BMW recalls 189,130 3, 5 and 7 Series over starter relay fire risk

Around 189,130 BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series saloons are subject to a safety recall linked to a faulty starter relay that regulators have identified as a potential fire risk. According to a trade report, the issue was flagged by German regulators before being passed through to the dealer network for action.

The starter relay is a small electrical component that controls the flow of current to the starter motor when you turn the ignition. If it develops a fault, it can allow excessive current to pass through it even after the engine has started, which in a worst-case scenario can generate enough heat to start a fire. It is the kind of fault that may not trigger a warning light or give any obvious sign something is wrong, which is why a formal recall is the appropriate route rather than waiting for owners to report symptoms.

BMW has arranged for the fix to be carried out free of charge through its authorised dealer network. Owners of affected 3, 5 and 7 Series models should expect to receive notification directly from BMW, after which they can book the work in at a dealer. There is no cost to the owner and no MOT or road-legal implication in the meantime, though it is sensible to have the repair completed promptly given the nature of the risk.

This recall is based on a single trade report and has not yet been confirmed through official channels. Owners who are unsure whether their vehicle is included can contact BMW UK directly, quoting their vehicle identification number, to ask whether their car falls within the affected batch. Official UK government recall records can also be searched using a vehicle's registration number to check for any outstanding safety actions.