Why BMW Is Recalling 189,130 Cars Over a Starter Relay Fire Risk

Wouter Smit · 2026-09-01

If you own an older BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, or 7 Series, you might want to pay close attention to the latest news from Munich. The automaker has issued a recall covering 189,130 vehicles worldwide, and the reason is a bit unsettling: water can get into the starter relay, and that could lead to a fire. That's not the kind of headline you want to read about your daily driver. But before you panic, let's break down exactly what's happening, which cars are affected, and what you should do next if your BMW is on the list. ### Which BMW Models Are Affected? The recall covers vehicles built between July 29, 2014, and November 12, 2020. That's a fairly wide window, spanning about six years of production. Specifically, the affected models include: - BMW 3 Series (including the 320i, 328i, and 335i variants) - BMW 5 Series (including the 528i, 535i, and 550i) - BMW 7 Series (including the 740i and 750i) If your car falls into one of these categories and was manufactured during that time frame, it's worth checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the recall database. You can do that on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or by contacting your local BMW dealership directly. ### What's the Actual Problem? The issue centers on the starter relay, a small but critical component that helps your engine turn over when you press the start button. In these affected vehicles, the relay may not be sufficiently protected against water ingress. Over time, moisture can find its way into the relay housing, especially if you live in an area with heavy rain, snow, or high humidity. When water gets inside, it can cause corrosion or a short circuit. In the worst-case scenario, that electrical fault could generate enough heat to start a fire. BMW hasn't reported any injuries or deaths related to this issue, but the company is taking proactive steps to address it before something serious happens. ### How BMW Plans to Fix It Here's the good news: the fix is relatively straightforward. BMW will replace the starter relay with a new, properly sealed unit that won't let water in. The repair is completely free of charge, and it should take less than an hour at an authorized dealership. If you're not sure whether your car is affected, you can call BMW's customer service line or visit their recall portal. Just have your VIN handy—it's usually found on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield or on your vehicle registration documents. ### What Should You Do Right Now? Don't wait for a letter in the mail. While BMW is required to notify owners by mail, that process can take weeks. If you suspect your car might be affected, take action today: 1. Find your VIN and run it through the NHTSA recall checker. 2. Call your local BMW dealer to schedule the repair. 3. If you notice any electrical issues, like a slow crank or a burning smell, stop driving the car immediately. It's also worth noting that this recall isn't limited to the United States. BMW is addressing the problem globally, which means owners in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere will all receive the same fix. ### A Quick Word on BMW's Recent Recall History This isn't the first time BMW has dealt with fire-related recalls. In recent years, the company has issued several notices for issues ranging from coolant pump failures to fuel pump problems. It's a reminder that even premium automakers aren't immune to manufacturing defects. The good news is that recalls exist for a reason. They're designed to catch problems early, before they turn into dangerous situations. And in this case, BMW is doing the right thing by addressing the issue head-on. So, if you own one of these vehicles, don't ignore the news. A quick trip to the dealership could save you from a much bigger headache down the road. And if your car isn't affected, consider yourself lucky—but maybe still check your VIN, just to be safe.