BMW recalls sports sedans and SUVs to fix potential stall problem

BMW will recall 156,000 sports sedans and sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. because of a problem with the 6-cylinder engines in the vehicles.

The move is part of a global action to call back nearly 500,000 vehicles, including 232,000 in China.

BMW said it has received reports of the bolts holding the variable camshaft timing unit housing becoming loose and in some instances breaking.

That triggers the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light on the dashboard. The cars could lose power and stall. The problem can also damage the engine.

The recalled cars are the 2010-12 1 Series, 2010-12 3 Series, 2010-12 5 Series, 2010-12 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2012 6 Series, 2010-12 X3, 2010-12 X5, 2010-12 X6 and 2010-12 Z4.

BMW said drivers can continue to operate the vehicles. But if they see the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light they should contact their BMW dealer. If the car stalls, drivers should not try to start the vehicle again.

This latest recall brings the number of recalls automakers have issued in the U.S. this year to almost 13 million. The auto industry is on pace to break the record of 30.8 million recalls set in 2004.

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