The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced a product recall involving 10,961 BMW vehicles sold in South Africa from 2016 onwards due to a defect that could lead to engine starting failures and, in rare cases, overheating and smoke.
The recall affects selected BMW 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 and X4 models fitted with a Pinion Starter.
According to BMW South Africa, a production-related defect may cause excessive wear of the starter motor's solenoid switch after repeated engine starts. This can gradually reduce the engine's ability to start and, in some cases, prevent it from starting altogether.
The company also warned that a short circuit in the solenoid switch cannot be ruled out. If this occurs, it could cause localised overheating at the starter motor, with smoke potentially becoming visible or noticeable while driving or after the vehicle has been parked.
As a precaution, BMW recommends that affected vehicles should not be left unattended immediately after the engine has been started.
Owners are also advised not to use the Remote Engine Start function through the My BMW App or the remote-control key until the necessary repairs have been completed.
Consumers with affected vehicles are urged to contact their nearest authorised BMW dealership to arrange an inspection and repair. BMW says all corrective work related to the recall will be carried out free of charge.
The recall affects selected BMW 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 and X4 models fitted with a Pinion Starter.
According to BMW South Africa, a production-related defect may cause excessive wear of the starter motor's solenoid switch after repeated engine starts. This can gradually reduce the engine's ability to start and, in some cases, prevent it from starting altogether.
The company also warned that a short circuit in the solenoid switch cannot be ruled out. If this occurs, it could cause localised overheating at the starter motor, with smoke potentially becoming visible or noticeable while driving or after the vehicle has been parked.
As a precaution, BMW recommends that affected vehicles should not be left unattended immediately after the engine has been started.
Owners are also advised not to use the Remote Engine Start function through the My BMW App or the remote-control key until the necessary repairs have been completed.
Consumers with affected vehicles are urged to contact their nearest authorised BMW dealership to arrange an inspection and repair. BMW says all corrective work related to the recall will be carried out free of charge.