BMW Group South Africa has announced a major recall involving six of its popular models, affecting a total of 12,491 vehicles sold across the country since 2016.
According to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), the recall includes the 3 Series (G20), 4 Series (G22), 5 Series (G30), Z4 (G29), X3 (G01), and X4 (G02) models. The issue prompting the recall relates to a potential fault in the starter motor that could pose a fire risk.
Starter Motor Issue Identified
BMW informed the NCC that certain vehicles may allow water ingress into the starter motor, leading to corrosion. This could result in the engine failing to start, and in severe cases, a short circuit and local overheating of the starter motor.
“In extreme circumstances, this overheating could trigger a vehicle fire, even when the car is parked,” the NCC warned.
Safety Advisory for Drivers
The NCC has urged owners to avoid driving through deep water that could submerge the starter motor, especially for extended periods. “In the unlikely event of a thermal incident, there is potential for injury or property damage,” the Commission added.
Free Repairs for Affected Vehicles
BMW has assured customers that the issue will be repaired free of charge. Affected owners are encouraged to visit their nearest authorised BMW dealership to have the starter motor replaced.
Drivers can also check their vehicle’s recall status via BMW’s official website or through in-car communication systems.
This is not the first time BMW has had to recall vehicles this year. In September, the BMW X3 was included in a multi-brand recall involving several manufacturers due to faulty rear head restraints.
“The two outer head restraints on the rear seats were not manufactured correctly,” the NCC stated. “In the event of a crash, they may fail to provide adequate protection, potentially leading to severe injuries if parts of the head restraint become dislodged.”
Consumer Protection Emphasis
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that manufacturers comply with South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act, which mandates transparency and consumer safety.
Owners of the affected BMW models are urged to act promptly and schedule their free starter motor replacement to ensure continued vehicle safety.
Related article: BMW Recalls 331,000 Cars Over Safety Concerns
