Fire alarm at BMW: Large number of vehicles recalled

BMW has announced that a serious technical defect related to the starter system has been identified in certain models produced between July 2020 and July 2022. The company stated that it will initiate a large-scale recall process on the grounds that the aforementioned fault could lead to a fire risk in the vehicles.

According to information provided by the Germany-based manufacturer, approximately 28,582 vehicles in Germany alone are included in this recall. No official figure was shared regarding the total number of vehicles to be recalled globally or the cost of the operation.

However, reports in the German press suggested that the number of vehicles to be recalled worldwide could reach the level of approximately 575,000.

EXCESSIVE WEAR DETECTED IN STARTER SYSTEM

In the statement made by the company, it was conveyed that it had been determined that excessive wear could occur in the starter motor solenoid after high usage. It was stated that this situation could make it difficult for the vehicle to start or prevent it from starting entirely.

Furthermore, the statement indicated that the mentioned wear could lead to localized overheating in the starter motor, which brings with it the risk of a short circuit.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO: FIRE WHILE DRIVING

BMW reported that in the worst-case scenario, the identified defect could cause a fire while the vehicle is in motion. The company's statement included a warning that symptoms such as seeing smoke or smelling burning while driving or when exiting the vehicle might occur.

In order to prevent a possible risk, vehicle owners were advised not to leave their vehicles unattended while the engine is running.

WHICH MODELS ARE COVERED?

The recall operation covers a large number of BMW models. Accordingly;

2 Series Coupe

3, 4, 5 and 7 Series Sedan

6 Series Gran Turismo

X4, X5 and X6

Z4

various variants of these models are on the recall list.

It was emphasized that vehicles produced between July 2020 and July 2022 with a specific type of starter relay are at risk. In addition, it was reported that vehicles found to have had a faulty starter motor installed during previous repairs have also been included in the recall scope.

BMW had also carried out a large-scale recall for a similar reason in September 2025. During that process, vehicles produced between September 2015 and September 2021 were called to service centers due to a fault in the starter system that posed a fire risk.

While it was stated that the cause of the previous recall was corrosion due to water leakage, it was expressed that the current problem stems directly from physical wear on the part.

Additionally, information was shared that in the previous fault, the fire risk was present even when the engine was off, whereas in the current situation, the risk is more likely to arise while the engine is running.

News Source: 12punto