- In a small, but significant development, BMW is recalling six 2012 X5 xDrive35i's to replace the automatic transmission, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- BMW told owners of the 2012 X5 xDrive35i "do not leave this problem unattended" because the vehicle could roll away if the transmission is in park and the driver does not use the parking brake.
- The German automaker said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall.
WASHINGTON — In a small, but significant development, BMW is recalling six 2012 X5 xDrive35i's to replace the automatic transmission, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"Due to a manufacturing error, engagement of the transmission's parking lock may not occur even if the 'P' position has been selected and is displayed," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "If the driver believes that the transmission is in park and does not use the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away after exiting the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury."
BMW said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall. The affected vehicles were built from December 19, 2011 through December 21, 2011.
BMW told owners of the 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i "do not leave this problem unattended" because the vehicle could roll away if the transmission is in park and the driver does not use the parking brake. It also warned owners to not park on a hill or incline.
"You may continue to drive your vehicle, but when parking and before leaving your vehicle, please make sure that the park position 'P' is engaged AND the parking brake is engaged," it said in a letter to owners.
BMW dealers will replace the automatic transmission. The recall is expected to begin in January. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7471.
Inside Line says: If you own a 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35i, be aware that a recall is in the works.
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andrew20195 says:
12:14 PM, 01/26/2012
I agree, "small but significant" is an accurate description. In reality, the problem inside the transmission is most likely an improperly installed or missing part that isn't very expensive, but BMW, like many other manufacturers, does not allow dealers to disassemble transmissions for warranty repairs. These defective transmissions will be sent back to BMW, disassembled, repaired, tested, and sent out as replacement transmissions for other vehicles.
al2travel says:
09:59 AM, 01/26/2012
Can you read? It's a total of SIX VEHICLES!
That qualifies for a "small but significant" designation in my military mind!
aston_dbs says:
08:06 AM, 01/26/2012
For BMW, this addition is just another 'digit' added to their long list of recalls...
Big deal... Make MORE money with 'nickel & dime'!!
Are they going to charge extra for transmission?
(Sir, do you want to have a regular OR working transmission? The working one is additional $6k...)
BMW is slipping more and more on my short list...
kaidan33 says:
07:53 AM, 01/26/2012
@nefariousnigel
Indeed. There is nothing small about this. And if these cars were manufactured in late to mid-December, then they are just now arriving at dealerships or have been there for only a couple of weeks. But BMW started producing the 2012 models in April of 2011. What could they have changed to cause such a significant screwup?
nefariousnigel says:
07:22 AM, 01/26/2012
"....SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT??!!??" Is that first line a joke?
They are replacing the damn transmissions on BRAND NEW cars because there is a DANGER that PARK doesn't work!? On a $50,000 vehicle?
There are recalls and then there are complete and absolute fv^& ups. I have never heard of having entire transmissions (figure about $10K right there with installation) being replaced on brand new cars.
The Germans are expanding too damn fast for their own good. I always shift into neutral, apply the parking brake, then shift into park. However, my MDX shouldn't become a steel boulder rolling down the street in case I forget....