BMW Recall Affects 184,000 Cars
BMW is recalling certain 3 Series, 5 Series, and Z4 cars from the 2006 model year due to fire risk.
BMW is recalling certain 3 Series, 5 Series, and Z4 cars from the 2006 model year due to fire risk.
The problem, which could affect as many as 184,505 BMW cars, is related to production irregularities in a heating element that could cause parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even if the vehicle is not in use.
The recall expands a previous recall issued in 2017 for a similar issue that affected 740,000 BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, and Z4 models from 2007 to 2011.
“The electrical contacts of the PCV valve heater are coated with a plastic material. Irregularities in the manufacturing process could allow moisture to occur near the PCV valve heater and lead to a short circuit,” according to documentation that BMW filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to BMW, the problem is “extremely rare,” but the company is warning customers to stop driving their vehicle if there is smoke coming from the engine compartment or if the driver smells smoke or plastic burning.
Owners should expect to be notified by BMW in early June. According to Consumer Reports, dealers will replace the PCV valve heater for free to solve the problem.