[mirob]

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This may be useful to some.

One of my friends has an N54 335i. He called BMWNA and told them that he's worried that the car would catch fire in the garage and set the house on fire. They were totally understanding and told him that there isn't a remedy for the problem yet (not really one in sight either).

However, they also told him to drop his vehicle off at the nearest dealer, they would contact the dealer and set everything up. The dealer would either put him in a loaner or a rental. So he did. He's in a rental now and up until they fix the issue. He's assuming that cars that are replaced with rentals will get fixed first since it's costing BMW extra money. Makes sense to me.

Just wanted to give the guys with the affected vehicles a heads up.



Fire hazard: BMW recalls 1.4M vehicles due to risk of under-hood fires

DETROIT — BMW is recalling more than 1.4 million cars and SUVs in two U.S. recalls due to the risk of fires under the hood.

A spokesman for the German automaker says the risk of fire is very low in both cases, but the vehicles should say outside "in an abundance of caution." In both recalls, repairs are expected to start on Dec. 18.

The largest of the recalls covers over 740,000 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles from 2007-2011. Also included is the 2008-2011 128i. All have 6-Cylinder engines.

Documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. No injuries have been reported. Dealers will replace the heater.

The heater is designed to prevent the valve from freezing in cold temperatures, BMW spokesman Hector Arellano-Belloc said. But irregularities in manufacturing can cause corrosion can lead to overheating.

The other recall covers nearly 673,000 cars including the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 from the 2006-2011 model years. Also covered are the 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009-2011 335d.

Wiring for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and cause connectors to melt, also increasing the fire risk, even when vehicles are unattended. Four drivers reported injuries. BMW says a wiring connection can corrode and in rare cases cause fires.

Dealers will replace the wiring and connectors.

The recalls total about 1.4 million vehicles, but some are included in both, BMW said.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money...res/828690001/


NHTSA document/report for affected 3-series vehicles in HVAC wiring recall (includes production date ranges:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V676-9625.PDF

Other document/report for affected vehicles in PCV heater recall:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V683-7475.pdf

[TooFan328i]

Just read this:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-b...-idUSKBN1D31MM

[mkoesel]

Interesting that USA Today misrepresented the fact that, since there is overlap between the two recalls, only a million distinct vehicles are actually affected. Of course, there is nevertheless 1.4 million issues to address with said vehicles, so sure, that's important to report too.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

DETROIT (AP) — BMW is recalling more than 1.4 million cars and SUVs in two U.S. recalls due to the risk of fires under the hood.
The biggest recall includes over 740,000 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles from 2007-2011. Also included is the 2008-2011 128i.

Documents posted Friday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. No injuries have been reported. Dealers will replace the heater.
The second recall covers nearly 673,000 cars including the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 from the 2006-2011 model years. Also covered are the 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009-2011 335d.

Wiring for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and cause connectors to melt, also increasing the fire risk, even when vehicles are unattended. Four drivers reported injuries.
Dealers will replace the wiring and connectors. Both recalls begin Dec. 18.

http://kron4.com/ap/bmw-recalls-1-4m...er-hood-fires/

[RickFLM4]

Maybe good to have this link in this thread:

https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-recalls.html

[DrtyJrze]

So basically if you're driving a 7-12 year old car it may start having electrical problems.

Is this really breaking news? Glad they're having a recall, but I wouldn't bad mouth BMW for this one.

[balloonsalesman]

Wondering if the 1M is involved? Basically same engine as many of the cars included.

[Sge92x]

I wonder what would be different for the 2012 e92 328i xdrive and would it be on the recall next

[phoenixbmwlife]

Wow that headline sounds so bad. 1.4 million vehicles recalled due to risk of under hood fire.

Then you read the story and these vehicles are 7 - 10 years old and only now showing a problem? This is probably more of a precautionary measure by BMW than an issue.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by balloonsalesman

Wondering if the 1M I'm involved? Basically same engine as many of the cars included.

I'm sort of surprised it isn't. It appears that no 135/1M/z435is are included but oddly the 335 from the same period is included in the second recall.

[norsairius]

NHTSA document/report for affected 3-series vehicles in HVAC wiring recall (includes production date ranges): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V676-9625.PDF
Other document/report for affected vehicles in PCV heater recall: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...7V683-7475.pdf

[kevinlevrone]

Why not Europe too ? Do you really think they use different wiring in Europe ? No, its just that the EU does not have the necessary power to force BMW to do this recall.

[XxGhostxX]

I looked up my 2011 335IS and it says I don't have a recall but seems as I am in the date range. Any idea on if mine still might be affected?

[adc]

Originally Posted by phoenixbmwlife

Wow that headline sounds so bad. 1.4 million vehicles recalled due to risk of under hood fire.

Then you read the story and these vehicles are 7 - 10 years old and only now showing a problem? This is probably more of a precautionary measure by BMW than an issue.

If your 7 year old car caught fire sitting in your garage and caused your house to burn down perhaps you would be less forgiving.

That’s exactly a scenario that could happen, and BMW wants none of that on their hands. These aren’t electrical gremlins, as in your AC only works if you jiggle the knob, this is serious and potentially life threatening.

It’s very good that BMW decided to own this issue and get it done right.

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by DrtyJrze

So basically if you're driving a 7-12 year old car it may start having electrical problems.

Is this really breaking news? Glad they're having a recall, but I wouldn't bad mouth BMW for this one.

I wouldn't give them a pass either. And no, it's not normal for cars to have electrical issues after 7yrs that result in fire. lol

[Mtl128_25]

Guys,

I am not a 100% sure but earlier this year i had to change the evaporator on my 2008 328i coupe. While they were doing this change they noticed that «*something a part*» had completely melted and i had to change this piece. It was an extra 500$. All this was done at the dealer. If it turns out related to this recall, would bmw reimburse me? Im in Canada.

I can eventually look in my receipt and give you guys more details on prt numbers and all if it helps.

Thanks

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by adc

If your 7 year old car caught fire sitting in your garage and caused your house to burn down perhaps you would be less forgiving.

That’s exactly a scenario that could happen, and BMW wants none of that on their hands. These aren’t electrical gremlins, as in your AC only works if you jiggle the knob, this is serious and potentially life threatening.

It’s very good that BMW decided to own this issue and get it done right.

The emphasis is on if. Which is why I will reiterate what I said. I believe this is more of a precaution. It's been 10 years for some of these cars with no issues. If it happens in its 30th year of existence it's an issue for BMW which is why I believe they recalled it. Don't misconstrue what I said.

[Eddien123]

Interesting... will probably get something in the mail soon.

[LemonOne]

2006 M3 (E46) and 2007-8 M3 (E92) are both recalled?? I'm a bit confused.
It says Model Year so both the E46s and E92s are effected?

[Em/1]

Seems Mike (Roundel tech writer) is right again when he complains about the harness being reduced to practically copper vapor to save money and a little weight.

[secretanchitman]

Looks like my E92 335i is affected. Fine with me as long as it gets repaired in a timely manner this time!

When should we expect parts to arrive to fix our cars?

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by Em/1

Seems Mike (Roundel tech writer) is right again when he complains about the harness being reduced to practically copper vapor to save money and a little weight.

The gauge of the wire is not the cause of the issue, is the connection is slightly loose and causes heat buildup. Water ingress into the blower motor from improper repairs, namely the windshield replacement, makes the situation worse.