Vehicle recall 97V131000 · August 19, 1997

BMW 525i, 318i and 14 more models

The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
Consequence: This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Notes: Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of October 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 97V131000
Reported to NHTSA: August 19, 1997
Filed by: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Owner notification: October 30, 1997
Vehicles potentially affected: 410,000
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Vehicle speed control

Recall 97V131000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 318i (1992-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 318iC (1994-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
BMW 318iS (1992-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 318ti (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
BMW 325i (1992-1995): 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 325iC (1994-1995): 1995, 1994
BMW 325iS (1992-1995): 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 525i (1989-1995): 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989
BMW 525IT (1992-1995): 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992
BMW 530i (1994-1995): 1995, 1994
BMW 530IT (1994-1995): 1995, 1994
BMW 540i (1994-1995): 1995, 1994
BMW 740i (1993-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993
BMW 840Ci (1994-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
BMW M3 (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
BMW Z3 (1996-1997): 1997, 1996

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