NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 13, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamp…
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The entire car shut down while on the highway with no prior notifications on/from the system. The entire safety of myself and family was put at risk because there where several cars behind us on the highway that could have hit us. I am not sure the dealer has been able to reproduce the issue - Unknown. There was no warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure or the car shutting off on the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11756734
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2026
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, violent, and catastrophic mechanical explosion in the front drivetrain. Without any prior warning lights, dashboard messages, or operational symptoms, the front differential and driveshaft structurally shattered. The physical violen…
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On [XXX], while traveling at highway speeds on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered a sudden, violent, and catastrophic mechanical explosion in the front drivetrain. Without any prior warning lights, dashboard messages, or operational symptoms, the front differential and driveshaft structurally shattered. The physical violence of the drivetrain components exploding at high speed sent metallic shrapnel directly into the engine compartment. This flying shrapnel pierced the structural engine block, completely destroying the engine and causing immediate, total power loss while surrounded by highway traffic. This sudden loss of propulsion and mechanical locking created an extreme, life-threatening hazard to myself and surrounding motorists. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership (Motorwerks BMW, Bloomington, MN). The service department confirmed the mechanical sequence: the front differential structurally failed first, and its catastrophic disintegration directly caused the secondary destruction of the engine block. The formal repair estimate is $66,124.76. BMW of North America Executive Care has formally reviewed the case and issued a written admission of fault regarding the drivetrain components, offering to cover the differential and driveshaft repairs. However, they are refusing to remedy the catastrophic engine destruction caused directly by their failed safety component. This component failure represents a severe, systemic structural safety risk that warrants an immediate federal safety investigation into 2019–2022 BMW X7/X5 front differential assemblies before an explosion results in a fatal highway collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11752922
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2026
Engine
While driving my 2021 BMW X7 at approximately 32,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction warning along with a low engine oil pressure warning. At the same time, I noticed excessive heat and a strong burning smell coming from the vehicle. I also heard abnormal mechanical noises coming from the engine, w…
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While driving my 2021 BMW X7 at approximately 32,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly displayed a drivetrain malfunction warning along with a low engine oil pressure warning. At the same time, I noticed excessive heat and a strong burning smell coming from the vehicle. I also heard abnormal mechanical noises coming from the engine, which sounded like knocking or grinding. The engine failure occurred unexpectedly at relatively low mileage and required extensive repairs, with estimated costs of approximately $15,000. A sudden loss of oil pressure and abnormal engine noises while driving creates a serious safety risk because it can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or the vehicle becoming disabled in traffic without warning. Based on the diagnosis and information from the repair facility, the failure may be related to an internal engine or oil pump issue affecting lubrication. I am reporting this incident because similar failures have been reported by other BMW owners, and I believe this condition warrants investigation as a potential safety-related defect.
NHTSA ODI #11732539
Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2026
EnginePower Train
very known issue of catastrophic failure to the oil pump, made in Italy with plastic component, used in my vehicle. The part has been updated to metal components on bmw side without any knowledge to the customers with same part number. Faulty xdrive tranfer case, wheel jerks on low speed turning. Currently in class action laws…
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very known issue of catastrophic failure to the oil pump, made in Italy with plastic component, used in my vehicle. The part has been updated to metal components on bmw side without any knowledge to the customers with same part number. Faulty xdrive tranfer case, wheel jerks on low speed turning. Currently in class action lawsuit.
NHTSA ODI #11728211
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2026
Engine
Front differential needing completely replaced at 44,000 miles. Might need a transfer case replacement as well. Original quote of $8,300 and if the transfer case is needing replaced, another $8,000-$10,000 job. I have done research online that a lot of other people with X7's are having this issue. Autobahn BMW in Fort Worth, Tex…
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Front differential needing completely replaced at 44,000 miles. Might need a transfer case replacement as well. Original quote of $8,300 and if the transfer case is needing replaced, another $8,000-$10,000 job. I have done research online that a lot of other people with X7's are having this issue. Autobahn BMW in Fort Worth, Texas confirmed the issue and that it needs complete replacement done. There were no warnings, no lights on the dash, and nothing that would indicate there was an issue until leaking starting and I could smell the oil burning.
NHTSA ODI #11711828
Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2025
Back Over PreventionEngineLane Departure
Infotainment stopped working, no backup cam no safety features working
NHTSA ODI #11700071
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2025
Engine
two fan blades came off and punctured my radiator. I replaced the radiator/fan for 4300 and when I picked it up, it said the power was limited and to get it to a BMW dealership right away and when I took it to BMW, they told me the engine was shot and cylinder four was completely destroyed. Then both through BMW corporate and th…
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two fan blades came off and punctured my radiator. I replaced the radiator/fan for 4300 and when I picked it up, it said the power was limited and to get it to a BMW dealership right away and when I took it to BMW, they told me the engine was shot and cylinder four was completely destroyed. Then both through BMW corporate and the dealership that I bought the car at new in 2022 I was told there was nothing that they would do at all. In fact I was told it would cost $46,500 plus tax to replace the engine. The car is only worth 40 and I owe 29 I have been without a car for many months and I don’t know what to do with this card is essentially become a paperweight. I bought it brand new at arrowhead BMW for almost $115,000 with 3000 miles on it. Someone had purchased it new and brought it back and I’m not sure why exactly. It just doesn’t feel right that I should only be able to drive a car for 65,000 miles until it’s completely valueless furthermore, my attorney informed me that there was a class action lawsuit around my engine that was closed and it just doesn’t seem right that they would continue to make this engine. I’m hoping there’s some sort of resolved because it’s a very costly situation for me and my family
NHTSA ODI #11695567
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2025
Engine
Car had an error message "drivetrain malfunction" car was drivable. Car has 87000 purchased in 2021. Car needs a new engine. Other Car owners having similar issues with the drivetrain malfunction
NHTSA ODI #11647788
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the…
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The water pump pulley "exploded", causing the accessory belt to fall off which drives the alternator. The pulley "shrapnel" was thrown into the cooling system and damaging the hoses causing immediate loss of coolant. The loss of electrical power due to the alternator being inoperable and the loss of cooling could have caused the vehicle to malfunction in a dangerous manner. Fortunately, the vehicle displayed an error message and was towed to the dealer without further incident.
NHTSA ODI #11638117
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
EngineSeat Belts
2 Issues: 1) The water/coolant pump leaks and fails, leading to overheating. BMW says the following Service Bulletin does not apply: SIB 11 05 21 SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE MECHANICAL COOLANT PUMP I'm not really sure why or how it doesn't apply but it should. 2) The front passenger seatbelt has failed, in that it does not re…
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2 Issues: 1) The water/coolant pump leaks and fails, leading to overheating. BMW says the following Service Bulletin does not apply: SIB 11 05 21 SERVICE ACTION: REPLACE THE MECHANICAL COOLANT PUMP I'm not really sure why or how it doesn't apply but it should. 2) The front passenger seatbelt has failed, in that it does not retract into its housing.
NHTSA ODI #11569126
Official recalls
9Sep 7, 2022
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 Drive50i, X7 M50i vehicles with third-row seats. One or more of the compression springs that lock the backrest may not have been installed properly, and could dislodge or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In a crash, the seat backrest may not fully lock, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the third-row seat and, if necessary, remove and reinstall improperly installed compression springs, and reinstall any missing springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Apr 20, 2022
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Mar 10, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5 xDrive45e, 2021 X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, and XB7 vehicles. The head restraints on the second-row outer seats may be the incorrect type for the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the head restraints could detach, and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Feb 19, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Back Over Prevention:software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Feb 10, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Consequence: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 29, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5M, X5 xDrive45e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i vehicles. The steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loose steering column shaft universal joint connection can affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, depending upon the inspection, either the bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, or the steering column shaft, universal joint, and bolt will be replaced and tightened to specifications, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Dec 9, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Sep 1, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Aug 27, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:labels
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Tires
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain X7 xDrive40i and M50i vehicles. The tire information labels may contain tire size and cold tire inflation pressure information that does not match the specific tires that were installed on these vehicles. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The vehicle operator may be confused by the tire information on the label and this could lead to the installation of an inappropriate size tire and/or inflation pressure, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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