BMW is dealing with one other main recall, with greater than 196,000 autos in the US and no less than 136,500 in Germany being pulled again resulting from a defect within the starter motor that poses a possible hearth threat. The U.S. Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) introduced the marketing campaign on Friday, warning house owners to not park their autos inside garages or close to buildings till the restore has been accomplished.
The Defect: Corrosion, Brief Circuits, and Fireplace Danger
On the heart of the problem is the engine starter relay, which can corrode when uncovered to moisture. In unfavorable situations, this corrosion can result in overheating and even a brief circuit. Whereas at first the defect might solely stop the engine from beginning, NHTSA and BMW have confirmed that overheating within the starter motor can escalate into a hearth hazard. Significantly troubling is the truth that such fires can ignite hours after the automobile was final pushed, elevating the stakes for house owners and regulators alike.
In keeping with BMW’s inside testing and buyer studies, water can penetrate sure starter motor models constructed between late 2015 and 2021. The corporate recognized the chance after ongoing product testing and complaints from the sector revealed repeated failures in affected fashions.
Fashions Impacted
The recall covers a variety of BMW autos, together with the Toyota Supra, which shares elements with the BMW Z4. Within the U.S., the checklist of affected autos contains:
- 2019–2021 BMW 330i
- 2019–2022 BMW Z4
- 2020–2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4
- 2021–2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible
- 2022 BMW 230i
- 2020–2022 Toyota Supra
Globally, the problem impacts almost all BMW mannequin traces produced between September 28, 2015, and September 7, 2021, aside from some compact fashions with transverse engines and M efficiency fashions, which used starter motors from different suppliers.
In Germany, the recall checklist contains:
- BMW 1 Collection (F20, F21)
- 2 Collection Coupe (G42)
- 3 Collection (G20, G21, G28)
- 4 Collection (G22, G23, G26)
- 5 Collection (G30, G31)
- 6 Collection GT (G32)
- 7 Collection (G11, G12)
- X3 (G01)
- X4 (G02)
- X5 (G05)
- X6 (G06)
- X7 (G07)
- Z4 roadster (G29)
Security Warnings
Due to the potential hearth hazard, BMW and U.S. regulators have urged clients to not park their autos indoors or near constructions. This precaution mirrors warnings from earlier recollects throughout the auto business the place hearth threat was concerned.
NHTSA has additionally issued a discover stressing that “house owners are suggested to park their autos exterior and away from constructions till the treatment is full.”
Treatment and Subsequent Steps
Homeowners within the U.S. will start receiving official recall notices beginning November 14, 2025. At that time, they may be capable to test whether or not their particular automobile is included by getting into their VIN at NHTSA.gov/recollects.
BMW has confirmed that affected autos will obtain a alternative starter motor freed from cost, with some fashions additionally requiring a brand new battery. Repairs might be dealt with via approved BMW sellers within the U.S. and worldwide. Prospects can even contact BMW’s U.S. service line at 1-800-525-7417 for extra particulars.
