BMW has launched a repair campaign for the 2011 X5, X5 M, X6 and X6 M, addressing a defective universal joint.

Approximately 21,500 vehicles may have been produced with an out-of-spec seal for the front driveshaft's U-joint, allowing water and dirt intrusion. The joint can eventually break, though drivers are typically warned by noise or vibration before the components completely fail.

If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction," the recall documents warn. "Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash."

The issue was initially handled two years ago as a service action, however BMW recently decided to launch a safety recall after receiving an increasing number of consumer complaints.



Article from LeftLane News

Is this joint shared with the 4 series at all? Could we be seeing a future recall?

So far I haven't seen mention about the 4-series at all, however, it could be a possibility ? Does anyone know if these parts are shared among the line-up ?

Good information! Thank you. You guys can check more information in this website: http://driver-start.com/new-york

Well it does mainly talk about a seal and I can imagine that for a part so simple BMW will want to streamline it, hopefully it doesn't end up being the case for us but it's a heads up... look out for a TSB/Recall, one might be coming our way.

As easy way to figure this out is by contacting a local BMW dealer, speak with the parts guy and ask if its the same part.

Could even ask for a part number and cross-reference it to the 4-series as well