Fire risk in BMWS Exhaust system fault in diesel engines leads to recall of 268,000 BMWS in the UK

Fire risk prompts action; 268,000 cars affected in the UK

BMW IS RECALLING 1.6 million diesel-engined cars, including 268,000 in the UK, due to a potential fire risk.

The recall specifies that the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which helps reduce harmful NOX emissions, can in some cases leak coolant. In combination with the high temperatures present in the EGR module, this could result in smouldering soot particles.

It adds that “in very rare cases”, these particles could melt the engine’s intake manifold and “in extremely rare cases” there is a risk that it could lead to a fire.

SEVERAL MODELS AFFECTED

BMW found the issue during an internal investigation. It affects several models, including examples of the 3 Series and 5 Series saloon and estate, 4 Series and 6 Series coupé and convertible, and X3, X4, X5 and X6 SUVS.

An earlier worldwide recall, launched in August 2018, was aimed at rectifying 480,000 vehicles, but this has now been extended.

Four-cylinder diesels built between December 2014 and August 2016 are included, as are six-cylinder cars produced between July 2012 and June 2015.

Certain versions of the 1 Series, 2 Series, 7 Series and X1, built as early as August 2010 and as late as January 2017, will also be checked.

As with all recalls, letters are being sent to the registered owners of affected cars, recommending that they book their car in with their local dealer for remedial work. However, if you are concerned and haven’t received a letter yet, you can get in touch with a BMW dealership by emailing service@bmw.co.uk or calling 0370 5050 160.

NO SIGNIFICANT RISK

Explaining its decision to expand the original recall, BMW said in a statement: “During further examination of engines with a similar technical set-up [to the first cars], the BMW Group analysed individual cases that were not included in the original technical campaigns.

“These individual cases posed no significant risk to our customers,” the company added. “Nonetheless, it was decided to further reduce even this minor risk by expanding the country-specific technical campaigns.

“It is the goal of the BMW Group to support the trust and confidence of our customers in our products.”