BMW announces recall for 105K vehicles due to starter motor fire risk

BMW recall overview: 

• Who: BMW of North America issued a recall for 105,588 vehicles. 
• Why: The recall was initiated over concerns the starter motor on the recalled vehicles could overheat, posing a fire risk. 
• Where: The BMW recall affects certain vehicle owners nationwide. 

BMW of North America issued a recall for more than 105,000 of its vehicles over concerns their starter motor could overheat, posing a fire risk. 

The recall involves certain BMW model year 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles.

The automaker said the engines for the recalled vehicles may not be able to start due to mechanical damage, which, in turn could cause a driver to cause an electrical overload of the starter through repeated attempts to start the engine using “excessively long starting attempts.” 

“A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire,” BMW said in a recall acknowledgement letter. 

BMW to provide software update

BMW will remedy the issue by conducting a software update that will prevent the engine starters on the recalled vehicles from being electrically overloaded, according to the recall letter. 

The automaker, which said the software updates will occur at an authorized BMW center, plans to begin and end notifying affected vehicle owners via First Class mail on Sept. 23, 2024. 

Anyone with more questions about the recall can contact BMW customer service by phone at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236.

BMW issued a separate recall for more than 291,000 vehicles last month over concerns they contained faulty bolts that could detach during a rear crash, resulting in a potential detachment of the vehicle’s cargo rail. 

Are you affected by the BMW recall? Let us know in the comments.

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