BMW recalls hundreds of thousands of cars; 5,500 in Netherlands

BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide, including 5,500 in the Netherlands, because of a defect that could, in the worst case, cause a vehicle fire, NOS reports.

A spokesperson for BMW Nederland confirmed the Dutch total after reports in De Telegraaf. “Owners will be contacted by the dealer as soon as possible to remedy the recall,” the spokesperson said.

The recall covers multiple BMW models built between July 2020 and July 2022. Affected vehicles include the 2 Series Coupe; various versions of the 3, 4, and 5 Series; the 6 Series Gran Turismo; the 7 Series; the X4, X5, and X6; and the Z4.

BMW has not disclosed the global total. German media have reported that as many as 575,000 vehicles could be involved, but the company has not confirmed that figure.

According to BMW, internal production checks showed that after a large number of engine starts, increased wear can develop in the starter’s magnetic switch. As a result, vehicles may start less reliably over time or may fail to start entirely. BMW also said a short circuit cannot be ruled out, which could lead to localized overheating of the starter motor.

“In the worst case, this can lead to a fire in the vehicle while driving,” BMW said. “In that case, smoke may be seen or smelled while driving or when leaving the vehicle.” The company is also advising drivers not to leave their vehicle unattended with the engine running.

Last autumn, BMW also recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide—1.2 million in total, including 14,000 in the Netherlands—because of a different starter motor issue. In that case, water could enter the starter motor, causing corrosion. That defect also carried a risk of short circuit, overheating, and, in the worst case, fire. The vehicles involved in that recall were built between September 2015 and September 2021.