BMW recalls more than 1 million cars over fire risk

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BMW recalls more than 1 million cars over fire risk

BMW in the United States is recalling more than 1 million cars and SUVs due to the risk of fire.

As a result of the recall, BMW are even recommending that people park their cars outdoors until repairs are made.

A spokesman for BMW has said that the risk of fire is very low but just in case of any potential risk they have recommended that the vehicles should say outside “in an abundance of caution.”

The repairs are expected to start on Dec. 18. The largest of the recalls covers over 740,000 vehicles including the models 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 having 6-Cylinder engines.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted documents of Friday showing that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt. This melting has proven in some cases to increase the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use.

So far, thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Dealers will replace the heater. The heater is designed to prevent the valve from freezing in cold temperatures.

Hector Arellano-Belloc, a BMW spokesman said that irregularities in manufacturing can cause corrosion which in turn 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.

The specifics of the problem lies with the wiring for the heating and air conditioning system which can overheat and cause the connectors to melt, which naturally increasing the fire risk, even when vehicles are unattended.

So far, four drivers reported some injuries due to the fire hazard when the wiring connections corroded and cause fires.

Dealers are preparing for the recall and will replace the wiring and connectors on all the vehicles affected.

In all the U.S. will recall about 1.4 million vehicles and about 80,000 vehicles also are being recalled in Canada for the crankcase ventilation valve heater. The company is reviewing whether the wiring recall will apply to Canadian vehicles as well?









Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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