When in doubt recall them all, as BMW has done here after paying $3 million in fines imposed by NHTSA last month for delaying or covering up a series of recalls. Toyota still holds the record at $50 million in fines for its safety defect coverups.
BMW AG is recalling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models from the previous generation, built between 2003 and 2010 for possible fires. About 1.3 million vehicles worldwide are affected.
The battery cable cover inside the trunk of these BMWs may be mounted improperly. This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, failure to start and, smoldering mats and in some cases, charring or fire. Complaints date to 2006, and the problem can occur with the ignition turned off.
In a terse statement BMW said, “We are not aware of any accidents or injury to persons” from this safety defect, but did not elaborate on the problem, when it was discovered and how many incidents there are. More details will be available when the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is made public. This large BMW recall follows fines imposed by NHTSA on BMW last month for delaying a series of recalls. (See BMW Follows Toyota by Paying $3 Million Fine for not Reporting Safety Defects within Five Days to NHTSA)
Vehicle owners will be notified in writing. Affected vehicles will take about 30 minutes to repair. The service is free of charge to the customer as is required by U.S. safety regulations.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
