Recall: BMW 3, 5 and 7 series over starter motor fire risk

EU Safety Gate alert SR/02525/26, published 15 September 2026, was notified by Germany. The product was found on the market in Croatia by its authorities; the same problem was also found by the authorities of Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Luxembourg, Sweden and Slovenia.

The products are BMW 3 series, 5 series and 7 series passenger cars (models 3L, 7L, G5L, approval numbers e1*2007/46*0314*, e1*2007/46*0276*, e1*2007/46*1688*), produced between 29 July 2014 and 12 November 2020 (barcodes 0012820600, 0012840600).

Water may enter the starter motor and cause damage. As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers.

The manufacturer launched a voluntary product recall from consumers from 31 August 2026. More information is available from the manufacturer at bmw.de/rueckrufe.