Alert BMW: 324,000 units with diesel engines recalled in Europe over fire risk

Cars are not free from problems when they leave the factory. On some occasions buyers may receive a notice to bring their car to one of the brand’s workshops for an inspection of safety. On other occasions the problem is far more serious than a faulty electric window. This is what has happened with several BMW models, which have been found catching fire on diesel engines BMW. It all began in South Korea, although the problem could also exist in Europe, where a recall of these models has been issued.

Apparently, up to 27 fires have occurred in several BMW models. Of these, 13 buyers have filed a class action seeking compensation of 5 million won, which at the current exchange rate comes to roughly 3,825 euros. This is not the most serious part: many owners of BMW models are beginning to fear driving their cars. Fortunately, the brand has been able to determine where the fault lies and can fix it before more accidents occur.

It all seems to stem from the exhaust gas recirculation system, known as EGR, which feeds these exhaust gases back into the engine so the block works with a lean air mixture. This system uses a coolant. In some cases, this coolant can leak out of its circuit and get into the EGR itself, and a flame can result because of the high temperatures generated at the EGR valve.

Once the problem was located, BMW apologised to customers and began recalling the cars fitted with this system in the engine. These cover several models, ranging from the 3 Series to the 7 Series, and the BMW X3 to BMW X6, with 4- and 6-cylinder engines. In Europe, which concerns us most, the recall is expected to cover 324,000 cars, some of them in Spain as well.

For now, if you have one of these cars, equipped with four-cylinder diesel engines manufactured between 2015 and 2016, or with six-cylinder engines built between 2012 and 2015, you will have to wait for a letter inviting you to one of the workshops authorised by the brand to carry out the inspection. The brand says that none of this is very likely to happen, but since these fires have occurred, it does not want to take any risks. And don’t worry about the cost, because the brand will bear the expense of a possible replacement of the EGR system. In the meantime, keep enjoying your BMW and don’t neglect to attend the inspection.