BMW Group reveals reason behind starter defect that may stop engines - EXCLUSIVE

Product controls and customer complaints have shown that in the identified vehicles the starter motor could become defective, the source in BMW Austria Customer Service said in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

According to the source, the magnetic switch in the starter establishes the electrical connection during the starting process.

"Due to production influences, a high number of start operations can lead to increased wear in the magnetic switch. This leads to a deterioration in the ability of engine starting. As a result, the vehicle’s engine may no longer be able to start at all," the statement reads.

In addition, the source added, a short circuit in the magnetic switch cannot be ruled out.

"Consequently, this may cause local overheating in the starter. In the worst case, this can lead to a vehicle fire during vehicle operation. In such a case, smoke may be seen or smelled during driving or when exiting the vehicle," the source explained.

Furthermore, BMW Austria Customer Service recommends not leaving the vehicle unattended with the engine running after starting the engine - especially after remote engine start.

As noted, German automotive giant BMW has recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide due to a fire risk that could be caused by the engine starter motor.

The measure affects 16 models manufactured between July 2020 and July 2022

Photo: BMW Group

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller