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Vehicle recall · NHTSA · Published October 30, 2017

BMW 128I (2011) recall — Engine And Engine Cooling

BMW recalls 2008-2011 128i and other models due to PCV valve heater short circuit risk of fire. Owners will get free PCV valve heater replacement by end of October 2018.

🇺🇸 NHTSA recall #17V683000VehicleBMW ›
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No email on file for this recall — reach the company by phone or its official page instead.No contact details on file — see the official NHTSA notice.
✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

What happened, in plain English

BMW is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and other models because an electrical short in the PCV valve heater could melt parts and cause fire, even when the vehicle is not in use. This hazard requires replacing the heater to prevent fire risk. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1252276-bmw-128i-2011-recall-pcv-valve-heater-fire-risk.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1252276-bmw-128i-2011-recall-pcv-valve-heater-fire-risk · Updated October 7, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #17V683000

Cite this page

“BMW 128i (2011) Recall: PCV Valve Heater Fire Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 7, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1252276-bmw-128i-2011-recall-pcv-valve-heater-fire-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #17V683000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V683000).

Why it’s dangerous

An electrical short in the PCV valve heater can cause parts to melt, increasing the risk of fire. This hazard can occur even when the vehicle is not in use, making it a potential fire risk at any time.

Who’s affected

Owners of 2008-2011 BMW 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles are affected. Drivers of these models are most at risk due to the fire hazard.

How to tell if you have this one

Check if your vehicle is a 2008-2011 128i or 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si or Z4 sDrive30i model. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

  • Brand
    BMW
  • Category
    Vehicle
Based on the official NHTSA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Stop Using Vehicle Temporarily

    BMW will notify owners and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater free of charge by the end of October 2018.

    end of October 2018
  2. Contact BMW Customer Service

    Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for assistance with the recall.

Official remedy

What NHTSA says to do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

Why is my BMW being recalled?

BMW is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and other models because an electrical short in the PCV valve heater can cause parts to melt and increase fire risk, even when the vehicle is not in use.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected?

Check if your vehicle is a 2008-2011 128i or 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si or Z4 sDrive30i model.

What should I do if I own an affected vehicle?

BMW will notify owners and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater free of charge by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for assistance.

Take action

Contact BMW

We’ve drafted a message you can send BMW to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.

Subject: Recall 17V683000 — BMW BMW

Hello,

I own a BMW that is covered by recall 17V683000 from BMW.

The official recall notice states: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge.  Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.  Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.  Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this?

Thank you.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: NHTSA Recall #17V683000 (October 30, 2017)
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 7, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not NHTSA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA