BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

Westwood, NJ – March 13, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has issued a large-scale recall that involves  917,106 vehicles that may develop a fire inside their engine compartment. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

A rather long list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2008 – 2013 BMW 128i
  • 2006 – 2012 BMW Series 3 
  • 2006 – 2010 BMW Series 5
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X3 SAV
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV
  • 2006 – 2011 BMW Z4

At least some of these vehicles were previously recalled and repaired in 2017 and 2019 but will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

These BMW electrical issues are caused by a fault within a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).  PCV is part of the engine whose role is to reduce air pollution by sending unwanted gases produced during the operation of the car into the cylinder. To stop these gases from solidifying in cold weather, the manufacturer has installed a heater inside this system. Due to a supplier error, the heating element of the recalled vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of fire.  

The component in question is the PCV Valve Heater, with part numbers  7561408 or 2458830. The full list of the vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

See this article about a similar BMW recall for more information on the risks.

Background of the recall

At least some of these vehicles were recalled in 2017 and then subsequently in 2019 for the same issue. This third recall is being done on the back of multiple reports of previously repaired vehicles experiencing fire in the engine compartment. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short if the malfunction indicator light (MIL) warning light comes on.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other BMW recalls

This is not a first-time BMW 3 series recall over the risk of fire, as there was a similar one in December 2021.  Apart from that, in February 2021 there was a BMW 5 series recall also for the risk of fire. 

The repair

At this time, BMW is working on a solution to this problem. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This BMW recall in 2022 is affecting more than 900,000 vehicles. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire