BMW China and BMW Brilliance Automotive will recall 232,098 vehicles from June 18 due to engine problems, China's quality watchdog announced on Wednesday.

The recall covers vehicles equipped with N52K, N52T and N55 engines, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said.

A total of 138,534 vehicles imported by BMW China from June 10 in 2009 to July 30 in 2012 were affected, involving BMW 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 series and X1, X3, X5, X6 and Z4.

And 93,564 vehicles of BMW 3 and 5 series produced by BMW Brilliance from Nov. 7 in 2009 to June 6 in 2013 will be recalled.

The recall is due to defects in the bolts at the shell of VANOS, a valve timing system, which may loosen or crack.

The companies will replace faulty bolts free of charge.