BMW is urging nearly 25,000 UK drivers to avoid leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running. This comes after the company identified a defect in starter motors that could lead to overheating and, in severe cases, vehicle fires. The issue affects a wide range of models built between July 2020 and July 2022.
The Problem: Faulty Starter Motor Switches
Internal quality control tests revealed manufacturing flaws within the starter motor switches. These defects cause excessive wear over time, potentially leading to complete starter failure or, more critically, a short circuit. A short circuit can generate enough heat to ignite nearby components, posing a fire hazard.
“This may cause local overheating in the starter. In the worst case, this can lead to a vehicle fire during vehicle operation,” BMW stated.
Which Models Are Affected?
The recall applies to the following BMW models sold in the UK:
- G42 2 Series
- G20/G21 3 Series
- G22/23 4 Series
- G26 4 Series Gran Coupé
- G30/31 5 Series
- G11/12 7 Series
- G01 X3
- G02 X4
- G05 X5
- G06 X6
- G29 Z4
Globally, reports suggest as many as 575,000 vehicles could be affected, including 197 in Ireland. BMW has not confirmed the exact worldwide tally.
What Drivers Should Do
BMW advises owners of affected vehicles not to leave them running unattended. The company is contacting registered owners to schedule repairs. Dealerships will fix the issue, but BMW has not yet provided estimated repair times or a completion timeframe for the entire recall.
This recall highlights the potential dangers of even minor manufacturing defects in critical vehicle components. While the risk of fire is not immediate, prolonged use of affected vehicles could increase the likelihood of failure, making the proactive recall essential.
The company has not indicated how long the repair itself will take, nor given a timeframe for addressing the entire batch of models.
