BMW Group South Africa has sounded the alarm over a major safety threat, recalling more than 12 000 vehicles that could unexpectedly catch fire, even when parked and turned off.
The recall affects a total of 12 491 cars sold locally since 2016, covering several of the brand’s best-selling models, including the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, Z4, X3, and X4, as per Nova News. At the centre of the problem is the starter motor, a key component that can allow water to seep inside, leading to corrosion. This minor flaw can snowball into a serious danger, with risks ranging from failed engine starts to electrical short circuits and, in extreme cases, fires that could ignite without warning.
‘What makes this particularly concerning is that fires can occur even when the vehicle is parked,’ warned the National Consumer Commission (NCC) in its official notice.
The German automaker flagged the issue through a combination of internal quality checks and feedback from customers. Investigations revealed that when water enters the starter motor, it corrodes internal components, potentially leading to overheating and ‘thermal events,’ BMW’s technical term for vehicle fires.
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Owners of the affected models have been urged to act immediately. BMW advises drivers not to take their vehicles through water deep enough to reach the starter motor and to avoid leaving their cars in areas prone to flooding. Although incidents remain rare, the manufacturer cautioned that property damage or injury could occur if the defect triggers a fire.
To resolve the problem, BMW is offering free replacement of the faulty starter motors. Owners can confirm if their car is affected by visiting the BMW technical campaign portal at bmw.co.za or by contacting their nearest authorised dealership. Notifications will also appear via the vehicles’ in-car communication systems.
The NCC continues to keep a close eye on the recall, urging all affected motorists to take immediate action. With the potential for vehicles to ignite while stationary, BMW’s latest safety alert is one that drivers cannot afford to ignore.
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