Recently the news about BMW recalling 360,000 cars in China over defective Takata airbags was circulating. According to reports around 20 people met with an accident due to faulty Takata airbags, this led to you a massive car recall sold by multiple car manufacturers.
Now there is yet again news about BMW to recall more than 180,000 vehicles which are all 2006 models because there is suspected risk of fire. Recently BMW inspected a report about field incidence and found out that several cars from 2006, mainly 3-series have been involved in the fire incidents. Therefore, BMW has decided to recall nearly 185,000 vehicles over the US to prevent possible engine fire.
BMW has revealed that the problem that has been diagnosed is that due to some irregularities in the production, moisture can get into the cars’ Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve heater and which can affect the plastic parts to degrade and possibly cause a fire.
This electrical short circuit can take place even when the engine is not on. Hence, BMW has announced this immediate recall that will take place from May 28 onwards. Customers will soon be notified through the mail and be asked to fix an appointment with their dealers.
All the dealers will be replacing the heaters at no cost. The PCV valve is a very important part of the car’s emission system; it filters the gases emitted by the vehicle, reduces air pollution and prevents the moisture from building and the wall from freezing.
The electrical contacts of these valves are covered with plastic material and due to irregularities in the manufacturing of these valves, there are chances of moisture to develop which can lead to a short circuit in the PCV valve. Although BMW said that the occurrence of such an event is very rare, but if the consumer witnesses even a slight smoke coming out of the engine, or smells plastic burning, they are recommended to stop driving and get out of the vehicle and be cautious until the glitch is fixed.
Owners are advised to return their vehicles to the dealership for repair, even if the car is long out of warranty, the car will be repaired free of charge. Owners are also advised to return vehicles instead of opting for repairs by private mechanics or owners using the BMW workshop manual.
The vehicles that are being recalled are 525i, 530i, 530xi, 525xi,,sports wagon, 325xi, 325xi , Z4 3.0i all year 2006 models. Although, in the recent year’s company recalls due to features or technological problems has been a common occurrence, but lately, even the top brands are announcing for recalls because of the faults in the manufacturing.
For a car brand like BMW, it is very shocking to see such frequent recalling. It has become the top 3rd brand to have recalled most cars. BMW is known for being reliable in the market despite the manufacturing problems that it has been facing.
In order to maintain their customers’ loyalty, BMW has been providing recalls for even the minor problems and has also offered the customers for extending warranty periods.
If you want to check whether your vehicle has an open recall or not, you can visit NHTSA’s website and enter your car’s 17 digits VIN number, you will be able to see if your car is open for recall.