Hundreds of thousands of BMWs worldwide at risk of fire due to faulty starter

A faulty starter can cause a fire in a huge number of BMW cars. In Germany alone, over 136,000 vehicles are affected magazin de piese auto online.

Hundreds of thousands of BMWs worldwide at risk of fire due to faulty starter

BMW is sounding the alarm: Due to a potential fire hazard in the engine compartment, the Munich-based car manufacturer is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles sold worldwide. The cause is a defective starter motor that can allow water to penetrate. This can lead to corrosion, starting problems – and in the worst case, a short circuit that could cause the vehicle to catch fire.

In Germany alone, the service campaign covers around 136,500 vehicles, and in the US – nearly 195,000. Worldwide, the number of affected vehicles is significantly higher, but BMW did not disclose how much. The campaign includes cars manufactured between September 2015 and September 2021 – and from all models offered in Europe and Asia.

BMW urges: park cars outside

The manufacturer explicitly warns its customers: until the necessary repairs are carried out, the affected vehicles should only be parked outdoors – not in garages or near buildings. As part of the campaign, BMW will replace the defective starter and, in some cases, install a more powerful battery.

The company has not yet revealed how much the campaign will cost, but according to industry experts, it is in the tens of millions.

How will it be handled?

In Germany, BMW must notify the Federal Motor Transport Agency (KBA) if a safety defect is discovered. After investigating the case, the agency orders a mandatory recall. Owners of the affected vehicles receive a letter from the manufacturer and must make an appointment with a workshop.

The repair will be free of charge – and once completed, BMW will report the manipulation to the KBA. If the owner of an affected car neglects the action, he may face serious problems: in addition to being fined, his vehicle registration may be suspended.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

BMW is sounding the alarm: Due to a potential fire hazard in the engine compartment, the Munich-based car manufacturer is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles sold worldwide

In Germany alone, the service campaign covers around 136,500 vehicles, and in the US – nearly 195,000