BMW is recalling 176 000 vehicles worldwide - including 5533 in South Africa - to fix a camshaft problem that can potentially affect the brakes.
We know that sounds like a contradiction in terms but, according to BMW, in rare cases an interruption in oil supply to the camshaft can cause the brake booster unit to stop working.
The brakes will still work, the company assures us, but will need a lot more pedal pressure to stop the car; in fact, it advises that, if brake power assist is lost, drivers should pull over and call for roadside assistance.
AFFECTS FOUR-CYLINDER PETROL ENGINES
The recall covers 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 BMW's with four-cylinder petrol engines made from June 2012 to August this year.
BMW says owners will be notified by mail to bring their cars in for repair, which involves inspecting the camshafts and reworking them as necessary. -IOL & Sapa-AP