BMW recall in China over camshaft defect

Luxury car maker BMW's China Automotive Trading Ltd. will recall 3,299 vehicles exported to China due to camshaft design defects, China's top quality watchdog said on Tuesday.

The recall involves models including 1 series, 3 series GT, 5 series as well as X1, X3 and Z4, which were produced between June 2012 and July 2013, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

Meanwhile, BMW-Brilliance, a joint venture between BMW and Chinese car maker Huachen Auto Group, will also recall 643 vehicles produced between July and December in 2012 due to the same defect, which included the domestically-produced X1 and 5 series, the statement said.

The recall begins on Oct. 20.

The defect could affect supply of motor oil to the vacuum pump and cause damage to the pump, resulting in reduction of vacuum-assisted power for braking.

The two companies will examine the recalled vehicles and fix the problems if necessary, the statement said.