BMW Initiates Global Recall of Hundreds of Thousands of Vehicles Over Fire Hazard

BMW has announced a large-scale recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide due to a potential fire risk linked to the starter system. The recall encompasses a wide range of models, with a significant number of affected units distributed across various international markets, including Germany, where nearly 29,000 vehicles are impacted.

The Munich-based automotive manufacturer detected the issue during quality control processes. According to the company, excessive wear may develop in the magnetic switch of the starter after a high number of engine starts. This wear can lead to difficulties in starting the vehicle and, under certain conditions, may also result in a short circuit. The short circuit could cause localized overheating in the starter area and, in rare cases, potentially trigger a vehicle fire while the car is in operation. Warning signs of this problem may include visible smoke or unusual odors either during driving or immediately after exiting the vehicle.

BMW has strongly advised owners not to leave their vehicles unattended while the engine is running as a precautionary measure. The recall impacts multiple model lines, specifically including the 2 Series Coupe, several variants of the 3 Series, 4 Series, and 5 Series, the 6 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series Sedan, as well as the X4, X5, X6 SUVs, and the Z4 sports car.

The affected vehicles were produced between July 2020 and July 2022 and are equipped with a particular starter relay identified as susceptible to the fault. However, the company notes that the exact production window is challenging to define precisely because the timelines for the manufacturing of both the starter component and the vehicle itself may differ. Additionally, cars that received the problematic starter relay as a replacement during repairs within this period may also be included in the recall.

This incident is not the first time BMW has faced a recall related to starter system issues. In the previous year, the company recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles after water intrusion into the starter was found to cause corrosion. That issue could also result in short circuits and, in extreme cases, lead to fires, although the mechanism differed and could occur even when the vehicle was switched off.

BMW is currently contacting affected customers and will offer free inspections and necessary repairs at authorized service centers. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle's eligibility for the recall through official BMW channels or by contacting local dealerships. The company emphasizes its commitment to safety and urges all owners of potentially affected vehicles to respond promptly to recall notifications in order to minimize risk.

Automotive safety regulators and consumer groups are monitoring the situation, as recalls of this scale can impact public trust and manufacturer reputation. BMW is working in coordination with regulatory authorities to ensure a comprehensive and timely resolution of the issue.

Drivers are advised to remain attentive to unusual signs such as difficulty starting the engine, smoke, or burning odors, and to seek immediate service if such symptoms occur. The recall underlines the importance of ongoing vigilance in vehicle maintenance and quality assurance across the automotive industry.