The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·12V126000·Announced 2012-03-26

BMW Recalls 5, 6 Series, M5, and M6 for Battery Fire Risk

BMW is recalling 2004-2010 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 vehicles because a loose battery cable connection may overheat and cause a fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (loose battery cable) that poses a significant risk of fire, even when the vehicle is not in use, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5 Series, 2004-2010 6 Series, 2006-2010 M5, and 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

As the connection loosens, electrical resistance may increase, causing the cable connection to overheat. This overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BMW 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, M5, M6
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Car
Hazard
Affected units
367,682

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • 5 SERIES
  • 6 SERIES
  • M5
  • M6

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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