BMW Group South Africa has issued an urgent safety recall for 12 491 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous defect that could cause fires, even when cars are parked and switched off.
The recall affects six popular BMW models sold in South Africa since 2016, including the 3 Series (G20), 4 Series (G22), 5 Series (G30), Z4 (G29), X3 (G01), and X4 (G02).
The issue centers around the vehicle’s starter motor, which can allow water to seep in at certain points, leading to corrosion. This seemingly minor problem can escalate quickly – preventing the engine from starting, causing electrical short circuits, and in the worst-case scenario, triggering a fire.
“What makes this particularly concerning is that fires can occur even when the vehicle is parked,” the National Consumer Commission warned in their safety notice.
The German automaker identified the problem through their internal quality controls and customer complaints. When water enters the starter motor and causes corrosion, it creates a domino effect that can lead to local overheating and potential thermal events.
Safety advice for owners
Until repairs are completed, BMW strongly advises owners to:
- Avoid driving through water that could submerge the starter motor
- Never leave vehicles in areas where they might remain submerged for extended periods
- Be aware that in rare cases, damage to people or property could occur if a thermal event happens
The good news for affected vehicle owners is that BMW will replace the faulty starter motors at no cost. Owners can:
- Visit their nearest authorized BMW dealership
- Check if their vehicle is affected by visiting: https://www.bmw.co.za/en/service-portal/bmw-technical-campaigns.html
- Monitor their in-car communication system for recall notification
If you own one of the affected BMW models from 2016 onwards, don’t wait – contact your local BMW dealer immediately to schedule the free repair. With the potential for fires even when parked, this is one recall that shouldn’t be delayed.
The National Consumer Commission continues to monitor the situation and urges all affected vehicle owners to take immediate action to ensure their safety and that of others.
