The problem
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "Passenger car brake systems." The cap of the brake fluid reservoir has been designed in orderto recognize a low fluid level of the hydraulic brake system by triggering a red warning lamp in the instrument cluster. A switch that is attached to this cap could malfunction at high temperatures.
The risk
If this happened, the red warning lamp in the instrument cluster would not be activated. Loss of the hydraulic brake system may cause increased stopping distances which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap free of charge. The recall began on september 20, 2007. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Contacts
Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized BMW dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 07V391000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.