BMW has announced a global recall affecting approximately 575,000 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to defective starter motors. The German luxury automaker confirmed the recall on Wednesday (February 11) after identifying issues through internal inspections and customer complaints.
According to BMW Blog, the problem stems from excessive wear in the magnetic switch of the starter motor, particularly after numerous start cycles. While the initial symptom may be difficulty starting the engine or complete failure to start, the company’s primary concern is the potential for vehicle fires.
“In the worst case, this can lead to a vehicle fire while driving,” BMW stated in an official release. The company explained that a short circuit in the electromagnet cannot be ruled out, which could cause local overheating of the starter.
The recall spans 16 different models equipped with starters manufactured between July 2020 and July 2022. Affected vehicles include the 2 Series Coupé, 3 Series Sedan, 4 Series models, 5 Series, 7 Series, several X-series SUVs, and the Z4 sports car. The Toyota Supra, which shares mechanical components with the Z4, may also be affected.
BMW has advised owners of affected vehicles not to leave their cars unattended with the engine running, especially after using remote start features. The company plans to contact owners directly to arrange for replacement of the faulty starters.
Owners concerned about their vehicles should check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on nhtsa.gov/recalls and contact their local BMW dealer if their car is affected.
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