BMW recalls another 10,000 cars due to fire risk
An additional 10,559 BMWs have been added to an existing recall of 16,578 vehicles, all impacted by a fault which can result in a fire.
BMW Australia has recalled 10,559 more vehicles across the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5 and Z4 model lines, after initially announcing a recall of 16,578 cars.
The fault can occur in the vehicle’s starter motor solenoid switch, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. Affected vehicles were built between 2020 and 2023.
“Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit,” the carmaker said in its recall notice.
“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation.
“A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”
BMW Australia has reiterated that affected vehicles should not be “left unattended while the engine is running and refrain from using any Remote Engine Start function.
“The short circuit could lead to local overheating of the starter motor, and the driver may see or smell smoke while driving or exiting the vehicle.”
BMW has advised it’ll contact affected owners to schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.
For more information, owners can contact BMW Australia’s Recall Hotline on 1800 243 675 or visit https://www.recall.bmw.com.au/.
