The potential fault in the starter motor could lead to a vehicle fire in popular BMW models including the X3, X5, and 3 Series, according to the recall notice.
BMW Australia has recalled 16,578 examples of its 2020-2023 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5, and Z4, citing a potential fault with starter motor solenoid switch, which could short circuit and lead to a vehicle fire.
The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: "The starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit. If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation."
There have been no reported cases of a vehicle fire in Australia, but the local recall is part of a global recall encompassing around 575,000 vehicles.
A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 16,578 vehicles involved in the recall can be found here.
BMW advises owners to not leave their vehicles "unattended while the engine is running and refrain from using any Remote Engine Start function".
Owners will be contacted to schedule a service appointment to replace the starter motor free of charge, or else customers can reach out to BMW Australia on 1300 243 675.
To have your vehicle checked, find your closest BMW dealership by clicking here.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
