[VW2010]

BMW said Friday it is recalling about 1 million vehicles in North America for two issues involving fire risks and said it may expand the recalls to other countries.

One recall covers 670,000 2006-2011 U.S. 3-Series vehicles to address a wiring issue for heating and air conditioning systems that may overheat and could increase the risk of a fire.

The second recall covers 740,000 U.S. 2007-2011 vehicles with a valve heater that could rust and lead to a fire in rare cases. The recall includes some 128i vehicles, 3-Series, 5-Series and X3, X5 and Z4 vehicles.

From -https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/finance-companies/bmw-recalls-1-million-vehicles-in-north-america/ar-AAup818

[AMG Power]

BMW is recalling more than 1 million cars and SUVs in two U.S. recalls due to the risk of fires under the hood, and it’s recommending that they be parked outdoors until repairs are made.

A spokesman for the German automaker says the risk of fire is very low in both cases, but the vehicles should say outside “in an abundance of caution.” In both recalls, repairs are expected to start on Dec. 18.

The largest of the recalls covers over 740,000 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles from 2007-2011. Also included is the 2008-2011 128i. All have 6-Cylinder engines.

Documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. No injuries have been reported. Dealers will replace the heater.

The heater is designed to prevent the valve from freezing in cold temperatures, BMW spokesman Hector Arellano-Belloc said. But irregularities in manufacturing can cause corrosion can lead to overheating.

The other recall covers nearly 673,000 cars including the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 from the 2006-2011 model years. Also covered are the 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009-2011 335d.

Wiring for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and cause connectors to melt, also increasing the fire risk, even when vehicles are unattended. Four drivers reported injuries. BMW says a wiring connection can corrode and in rare cases cause fires.

Dealers will replace the wiring and connectors.

The U.S. recalls total about 1.4 million vehicles, but some are included in both, BMW said.

About 80,000 vehicles also are being recalled in Canada for the crankcase ventilation valve heater, BMW said. The company is reviewing whether the wiring recall will apply to Canadian vehicles.

Source: New York Post / Autoweek

[Jeroen]

Thanks, I wonder why only US recalls.

Only US made cars, which would also suggest they differ from the European cars. Or just a case of ‘litigation prevention’, which is pretty unique to the US as well of course,

Jeroen

[AMG Power]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

I wonder why only US recalls.

Exactly my thoughts. VW's diesel gate started in the US. Lets hope this doesn't extend to other regions too.

[GTO]

While we have a global recalls thread, this thread can remain independent as Indian cars might be at risk too.

vehicles from 2007-2011

Mine is a 2013 build, hence should be safe. That's why I always recommend buying a complex automobile only after it's been in production for a couple of years (mine was in its 4th year of production).

Nevertheless, I keep a glass-shattering hammer in the glovebox of all my cars.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Or just a case of ‘litigation prevention’

Bingo, and the reverse is also true; recalls reach India at a very late stage.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by GTO

Nevertheless, I keep a glass-shattering hammer in the glovebox of all my cars.

Going by the number of fire incidents (all brands/cars), the following should be hard-wired into our brains. In case of even mild odor in the cabin -

1) Slow down car, move to the left lane and come to a complete halt
2) Switch on hazard lights.
3) Unlock central locking and open drivers door slightly
4) Remove seatbelt and ask other passengers to do the same
5) Investigate

It will most likely be nothing - so do the above in reverse while explaining to your co-passengers that you are not crazy.