BMW is set to recall 147,830 vehicles in China after regulators identified a manufacturing problem with the starter motor that could impair vehicle ignition and, in extreme cases, create a fire risk, the State Administration for Market Regulation said.
The recall encompasses certain imported BMW 2 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X4, X5, X6 and Z4 models. Affected vehicles were manufactured between July 31, 2020 and December 22, 2022, according to the regulator’s statement.
China’s announcement reiterates the severity of the defect as described by the regulator: the starter motor issue can cause difficulty starting the vehicle and in rare, extreme instances may pose a fire risk. The recall is intended to address the manufacturing fault and mitigate those safety concerns.
This action in China follows an earlier announcement from BMW in February indicating that a global recall would affect a mid-six-figure number of cars after the potential starter motor defect was discovered. The Chinese recall quantifies the number of vehicles to be remedied within the country at 147,830.
Regulatory disclosures identify the precise model families and production window involved, but do not provide additional technical detail in the statement released by the State Administration for Market Regulation. The regulator’s announcement focuses on the practical implications for owners - starting problems and an extreme risk of fire - and on the scope of models and production dates subject to the remedy.
Owners of the listed vehicle models manufactured in the specified period should expect to receive further information from BMW or local dealers about the recall process, inspections and potential repairs. The recall underscores the role of market regulators in identifying and mandating remedies for defects that carry safety implications.
Summary
- BMW will recall 147,830 imported vehicles in China because of a starter motor manufacturing defect.
- The defect can make vehicles hard to start and, in extreme cases, could pose a fire hazard.
- The recall covers specific 2 Series through 7 Series models plus X4, X5, X6 and Z4 vehicles built between July 31, 2020 and December 22, 2022.
Key points
- The recall number for China is 147,830 vehicles, as stated by the State Administration for Market Regulation.
- Impacted models are imported BMW 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series, X4, X5, X6 and Z4 vehicles produced between the stated dates.
- The announcement follows BMW’s February statement that a global recall covering a mid-six-figure number of cars would be necessary due to the same potential starter motor defect.
Risks and uncertainties
- Safety risk - The defect can cause difficulty starting and, in extreme cases, may lead to a fire risk; this directly affects vehicle safety for owners of the listed models.
- Regulatory and compliance risk - The recall is driven by a regulator’s finding; further regulatory directives or expanded scopes could arise depending on inspections and outcomes.
- Market and operational uncertainty - The recall's full operational and commercial implications for the automaker and related suppliers remain tied to the remediation process and the final tally of affected cars globally.