BMW gives urgent warning as it recalls hundreds of thousands of cars worldwide | World | News
BMW has issued an urgent global recall due to a potential fire risk affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles; it was the latest blow to Germany’s once-dominant auto industry. The Munich-based manufacturer confirmed on Wednesday that a “mid-six-figure” number of cars had been recalled worldwide after internal product reviews and customer complaints revealed a starter-related defect.
Media reports indicate that the total number of stands across multiple model lines is approximately 575,000 vehicles. The root of the problem lies in the starter motor’s magnetic switch.
A BMW spokesman said: “After numerous operating cycles, increased wear and tear can occur within the component.”
The first sign for drivers can be deceptively mundane: The engine is difficult to start or doesn’t start at all.
But the worst-case scenario is much more serious. The company warned that the defect could produce excessive heat and, in extreme cases, pose a risk of fire in the vehicle.
A spokesman for ADAC, the AA’s German equivalent, warned: “Metal corrosion within the reed switch can trigger a short circuit and lead to overheating of the starter motor – potentially even when the vehicle is in motion.”
The recall covers a wide range of BMW base models, including the 2 Series Coupe, 3 Series (Saloon and Touring), 4 Series (Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe), 5 Series (Saloon and Touring), 6 Series Gran Turismo, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6 and Z4. The mechanically related Toyota Supra also gets blamed for its shared BMW hardware.
BMW’s solution is to replace the starter; In some cases a new battery is also required. Affected drivers in Germany were advised not to leave their vehicles unattended after starting. Owners are asked to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) against official recall databases and make a dealer appointment if necessary.
The move comes on the heels of another recall in the United States, where BMW of North America recently recalled 87,394 vehicles due to a similar issue involving starter motor overheating and the risk of fire. Although it has not been officially confirmed that the campaigns are linked, the overlap in affected models and error descriptions is notable.
The latest recall increases pressure on Germany’s heavyweights, long considered untouchable symbols of engineering excellence.
In recent years, the industry has been hit by emissions scandals, software glitches, battery fire risks in electric models and increased global competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers aggressively entering Europe’s premium market.
For BMW, the recall risks damaging its reputation for reliability at a critical moment. Automakers are currently grappling with slowing demand in China, slowing growth in electric vehicle sales in Europe and rising production costs.
