BMW Recalls Over 12,000 Vehicles in South Africa Due to Fire Risk
BMW Group South Africa has issued a recall for 12,491 vehicles due to a defect in the starter motor that could lead to a fire, even when the car is parked. The recall affects several models sold in South Africa since 2016.
Affected Models and the Starter Motor Issue
The recall impacts a range of popular BMW models, including the 3 Series (G20), 4 Series (G22), 5 Series (G30), Z4 (G29), X3 (G01), and X4 (G02). The core issue lies within the starter motor. Water can enter the starter motor, causing corrosion that may prevent the engine from starting, lead to short circuits, and potentially result in a fire.
"What makes this particularly concerning is that fires can occur even when the vehicle is parked," stated the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
The Cause of the Defect
BMW identified the problem through internal quality checks and customer feedback. The company discovered that water entering the starter motor can corrode internal components, potentially leading to overheating and even a fire. This risk exists regardless of whether the vehicle is in operation or parked.
Safety Precautions for BMW Owners
BMW South Africa advises owners of the affected models to take the following precautions:
- Avoid driving through water that could submerge the starter motor.
- Do not leave vehicles in areas where they might remain submerged for an extended period.
- Be aware that in rare cases, damage to people or property could occur if a thermal event happens.
How to Get Your BMW Repaired
BMW is offering a free replacement of the faulty starter motors. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take immediate action. You can check if your car is affected by:
- Visiting your nearest authorized BMW dealership.
- Checking the BMW technical campaign portal at bmw.co.za.
- Monitoring your in-car communication system for recall notification.
NCC's Role and Previous Recalls
The NCC is monitoring the recall and urges all affected motorists to take immediate action. The NCC occasionally issues recalls on motor vehicles at the behest of their manufacturers. The Ford Motor Company recently recalled four different models in South Africa, including the Ford Ranger, Everest, Puma, and EcoSport.
