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

The Issue: Broken Exhaust Camshaft Follower Springs

BMW has identified a potential issue with the return springs on the exhaust camshaft followers in certain vehicles. These springs may break, leading to a malfunction of the exhaust camshaft system. This concern is addressed under Voluntary Emission Recall 23E-A05, as outlined in Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 11 07 23, Revision 4, which supersedes the October 2023 version of SIB 11 07 23.

Important Warnings for Technicians and Owners

BMW has provided several critical advisories within SIB 11 07 23 to ensure the correct and safe execution of this repair. These warnings prevent unnecessary work and ensure proper procedure:

• "Do not remove the engine from the vehicle to perform any repairs described in this Service Information Bulletin." The repair can be completed with the engine in place.
• "The current repair instructions may also state to replace the VANOS gears. Disregard. This is an inaccurate statement, and it will be corrected in a future ISTA release." VANOS gear replacement is not required for this repair.
• During specific steps (13 and 14) of the ISTA repair instruction, technicians are explicitly instructed: "Do not remove this bolt." (referring to the VANOS central bolt for the exhaust camshaft phaser) and "do not remove the adjuster." (referring to the exhaust camshaft adjuster).
• "If the cylinder head cover gasket is not damaged, it can be reused." This can save on parts and labor if the gasket is in good condition.
• "If the high pressure pump gasket is not damaged, it can be reused." Similar to the cylinder head cover gasket, reuse is permitted if undamaged.
• "If any broken or missing parts are identified in the valvetrain, please create a TSARA TC case before continuing with this bulletin." This ensures proper documentation and guidance for unexpected damage.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the BMW switchable rocker arm issue involves replacing the exhaust camshaft followers. Before starting, technicians must review the vehicle's service history for any prior engine or cylinder head replacements. If such repairs have been performed, the campaign may be cleared.

If the vehicle history does not show previous repairs, the exhaust camshaft followers are replaced. This process involves referring to Repair Instruction 11 33 055, titled “Remove and install/replace switchable cam follower on the exhaust side.” Additional guidance for removing and installing the cylinder head cover is found in Repair Instruction 11 12 001.

The procedure includes several detailed steps for handling the valvetrain components:

1. Preparation: Number ignition coils and fuel injectors before removal to ensure they are reinstalled in their original positions.
2. Timing Chain Management: After removing the cylinder head cover and before removing the exhaust camshaft, two wire ties are placed on the intake VANOS gear to secure the timing chain.
3. VANOS Components: Technicians are cautioned not to remove the VANOS central bolt for the exhaust camshaft phaser or the exhaust camshaft adjuster. Instead, the VANOS gear and an adjacent chain link are marked for reassembly.
4. Camshaft Removal: The exhaust camshaft, VANOS central bolt, and VANOS adjuster are removed as a single assembly. The timing chain tensioner is removed, allowing enough slack to lift the chain off the exhaust VANOS gear. The exhaust camshaft is then carefully rolled towards the intake camshaft to increase chain slack before removal.
5. Reinstallation: The exhaust camshaft, VANOS central bolt, and exhaust VANOS gear are reinstalled as an assembly. The process involves starting the exhaust camshaft near the intake camshaft, rolling it along the chain, and aligning the paint marks. Camshaft bearing caps are reinstalled, and cam timing is checked using appropriate tools.
6. Timing Verification: If the exhaust VANOS central bolt was not released, timing verification is straightforward. Adjustments to the timing chain position may be necessary to ensure correct timing.

Required Tools or Parts

This repair requires several specialized tools and specific replacement parts to ensure accuracy and proper function. Key special tools include:

• 2 288 380: For pinning/locking the crankshaft.
• 5 A53 587: For locking both camshaft adjusters (VANOS gears).
• 2 455 654: For pretensioning the timing chain.
• 5 A7A 5B9: Test gauge for checking camshaft position.
• 5 A4D A16: Basic carrier special tool for camshaft position.
• 83 30 5 A4D A18: Special tool for alignment with rollers.

Replacement parts include the BMW switchable rocker arm itself, along with various bolts, seals, and gaskets. Examples of parts listed for G05, G06, and G07 models include:

• 11 33 9 452 677: Switchable rocker arm (quantity 12)
• 11 31 9 845 293: Sealing sleeve (quantity 1)
• 13 53 8 661 716: Hexagon bolt (quantity 12)
• 11 12 9 847 198: Profile seal (quantity 1)
• 11 12 1 023 249: Cylinder head cover seal set (quantity 1, only if damaged)

Similar lists of parts are provided for G70 models. Technicians are advised to refer to the Parts Matrix for the most up-to-date ordering information and to invoice applicable part numbers.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 BMW X5, X6, X7, or 7 Series, and your vehicle falls within the affected production dates, it is important to have this Voluntary Emission Recall 23E-A05 addressed. BMW dealerships will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. Your vehicle will show as “Open” for this campaign when checked through BMW's internal systems (AIR, AWP, Campaign Summary, or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry).

Upon completion of the repair, a special