Vehicle recall R/2012/149

BMW 3 Series recall: Rear window may detach

DVSA recall R/2012/149 names the BMW 3 Series. It was launched 11 December 2012. DVSA does not record the build dates for this recall.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2012/149
Launched: 11 December 2012
Issued by: BMW
Manufacturer reference: 0051860200
Vehicles: 17 across the lines below

What can go wrong

It is possible side and rear windows made out of Makrolon (Synthetic Polycarbon Laminate) may become loose due to insufficient adhesion fixing them in place. This will result in a visual and audible warning of the issue to vehicle occupants. If these warnings are ignored it is possible a window could detach from the vehicle.

The fix

Recall affected vehicles and replace the Makrolon windows with conventional glass windows.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
BMW 3 Series	not recorded	17

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2013/024 Engine may cut out 4 April 2013, BMW 1 Series, BMW Z4, BMW X1 and others
R/2012/081 EPS may not perform as specified 30 July 2012, BMW 3 Series, BMW Z4, BMW 1 Series and others
R/2013/080 Loss of drive 5 July 2013, BMW Z4, BMW X1, BMW 1 Series and others
R/2013/071 Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly 26 July 2013, BMW 3 Series
R/2014/068 Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving 28 July 2014, BMW 3 Series, BMW Z4, BMW X1 and others
R/2014/188 Seat belt may malfunction 6 January 2015, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW M3 and others

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources