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Some of these vehicles have already been recalled and will need another repair
BMW is recalling 917,106 vehicles because a short circuit may cause a fire. The recalled vehicles are the 2007-2010 X3 SUV, 2008-2013 1 Series coupe and convertible, 2007-2013 3 Series coupe and convertible, 2006-2011 3 Series sedan, 2006-2012 3 Series wagon, 2006-2010 5 Series sedan, 2006-2007 5 Series wagon, 2006-2008 Z4 coupe, and 2006-2011 Z4 convertible.
Some of these vehicles were already recalled in 2017 and/or 2019 for a similar issue and will need to be brought back to a dealer for another repair.
According to documents the automaker submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from a manufacturing defect involving the PCV valve heater, which helps recirculate waste gases within the engine. The heater could short-circuit, overheat, and catch fire. Drivers may first notice smoke coming from the area near the engine compartment, the smell of burning plastic, and an illuminated check engine light.
BMW told NHTSA that there have been at least six field reports of fires but no crashes or injuries related to the problem. The automaker is still working on a solution.
Learn what to do if your car catches fire.
Vehicles Recalled
• 2007-2010 X3 SUVs
• 2008-2013 1 Series coupes and convertibles
• 2007-2013 3 Series coupes and convertibles
• 2006-2011 3 Series sedans
• 2006-2012 3 Series wagons
• 2006-2010 5 Series sedans
• 2006-2007 5 Series wagons
• 2006-2008 Z4 coupes
• 2006-2011 Z4 convertibles
The problem: A manufacturing defect could cause a short circuit within the PCV valve heater, which could lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix: BMW has not yet developed a solution for this problem. Even vehicles that have already had their PCV valve heater replaced in prior recalls will need to be brought back to a dealer for another repair.
How to contact the manufacturer: BMW will contact owners by mail twice. The first letter will be sent around April 25, 2022, and will alert them that their vehicle has been recalled. The second letter will be sent after a repair has been developed and will instruct them on how to get it done free of charge.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V119
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
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Keith Barry
Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.
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