BMW has issued multiple safety recalls tied to vehicle defects affecting engine starters and driveline components, federal recall documents show. The largest action covers more than three hundred thousand BMWs produced in recent model years because an internal starter component can wear and overheat, potentially causing a fire.
The engine starter campaign lists specific models and production ranges that dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace free of charge. Affected vehicles include the Toyota Supra and a range of BMW 2, 3 and 4 Series, 5 Series, Z4, and X3 and X4 models as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with the largest single group among X3 models.
BMW also disclosed a separate recall of roughly twenty nine thousand plug in hybrid sedans due to possible water contact with a starter electrical relay and resulting corrosion. Regulators said relay corrosion could short circuit and overheat the starter. That recall followed field incidents involving a 5 Series and a 3 Series, and owners were advised to park affected cars outdoors away from structures until dealers complete repairs.
Dealerships will replace starters at no cost and owner outreach is under way, according to the NHTSA notices. BMW expects a small proportion of the covered vehicles will be affected. Owners with questions may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and Toyota owners may contact 1-800-331-4331. VINs for impacted vehicles will be searchable on the NHTSA website when published.
Driveline Wear Recall And Owner Remedies
Separately, BMW is recalling more than twenty seven thousand vehicles for excessive wear at the connection between the driveshaft and the rear axle differential. Regulators warned the wear could, over time, lead to loss of drive to the rear wheels and increase crash risk.
The affected driveline models include certain 8 Series and 7 Series plug in variants, plus a sizable group of 5 Series sedans listed in the NHTSA notice. Dealers will inspect the connection and either apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and differential at no cost if required.
BMW has begun dealer notifications and will mail owner letters, and the company allows reimbursement for owners who previously paid for repairs under the automaker’s reimbursement plan. Consumers with outstanding questions are directed to their authorized BMW dealer or BMW customer service as provided in the recall notices.
