BMW issues recall over defective sunroof control unit

Westwood, NJ – May 15, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 61,221 vehicles which may allow the sunroof to close even if the key fob is not in the vehicle. This increases the risk of injury.

The following vehicles are included in this BMW recall:

  • 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive)
  • 2019 – 2022 X5 sDrive40i
  • 2019 – 2022 X5 xDrive40i
  • 2019 – 2022 X5 xDrive50i
  • 2019 – 2022 X5 M50i
  • 2019 – 2022 X5M
  • 2021 – 2022 X5 xDrive45e
  • 2020 – 2022 X6 sDrive40i
  • 2020 – 2022 X6 xDrive50i
  • 2020 – 2022 X6M
  • 2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive40i
  • 2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive50i
  • 2019 – 2023 X7 M50i
  • 2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive60i
  • 2019 – 2023 X7 M60i
  • 2019 – 2023 X7M
  • Alpina XB7 

Recall summary

For safety, and to comply with federal regulations, BMW sunroofs are supposed to close only when the key fob is inside the vehicle, indicating that the driver is present.

The affected sunroofs are programmed incorrectly and can be closed  when the key fob is not in the vehicle.

Recall risks

A sunroof that is closed without the key fob present – by an unaccompanied child, for example – can increase the risk of injury.

Other recent BMW recalls

One of the most recent BMW X5 recalls was in March 2022 and included the 2007-2010 BMW X5 SAV. The heating element of the subject vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of injury to the driver and passengers.

Although there have been no notable BMW X6 recalls or BMW X7 recalls in recent months, there was another BMW sunroof-related recall in 2021. In March, BMW recalled nearly 15,000 vehicles whose sunroofs may close even after the car is turned off. Much like the current recall, this was attributed to a programming error.

The repair

Owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to a BMW dealer. Techs will reprogram the roof function control unit, which is responsible for the opening and closing of the sunroof. Alternatively, owners can opt for an over-the-air (OTA) reprogramming. Both options will be at no cost to owners.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from BMW regarding the repair program by June 13, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 BMW vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiBMW issues recall over defective sunroof control unit