Automotive electrical issues can be especially difficult to diagnose and correct. Today’s cars and trucks are seriously complicated pieces of engineering that practically have more software than an app store, more computer processors than a chip foundry, and more wiring than the power grid. When something electrical goes wrong, it can be a nightmare to correct. And unfortunately for its customers, BMW is facing an electrical issue with some popular vehicles. A range of 2025 model year products is being recalled for a problem with starter-generators and associated wiring.
A Comparatively Simple Issue Affecting Relatively Few Vehicles
Fortunately, the issue here has nothing to do with software or control modules. Rather, the problem is relatively simple. In certain vehicles, the wiring between the starter-generator and battery may be loose. This can cause the engine to stall – which is bad – but the potential defect could also lead to a fire – which is terrible.
To correct this issue, dealers will inspect the starter-generator and positive battery cable in vehicles affected by the recall. If necessary, both of those components will be replaced. Of course, any necessary repairs will be completed free of charge.
- This recall applies to vehicle starter-generators and positive battery cables
- The action applies to 4,397 cars and crossovers, an estimated 90 percent of which have this issue
- Models affected include the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, and X3
Adding some color, according to BMW, in vehicles impacted by this action, “The starter-generator may not have been produced by the supplier according to specifications, specifically, at the connection point for the positive battery cable.” This makes it sound like component replacement is necessary, not merely tightening the connection.
“Over time, this could increase the risk of engine stalling without warning, which could increase the risk of a crash. Also, over time, this could increase the risk of smoldering and, in an extreme case, a fire. Both of these conditions could also increase the risk of an injury,” and that’s something that nobody wants.
The vehicles affected by this callback include the 330i and all-wheel-drive 330i xDrive, the closely related 430i and 430i xDrive, the larger 530i and 530i xDrive, and the X3 crossover utility vehicle. This recall applies exclusively to the 2025 model year, and affects up to 4,397 vehicles, though only 90 percent of those are estimated to have this issue. In the grand scheme of automotive recalls, this is a relatively small one. For instance, Ford has posted some much, MUCH larger call-back actions in recent weeks.
What To Do Next
If you own one of these BMWs, the manufacturer is expected to mail out official recall notifications by May 23, 2025, so keep an eye on your postbox for a letter from the German automaker. For reference, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number for this recall is 25V202000.
Customers that have any questions or concerns can contact the NHTSA safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or online at NHTSA.gov. Additionally, BMW’s customer service number is 1-800-525-7417.
Read the full article here
