Approximately 1,000,000 BMW cars sold in North America from model years 2006 to 2011 are being recalled by BMW to replace parts that may increase the risk of fire. BMW AG actually announced two separate recalls for different parts but some of the vehicles involved are covered by both recalls. Most of the affected vehicles are in the U.S. but about 15,000 are in Canada.
A total of 672,775 model year 2006 to 2011 BMW 3 Series cars will be recalled to replace wiring and electrical connectors for the heating and air conditioning system's blower motor that controls air flow. The wiring and connectors may overheat, causing the electrical connectors to melt, even if the car is not moving or is unattended.
Reuters reported that BMW informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the company first learned of an incident in 2008 but could not determine a root cause. BMW continued to monitor reports form the field as the years went on. An improvement to the blower-regulator wiring harness was made in 2011. Between 2007 and 2014, no injuries were reported to BMW. In 2015, BMW learned of three incidents with possible injuries. Two months ago, BMW was told of another incident involving a 2011 3 Series.
The cars affected by this recall include certain 2006–2011 BMW 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, M3; 2007–2011 BMW 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive, 335is; and 2009–2011 335d cars.
Dealers will replace the affected parts at no charge to the car owners. The recall should start on December 18, 2017. Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW, although vehicles that have changed hands numerous times may make that difficult. Owners of 3 Series BMWs in the years and models listed above may contact BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417 or go to the NHTSA recall web site and enter their car's vehicle identification number at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The second recall involves 740,561 model year 2007 to 2011 BMWs. A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater could rust and lead parts within the PCV valve to melt, which might in rare cases cause a fire, even if the vehicle is not being used. The vehicles affected by this recall include certain 2008–2011 BMW 128i and 2007–2011 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.
BMW dealers will replace the affected parts at no cost, starting on December 18, 2017. BMW will notify owners and owners may also call BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417.
BMW said it has received no reports of injuries resulting from PVC valve heater malfunctions.
The total number of vehicles involved in these two recalls add up to about 1,412,000 BMWs, but a large number of 3 Series cars are covered by both, so the total number of affected BMWs is about 1,000,000.
The Associated Press reported that an unnamed BMW spokesperson advised owners of affected vehicle "in an abundance of caution" to park their BMWs outside. While to many owners that may seem to be an overabundance of caution, you never know.—Scott Blazey
[Photo courtesy of BMW AG.]
