Heads up, BMW owners, the German automaker has issued a global recall affecting about 575,000 vehicles worldwide. The issue stems from a possible fire risk due to the starter relay on affected models.

According to BMW, the recall includes multiple models that were built between July 2020 and July 2022. These affected models come with a faulty starter motor. After a particular high number of start cycles, wear in the magnetic switch will increase, which causes the first symptom, hard engine starts, or the engine not starting at all. In worst cases, the heat generated from the starter motor can cause a potential fire risk.

Further metal abrasion within the starter motor can also translate to a short circuit in the magnetic switch. This will then lead to the starter overheating, which can cause a vehicle fire, even while the vehicle is being driven.

To rectify the issue, BMW will replace the starter motor and, in some cases, also replace the battery. The automaker also mentioned that affected owners must not leave their cars running unattended after starting the vehicle.

BMW models that are part of the global recall include: the 2 Series Coupe (G42), the 3 Series Sedan (G20), 3 Series Touring (G21), 3 Series Sedan LWB (G28), 4 Series Coupe (G22), 4 Series Convertible (G23), 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26), 5 Series Sedan (G30), 5 Series Touring (G31), 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32), 7 Series Sedan (G11, G12), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05), X6 (G06), and the Z4 (G29).

We have reached out to BMW Philippines regarding the matter. However, we have yet to receive a reply on whether any of the vehicles sold in the country need to be recalled.