BMW Recalls Diesel X3 Models Over Emissions Manipulation

In early 2024, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt – KBA) discovered an illegal defeat device in older Diesel X3 models. BMW is now required to make necessary adjustments.

BMW is recalling approximately 180,000 X3 vehicles with diesel engines worldwide, produced between 2010 and 2014. According to the KBA, 45,368 of these vehicles are located in Germany. The recall action is prompted by the KBA’s finding of an emissions control defeat device at the beginning of 2024, which BMW now aims to remove.

The KBA reported that the affected X3 models have a reduced exhaust gas recirculation when the air conditioning is activated, leading to less effective nitrogen oxide purification. This feature is considered a defeat device, similar to the “thermal window” used in emissions control for diesel vehicles. According to a 2022 European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling, such devices are illegal.

The affected vehicles will undergo several modifications at BMW service centers. These include replacing the hot air mass sensor, the clean air pipe, the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler along with the valve, and reprogramming the control unit.

Additionally, there have been other notable recalls and warnings: The TÜV has warned about used SUVs with numerous defects, a recall for over 200,000 Opel Corsa vehicles, and a significant drop in new electric vehicle registrations.