BMW announced that it is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles across the country over fire concerns.
The firm reported that the 2006 3 Series, 5 Series, and Z4 cars may experience an electrical short. In this case, a fire may occur. Due to this risk, the company is recalling all potentially impacted vehicles.
BMW says production irregularities with the heating element for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve are behind the problem. The item keeps the system from freezing and pollutants from being released into the atmosphere. The PCV also maintains the engine oil clean and helps to avoid crankcase pressure from building up.
Because the PCV valves in the 184,505 cars listed under this recall may come with electrical contacts that suffered irregularities during manufacturing, moisture may occur. If that’s the case, then a short circuit will follow.
The firm sent the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) detailing this recall and explaining this problem. And according to the manufacturer, car owners should stop driving if they notice smoke coming from the engine compartment or if they can smell plastic burning or smoke.
While this is the first time the firm is recalling these particular vehicles, this isn’t the first time the firm had a similar issue.
According to the NHTSA, this is an expansion of a 2017 recall associated with a similar issue. At the time, the firm recalled 740,000 BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5, and Z4 models manufactured between 2007 and 2011.
This recall impacts the 2006 BMW 25i, 325Xi, 330i, 330Xi, 525i, 525Xi, 530i, 530Xi, and Z4 vehicles produced between Feb. 1, 2005 and Sept. 29, 2006. Dealers will replace all PCV valve heaters for free. BMW will only begin sending out recall notifications in early June.
How To Avoid Recall-Related Accidents
Drivers who are on top of recall alerts will know when their vehicles have issues. But others aren’t as lucky. That’s why it’s important to visit the NHTSA’s website and plug in your 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if your car is at risk.
By keeping track of recalls, you make sure that you and your family are safe from potential risks. Especially if recalls are tied to potentially serious risks.
If you’re a BMW car owner and you would like to learn more about this particular recall, follow this link.