BMW E90 Blower Motor Wiring Recall: VIN Check

BMW recall 17V-676 covers the blower motor wiring on 2006 to 2011 3 Series cars, and the VIN decides whether yours is open. BMW says the wiring connection can degrade over time and, in rare cases, overheat and melt. The fix is a free dealer repair. BMW service bulletin SIB 64 07 17.

Which E90 sedans are covered?

The recall is not limited to the E90 sedan. BMW's owner Q&A lists approximately 672,775 US cars across the whole E9x 3 Series family, including M3 models. Q1 of the BMW Q&A dated October 30, 2017. A later version of the bulletin gives approximately 703,921 affected vehicles and a production window of February 1, 2005 to December 16, 2011. SIB 64 07 17, page 1 and 2.

The sedan rows are E90. NHTSA's record for campaign 17V676000 names 2006 to 2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007 to 2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and 2009 to 2011 335d. NHTSA recall record. Production dates, not the model year on the title, are what BMW used, so check the VIN.

Check the VIN and recall status

Run the full 17-character VIN through both lookups:

• BMW USA recall lookup. BMW's FAQ says to enter the VIN there, or to use Recalls and Campaigns in the My BMW app. BMW FAQ.
• NHTSA recall lookup. NHTSA says its VIN tool shows safety recalls that are still incomplete, not completed ones. NHTSA VIN tool page.

BMW's bulletin says an affected car with the work outstanding shows the campaign as Open in the dealer systems, with the comment "0061660400 B640717 Recall: Blower Motor Wiring". Affected vehicles section of SIB 64 07 17. If a lookup shows nothing open, either the car is not in the recall or the repair was done. The lookup does not say which.

Understand the blower motor wiring concern

The blower motor moves air for the heating and air conditioning system. BMW says the connection between the wiring and the blower system can degrade over time. Long-term vibration and climate exposure can cause corrosion and higher electrical resistance at the connection. In rare cases that can lead to overheating, melting at the connection and a short circuit. In extremely rare cases the melting could spread and cause a fire. Q2 and Q3, BMW Q&A.

NHTSA's summary says the wiring and electrical connectors may overheat, and that melted connectors raise the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended. NHTSA recall record.

Safety precautions before any inspection

BMW also says owners cannot tell whether a car has the problem themselves. The check needs a proper inspection at a BMW center. Q7. This guide does not cover opening up the blower wiring at home.

Recall repair versus other blower problems

A weak or dead blower can have other causes, and none of the recall documents list symptoms that separate the two. BMW's own warning signs are only the smoke and burning smell above. We found no BMW document that tells an owner how to tell a recall case from an unrelated blower fault, so the VIN lookup and the dealer inspection are the way to settle it. Do not assume a working blower means the wiring is fine, or that a failed blower means the recall applies.

Review dealer repair records

BMW's bulletin tells the dealer to inspect the blower motor regulator harness and pick one of 3 repairs. Correction and Procedure sections of SIB 64 07 17.

In types 1 and 2 the bulletin also lists the discoloration check as yes. Type 3 is the case with no damage and no discoloration. The bulletin lists BMW repair manual procedure 64 11 224 for the blower regulator. BMW says the repair takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on the repair needed, free at an authorized BMW center. Q10 and Q11.

A completed repair is easiest to prove with paper. Ask for a dealer repair order that names the recall or lists the harness part number, or a printout of the car's campaign history. If you paid for this repair yourself before the recall, BMW's owner letter references a reimbursement plan. Q13.

What to do when records conflict

1. Run the VIN in the BMW lookup. If it shows open, book the repair.
2. If the VIN shows nothing open but you cannot tell whether the work was done, ask a BMW center to read the campaign history for the VIN.
3. If the lookup and the service history disagree, ask the dealer to print BMW's campaign record. That is the manufacturer's own record.
4. If you are buying the car, ask for that record before you pay. BMW's recall notice tells dealers not to sell, lease or deliver a used vehicle under a safety recall until the repair is done. Recall notice in the Q&A PDF.
5. If BMW customer service is needed, NHTSA lists 1-800-525-7417. NHTSA recall record.

For the rest of the car, see the E90, E91, E92 and E93 torque reference.

Sources

• NHTSA-hosted PDF: BMW service bulletin SIB 64 07 17, Recall 17V-676 Blower Motor Wiring (April 22, 2019 print)
• NHTSA-hosted PDF: BMW Safety Recall 17V-676 owner Q&A (last updated October 30, 2017)
• NHTSA recall data for campaign 17V676
• BMW USA FAQ: Does my BMW have any open recalls?
• NHTSA recall lookup

Technical disclaimer: Department Six is an independent enthusiast publication. This article summarizes published recall documents and does not replace a VIN-specific check with BMW or a BMW center.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains no affiliate links.