2023-2024 BMW X5, X6, X7, 7 Series Rocker Arm Recall

Why This Matters

The BMW switchable rocker arm issue, detailed in Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 11 07 23, addresses a potential problem with the engine's exhaust camshaft followers. Specifically, the return springs on these followers may break, which can impact engine performance and emissions. This is classified as a voluntary emission recall, designated as 23E-A05.

What's Being Recalled

This recall focuses on the exhaust camshaft followers, which are part of the valvetrain system. The defect involves the return springs within these followers. The repair involves replacing the affected switchable rocker arm components and the exhaust VANOS central bolt. This service action applies to specific 2023-2024 BMW X5, X6, X7, and 7 Series models.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

BMW dealers can determine if your vehicle requires this campaign by checking their internal systems such as AIR, AWP, Campaign Summary, or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry. If your vehicle is affected, its status will show as “Open” in these systems. Owners are encouraged to contact their BMW dealership to verify their vehicle's eligibility for this voluntary emission recall.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The manufacturer's remedy involves replacing the exhaust camshaft followers. The procedure requires referring to Repair Instruction 11 33 055, which details the removal and installation of the switchable cam follower on the exhaust side. It is crucial to note that only the exhaust VANOS central bolt needs to be removed and replaced, not the intake VANOS central bolt, despite what older repair instructions might indicate. This repair is performed free of charge under the voluntary emission recall.

Repair Procedure Summary

Technicians are instructed to follow a detailed procedure to address the broken exhaust camshaft follower springs.

1. Initial Assessment: Before starting, the entire bulletin must be read. The vehicle's history should be checked for any prior engine or cylinder head replacement. If such a replacement has occurred, the campaign might be cleared.
2. Component Replacement: If no prior engine or cylinder head replacement, the exhaust camshaft followers are replaced. This involves following Repair Instruction 11 33 055, specifically for the switchable cam follower on the exhaust side.
3. VANOS Central Bolt: An important clarification states that only the exhaust VANOS central bolt needs removal and replacement. The intake VANOS central bolt should not be removed or replaced.
4. Valvetrain Inspection: If any broken or missing parts are found in the valvetrain during the repair, technicians must create a TSARA TC case before continuing.
5. ISTA Repair Instruction Supplements:
   • When removing ignition coils and fuel injectors, they must be numbered and reinstalled in their original cylinder locations.
   • Before reinstalling the cylinder head cover, camshaft timing must be checked using specific tools and repair instructions.
   • 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.
   • The timing chain needs to be pretensioned using special tool 2 455 654 to ensure correct installation, referring to Repair Instruction 11 31 005.
   • Camshaft position is checked using test gauge special tool 5 A7A 5B9 and basic carrier special tool 5 A4D A16.
6. Tool Usage Hints:
   • The Cylinder 1 intermediate lever might interfere with intake camshaft timing tool installation.
   • The VVT motor should be placed in minimum lift before installing camshaft timing tools. This is achieved by turning the VVT motor clockwise with a 4 mm Allen socket and ratchet until it stops.
   • Special tool 83 30 5 A53 587 may bind when removed from VANOS adjusters due to a plastic washer. Reducing the washer's outside diameter by approximately 1 mm can prevent this. Care must be taken not to remove the washer entirely, as this could cause internal components to fall into the engine.
   • Special tool 83 30 5 A4D A18 must be properly aligned with rollers, and the brass nut used to compress springs. This tool must remain installed throughout the camshaft removal and installation.

Required Tools and Parts

The repair procedure for the BMW switchable rocker arm issue requires several specialized tools and specific replacement parts.

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
• VANOS adjuster tool (may bind): 83 30 5 A53 587
• Special alignment tool: 83 30 5 A4D A18

Key Replacement Parts (for G05, G06, G07, G70 models)

• 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)
• Cylinder head cover seal set: 11 12 1 023 249 (Quantity: 1, only if damaged)
• Various Hexagon bolts, Profile seals, Torx socket with washer, O-rings, Sealing rings, and other fasteners as detailed in the bulletin's parts lists for specific models.

Important Warnings

• "If any broken or missing parts are identified in the valvetrain, please create a TSARA TC case before continuing with this bulletin."
• "It is not necessary to remove and replace the intake VANOS central bolt, only remove and replace the exhaust VANOS central bolt."
• "If the cylinder head cover gasket is not damaged, it can be reused."
• "If the high pressure pump gasket is not damaged, it can be reused."
• "Removing the washer entirely could result in the screw and wedge falling into the engine, the washer avoids loosening the screw too much."

Labeling Requirements

After the repair is completed, an “Emissions Recall Campaign Completed Label” (SD 92-435) must be obtained and filled out with the recall name, recall number (23E-A05), and dealer code. This label is then affixed to the right rear side of the hood in the engine compartment, near the windshield. For vehicles registered in California, an orange “Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction” certificate (SD92-084) must also be provided to the customer.

Claim Information

Reimbursement for this action is processed via normal claim entry using specific work package information. The primary repair code for this service is 0011460700, described as "G0x G70 Replacing switchable rocker arm exhaust." Various labor operation codes are provided for different scenarios, including completion before vehicle delivery or when the vehicle is already in the workshop. The bulletin also outlines procedures for claiming bulk materials (Sublet Code 4) and Alternative Mobility Solution (AMS) expenses (Sublet Code 2) for vehicle owners.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10250744