BMW is recalling more than 917,000 older cars and SUVs for a 3rd time, as a risk in the engine is found. The engine compartment fire issues will be fixed and it covers many 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3, and Z4 vehicles. These models are from 2006 to 2013 model years. According to the documents shared by NHTSA, there is a possibility of electrical short in the valve heater’s positive crankcase ventilation.
The fire risk occurs while the vehicles are being driven or soon after they are parked. BMW says the vehicles can still be driven and don’t have to be parked outdoors because fires have been rare. The company wouldn’t comment when asked if fires have spread to any buildings. BMW says in documents that if a driver smells smoke or burning plastic or sees smoke from the engine compartment, they should pull to a safe location, shut off the engine and leave the vehicle.
The German automaker is still developing a fix. Jay Hanson, a BMW spokesman in the U.S., said in an e-mail that the remedy and a sufficient parts inventory are expected in mid-2022. Owners will be notified by the letter starting April 25. Most of the cars were recalled in 2017 and 2019 for the same problem. BMW documents say owners who had the previous repairs done will need to get their vehicles fixed again.
Reports
The new recall was prompted by a series of fire reports in BMW vehicles previously recalled that had been repaired. BMW said its investigation showed supplier production issues could lead to PCV valve heater damage in the field.
The new recall was prompted by a series of fire reports in BMW vehicles previously recalled that had been repaired. BMW said its investigation showed supplier production issues could lead to PCV valve heater damage in the field. The automaker said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the latest recall.
It said owners do not need to stop driving pending the recall fix, but should stop driving if they see smoke from the area near the engine compartment, or smell smoke or a plastic burning odor. BMW says is still developing a fix. ABC states BMW of North America spokesperson Jay Hanson, who said the remedy and a sufficient parts inventory are expected in mid-2022. Owners will be notified by the letter starting April 25. BMW wouldn’t say how many vehicles are being recalled outside of the U.S.
