- BMW is recalling 27,720 sedans and coupes for a worn driveline connection.
- The defect can cut rear-wheel power or allow an unsecured car to roll.
- Dealers will inspect the connection, apply adhesive, or replace major driveline parts.
It’s hard to be the Ultimate Driving Machine if you can’t get power to the rear wheels. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what more than 27,000 BMW owners could face. The automaker has announced a new recall involving some of its most popular models, including the 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series. All three have a driveshaft connection that may wear excessively over time. Perhaps the wildest bit is that cars not already too far gone could simply get an extra smattering of adhesive as a remedy.
Read: BMW’s Latest Recall Is Bad News For Toyota Owners, Especially If They Park In A Garage
BMW says the issue is at the connection between the driveshaft and rear differential. According to its recall filing with the NHTSA, excessive wear can, in rare cases, lead to a loss of power at the rear wheels. If the vehicle isn’t secured with its parking brake, BMW also warns that the condition could allow it to roll away.
Which Models Are Affected?
The recall covers 27,720 cars in all. The 2021-2023 5 Series makes up the vast majority, with 18,150 examples of the 540i, 540i xDrive, and M550i xDrive included. BMW is also recalling 7,372 examples of the 2022-2026 840i and 840i xDrive, plus 2,198 plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive sedans from the 2024-2026 model years.
BMW estimates that only 0.2 percent of the recalled cars actually have the defect. That’s about 55 vehicles. Still, the company says it started investigating after seeing an increasing number of incidents in the field in December 2024. It then spent more than a year examining returned components, running simulations, conducting metallurgical tests, and reviewing supplier and production data before deciding on a recall this month.
Here’s where it gets strange. Dealers will inspect the driveshaft-to-differential connection and apply adhesive if appropriate. BMW doesn’t say what the adhesive is, where precisely it will be applied, or how it prevents the wear.
Thankfully, cars with excessive wear won’t get the glue treatment. Instead, BMW will replace both the driveshaft and rear differential at no charge. The automaker says it knows of no crashes or injuries tied to the issue. Owners should receive recall notices by October 2.
