German automaker BMW has announced a recall of 1.4 million cars due to a possible fire risk. The risk is so high that BMW has advised owners to park their cars outside.
A total of 1.4 million BMW vehicles in North America made between the years 2006 to 2011 have been issued a recall due to a large possibility of a fire risk. This follows after the incident of multiple BMW’s going up in flames even while they were stationary.
The brand has made the announcement of two separate recalls for the 1.4 million cars, the first involving the wiring for the car’s air conditioning system which could lead to a possible fire risk while the other involving the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV).
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the carsinvolved with the recall of the first issue include certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, the 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and the 2009-2011 335d. As for the second recall, the models affected include the 2008-2011 128i and the 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and the Z4 sDrive30i models.
However, BMW has stated that the occurrence of fires are considered rare and could be sourced from other factors unrelated to the engine of the car. Meaning to say that the mechanical components could have been tampered with, leading a possible fire risk. This comes to show that aftermarket modifications can lead to potential hazards.
As of now, the recall only involves cars sold in North America. There is currently no mention about BMWs sold in Malaysia. But BMW may extend the recall to other countries if necessary. From the models involved, the majority of the cars are AWD models which explains the “xi” listed at the back of the model labeling.
Source: Carscoops, BMWBlog | Header pic: Associated Press
