A recall of 1600 Australian-delivered BMW X5 SUVs has been issued as part of a 60,000-unit worldwide recall prompted by a potential fault affecting the cars’ brake boosters.
Covering BMW X5 models built between January 1, 2007 and March 5, 2010, the fault relates to the chance of damage to the brake booster’s internal rubber membrane due to engine oil possibly entering the booster unit via a vacuum hose linking the engine to the booster itself.
The official recall notice published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website explains:
“The membrane may develop a leak and this will impair the brake power assistance system.
“If the defect occurs, it is then only possible to slow the vehicle with an increased level of brake pedal pressure. This may pose a hazard to the driver and to other road users.”
BMW Australia’s Scott Croaker told CarAdvice that as the issue is due to a fault with the vacuum hose linking the engine to the booster, rather than with the booster itself, older vehicles affected by the recall are more likely to need both parts replaced.
“Five per cent or less will need the booster changed,” Croaker said.
BMW is contacting owners of the affected vehicles to organise inspections and replacements of the defective parts. A faulty vacuum hose will take less than 30 minutes to replace while the replacement of both the hose and booster is expected to take two and a half hours.
BMW Australia says there are no reports of any incidents or injuries relating to the fault.
