BMW recalling more than 100K vehicles for motor concern linked to overheating

BMW is recalling more than 100,000 vehicles because of a motor defect that could result in overheating and, in “extreme” circumstances, increase the risk of a fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement posted Thursday.

If there is mechanical damage to the engine, it may not be able to start, and if drivers continue to try to start the engine using “excessively long starting attempts,” the engine could overheat, the NHTSA said. This could be especially dangerous if nearby materials get contaminated, with oil, for example. 

The recall affects 105,588 units, 1 percent of which are estimated to have the defect. The recall includes certain 2019-2020 BMW X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. The full list is published online.

Letters to vehicle owners will be sent out on Sept. 23. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to local dealers to get a software update, free of charge. Owners who address the issue before the recall notice may be eligible for reimbursement, NHTSA said.

The NHTSA recall ID is 24V576.