BMW is recalling thousands of 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series models over a driveline problem that could potentially leave owners without power to the rear wheels. In certain circumstances, the same defect could even allow a parked vehicle to roll away.
The solution sounds unusually simple for some affected cars. Depending on what technicians find during an inspection, BMW dealers may address the problem by applying adhesive to the troublesome connection.
Owners whose cars have already developed excessive wear won’t be getting the glue treatment, however. Those vehicles could require substantially more extensive repairs involving replacement of both the driveshaft and rear differential.
In total, the recall covers 27,720 BMWs sold in the United States. BMW estimates the actual defect is present in only around 0.2 percent of recalled vehicles, but the potential consequences were serious enough to warrant bringing all of them in for inspection.
The Problem Is At The Rear Differential
According to BMW’s recall filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem involves the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential. That connection can become damaged through excessive wear.
If the connection deteriorates sufficiently, power may no longer reach the rear wheels, resulting in an unexpected loss of propulsion. Losing drive power while traveling in traffic could increase the risk of a crash.
There’s also a less obvious consequence when the vehicle is parked. BMW says a damaged connection could allow the car to roll away if the parking brake hasn’t been applied, even when the transmission has been placed in Park.
Fortunately, BMW says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries associated with the defect.
Six BMW Variants Are Included
The largest portion of the recall consists of 18,150 examples of the 2021 through 2023 BMW 540i, 540i xDrive, and M550i xDrive.
Another 7,372 vehicles are 2022 through 2026 840i and 840i xDrive models. The remaining 2,198 cars are 2024 through 2026 BMW 750e xDrive plug-in hybrids.
BMW began investigating after observing an increasing number of field incidents in December 2024. According to its recall documentation, the subsequent investigation involved examining returned components, simulations, metallurgical analysis, and reviews of manufacturing and supplier information.
Despite recalling nearly 28,000 cars, BMW believes roughly 55 vehicles may actually contain the defect based on its 0.2-percent estimate.
Yes, Adhesive Is Part Of The Repair
Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear differential to determine how much wear has occurred. If the components remain within the appropriate condition, BMW’s remedy calls for adhesive to be applied to the connection.
The recall documentation doesn’t provide much detail about the adhesive itself or precisely how it addresses the underlying wear condition. While describing the repair as “glue” makes it sound like a questionable driveway fix, automotive structural and mechanical adhesives are widely used in modern vehicle manufacturing and can be engineered for considerable loads and harsh environments.
Cars where the connection has deteriorated too far will receive a much bigger repair. BMW says dealers will replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential when necessary rather than attempting the adhesive remedy. Either repair will be performed free of charge.
Owners Will Be Contacted In October
BMW expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on October 2, 2026. VINs covered by recall campaign 26V525000 are also expected to become searchable through NHTSA’s recall database beginning that day.
Until affected vehicles are inspected, the rollaway warning makes using the parking brake particularly important. Owners shouldn’t rely solely on putting the transmission into Park if their vehicle is potentially involved.
The idea of repairing a driveshaft-related recall with adhesive certainly sounds strange at first. For a small number of cars where the wear has progressed further, though, BMW’s solution will involve considerably more than reaching for a tube of glue.