BMW said Friday it is recalling 720,796 vehicles due to a risk of fire while cars are parked and turned off. The vehicles were previously recalled in 2024 for a water pump issue and must be repaired again, NHTSA said, adding that owners “should park your vehicle outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the vehicle is repaired.”
NHTSA said the following vehicles should be parked outside until repairs can be made:
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2012-2016 BMW 3 Series
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2012-2016 BMW 5 Series
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2012–2015 BMW X1
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2012-2016 BMW Z4
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2013-2017 BMW X3
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2014-2016 BMW 2 Series coupe
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2014–2016 BMW 3 Series sportswagon
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2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
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2014-2016 BMW 4 Series convertible
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2014-2016 BMW 4 Series coupe
But they aren’t EVs. I thought only EVs caught fire, not good old fashioned ICE vehicles. /s
Ole reliable, smacks hood, explodes.
NHTSA said an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit, increasing fire risks.
I have never worked on a car that had any kind of ‘electronically actuated/controlled’ water pump. The hell? And they’re all ‘older’ cars now…
Being force fed ads on the dashboard of a car you paid premium money for, having to pay absurdly inflated maintenance costs, having to pay additional monthly fees to use basic features that come already installed, and having the right to repair locked behind software locks and proprietary hardware wasn’t enough. It needs to burn down your house as well.
This bullshit has been going on 15 years. Why: because BMW used plastics in the pressurized fuel system that fail after a certain number of heat cycles. So at some point, the fuel lines dont release pressure as they should , then a crack turns into a gas sprayer.
BMW fires are a meme.
Capitalism sure does promote innovation. Just like BMWs proprietary screw head! Thats helped a lot of folks I’m sure. Or subscription seat heaters.
bUt eLeCtRiC CaRs CatCh fiRe!?!
Boom
Maybe
WednesdayWhat it doesn’t say in the article, this only applies to vehicles with the N20 engine.
recalled in 2024 for a water pump issue
You mean that “issue” where the water pump magically fails at 85,000km and warranty expires at 80,000km?
No, the connector failed allowing the high current terminals to short and cause a fire.
Looks like Minis dodged a bullet. Same pump manufacturer (Pierburg), but it’s a different part for that BMW brand.
This is only on the N20 engine, which mini never used.
True. That said, they do occasionally use some parts across brands. Example, the engine’s ignition systems have a lot of shared components.
I remember there being a pump -> fire recall with Minis a while ago, so I felt like it was worth running a parts check. I also distrust manufacturers and expect them to try to minimize recalls.
