BMW has issued a recall of up to 20,000 diesel models following the discovery that some fuel-injection pumps supplied by Bosch are faulty.

Models affected include the 3, 5 and 7-series, plus some X3 and X5 variants. The manufacturer insists the fault does not affect safety, but says the engine could stall after a significant amount of mileage.

Press reports from Germany indicate that more than 20,000 BMWs will need to have the pump replaced. Up to 6,000 of those affected are in Germany. In the UK, a spokesperson for BMW GB says a recall notice has not yet been issued, but that discussions with VOSA are ongoing and an announcement is expected next week.

He says about 600 cars in this country have been affected, plus some new deliveries. “We managed to stop a number of cars before they were delivered to customers,” says the spokesman. “We are doing what we can to keep customers in their existing vehicles or provide them with a replacement until their new car is delivered.”

The faulty pumps were manufactured in December and January. Bosch says the problem relates to Teflon coating in part of the pump, which starts to dissolve at high temperatures.

The coating was supplied by Glyco which, in turn, says it bought the material from another supplier.

Asked if BMW would be seeking compensation from Bosch, chief executive Helmut Panke says: “We will first solve the problem before talking about who will pay.”

Mercedes was also supplied with some of the defective pumps, but has not yet had to issue a recall. Models affected include diesel versions of some C, E and C-class cars, plus the Vito and Viano.

Commenting on the recalls issue from the dealer’s point of view, Alan Pulham at the NFDA says: “It’s an opportunity dealers can use to their advantage.

Provided they are being paid the right rate for the job, it is incremental business. With increased service intervals, it gives them a chance to be in touch with the customer which they would not otherwise have had.”