In a shocking turn of events, BMW of North America has been forced to issue a recall for a number of its vehicles due to a potentially dangerous engine starter issue. Reports have emerged of no-start conditions and localized thermal damage, prompting the automaker to take action.
The recall affects vehicles produced between 2019 and 2021, including popular models such as the BMW 3 Series Sedan M340i and M340i xDrive, the 8 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe in 840i and 840i xDrive variants, the 8 Series Convertible, and various 40i models from the X5, X6, and X7 lines.
The largest number of affected vehicles comes from the X5 lineup, with a staggering 68,105 units potentially impacted. These vehicles were produced between August 2018 and May 2020 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. The 3 Series Sedan, on the other hand, is assembled in Mexico, while the 7 Series and 8 Series are manufactured in Germany.
BMW has advised owners to check their vehicle’s identification number (VIN) on the automaker’s recall portal or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN look-up tool to determine if their vehicle is affected. Dealers have already been instructed to update the engine starter software free of charge for affected customers, with owner notifications expected to be sent out by September 23.
Despite this setback, BMW remains a popular choice among consumers in the United States. The X5, in particular, has been a top-seller, with 33,600 units delivered in the first half of 2024. The X6 and X7 also saw respectable sales figures, with 3,733 and 14,351 units sold, respectively. Surprisingly, the 4 Series is the most popular passenger vehicle in the BMW lineup.
Overall, BMW delivered 175,712 vehicles in the first half of 2024, a slight improvement over the previous year. However, the automaker still trails behind competitors Audi and Mercedes in terms of sales. Mercedes outperformed BMW with 178,219 sales, while Audi achieved 92,913 units sold. It’s clear that BMW has some catching up to do in the market.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing potential safety issues promptly. BMW’s swift action and commitment to resolving the problem will undoubtedly help maintain consumer confidence in the brand.
