust camshaft followers in certain 2023 BMW X5, X6, X7, and 7 Series vehicles. This bulletin, a revision 7 dated May 23, 2024, supersedes the previous SI B11 07 23 issued in February 2024. The primary concern is the potential for the return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers, also known as the switchable rocker arm, to break.

Symptoms

The core issue addressed by SIB 11 07 23 is that the return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers (switchable rocker arm) may break. While the bulletin does not explicitly list owner-perceivable symptoms, a broken switchable rocker arm can lead to engine performance issues or warning lights due to improper valve operation.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

BMW has issued specific instructions and warnings to ensure the correct repair procedure is followed and to prevent unnecessary part replacements:

• Do Not Replace Unnecessarily: The repair instruction 11 33 055 may incorrectly state to remove both intake and exhaust VANOS central bolts. It is not necessary to remove and replace the intake VANOS central bolt; only the exhaust VANOS central bolt should be removed and replaced.
• VANOS Gears: Current repair instructions may also state to replace 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.
• Broken or Missing Valvetrain Parts: If, during the inspection or repair, "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." This ensures proper documentation and resolution for more severe damage.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Before proceeding with the repair for the 2023 BMW X7 switchable rocker arm, technicians must check the vehicle's history for any prior engine or cylinder head replacement. If an engine or cylinder head has been replaced, the campaign can be cleared. Otherwise, the repair procedure should be followed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in SIB 11 07 23 involves replacing all 12 exhaust camshaft followers. The procedure refers to Repair Instruction 11 33 055, specifically for removing and installing/replacing the switchable cam follower on the exhaust side. Key steps and considerations include:

1. Preparation: Read the entire bulletin. If vehicle history does not show engine or cylinder head replacement, proceed with the repair.
2. Component Handling: When removing ignition coils and fuel injectors, number them by cylinder and reinstall them in their original positions.
3. Camshaft Timing: After reinstalling the cylinder head cover, check the camshaft timing using applicable tools and repair instructions.
4. Crankshaft and Camshaft Locking: The crankshaft must be pinned/locked using special tool 2 288 380. Both camshaft adjusters (VANOS gears) must be locked with special tool 5 A53 587.
5. Timing Chain Pretensioning: The timing chain must be pretensioned using special tool 2 455 654 to ensure correct installation. Refer to Repair Instruction 11 31 005 for adjusting camshaft timing.
6. Camshaft Position Check: Verify camshaft position using test gauge special tool 5 A7A 5B9 and basic carrier special tool 5 A4D A16.
7. Gasket Reuse: The cylinder head cover gasket and high-pressure pump gasket can be reused if they are not damaged.
8. VVT Motor Positioning: Place the variable valve timing (VVT) motor in minimum lift before installing camshaft timing tools. This can be done using a 4 mm Allen socket and a ratchet to turn the VVT motor counter-clockwise until it stops.
9. Tool Usage Hints: Specific guidance is provided for special tools 83 30 5 A53 587 (reducing plastic washer diameter) and 83 30 5 A4D A18 (proper alignment and tightening).

After the repair, an "Emissions Recall Campaign Completed Label" (SD 92-435) must be obtained, filled out with the recall name, number, and dealer code, and affixed to the passenger rear side of the hood. For California vehicles, a "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (SD92-084) must also be provided to the customer.

Required Tools or Parts

The repair for the 2023 BMW X7 switchable rocker arm requires several special tools and specific parts. Key items include:

• Special Tools:
  • Crankshaft pinning/locking tool: 2 288 380
  • Camshaft adjuster locking tool: 5 A53 587
  • Timing chain pretensioning tool: 2 455 654
  • Camshaft position test gauge: 5 A7A 5B9
  • Basic carrier special tool: 5 A4D A16
  • Specific instructions for tools 83 30 5 A53 587 and 83 30 5 A4D A18
• Key Parts (for G05, G06, G07, G70 models):
  • Switchable rocker arm: Part Number 11 33 9 452 677 (Quantity: 12)
  • VANOS central bolt: Part Number 11 36 9 452 251 (Quantity: 1)
  • Sealing sleeve: Part Number 11 31 9 845 293 (Quantity: 1)
  • Hexagon bolts: Part Numbers 13 53 8 661 716 and 13 53 8 661 715
  • Profile seal: Part Number 11 12 9 847 198 (Quantity: 1)
  • Cylinder head cover seal set: Part Number 11 12 1 023 249 (Quantity: 1, only if damaged)

Note that part number 18 30 9 909 376 has been removed from the parts list for G05, G06, and G07 models.

Claim Information

Reimbursement for this action is handled via normal claim entry using the applicable work package information. The repair code for this service is 0011460700, described as "G0x G70 Replacing switchable rocker arm exhaust." Various labor operation codes are available depending on whether the completion is before first vehicle delivery or if the vehicle is already in the workshop, and whether a prior repair was performed.

This action qualifies for Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expense reimbursement. Owners may be eligible for reimbursement for alternative transportation, claimed under Sublet Code 2. Refer to SI B01 29 16 for additional information regarding AMS.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 BMW X7, X6, or 740i, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealer to determine if your vehicle is affected by Voluntary Emission Recall 23E-A05 (SIB 11 07 23). The repair will be performed free of charge. If your vehicle shows as "Open" for this campaign, schedule an appointment to have the exhaust camshaft followers replaced. Ensure that your dealer follows the updated repair instructions and is aware of the specific warnings regarding VANOS components.

NHTSA ID: 11000497