BMW issues worldwide recall for 5 and 6 Series (2003–2010)

Details have emerged this morning of a massive recall to be undertaken by BMW. It’s estimated 1.3 million vehicles are affected, including models sold in Australia. The cars affected are all 5 Series and 6 Series models built between 2003–2010.

In delightful PR-speak this recall is being referred to as a “quality measure”. According to an official statement from BMW AG the fault is related to the battery cable cover.

“In some remote cases, the battery cable cover inside the boot of these vehicles may be incorrectly mounted,” the statement reads.

“This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire.

“We are not aware of any accidents or injury to persons resulting from this fault.”

BMW Australia has made efforts to alert owners through twitter and Facebook updates. Apparently the inspection and repair should take less than an hour and BMW will be contacting owners through their nationwide dealer network to make arrangements.

Fair play to BMW, it’s good to see manufacturers getting on the front foot for these types of issues. Not all of them do.

BMW AG Quality Measure. Previous generation BMW 5 and 6 Series models built between 2003 and 2010.

26.03.2012

In order to carry out a quality measure, the BMW AG is re-calling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models of the previous generation, built between 2003 and 2010 and still on the market for repair at authorised dealers.

In some remote cases, the battery cable cover inside the boot of these vehicles may be incorrectly mounted.

This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire.

We are not aware of any accidents or injury to persons resulting from this fault.

Vehicle owners will be notified in writing. Affected vehicles will remain at the respective BMW Partner repair workshop for approximately 30 minutes, the service, of course, being free of charge to the customer.

Approximately 1.3 million vehicles worldwide are affected.

Comment from BMW Australia

Attention All BMW Owners.

BMW Australia has announced a technical campaign recalling all BMW 5 Series and 6 Series built between 03/2003 and 09/2010.

This campaign relates to a battery cable cover in the trunk. In some rare cases, the vehicle may have been fitted with an incorrect plastic cover mounting, which may over time cause electrical problems. Although no problems have been reported in Australia we would still like to ensure all vehicles this campaign affects are inspected and rectified if necessary. The inspection and repair should take less than an hour to complete and of course is free for all customers.

BMW Australia will be contacting all known customers via our Dealership network to arrange for the vehicles to come into the workshop however, if you have a BMW 5 Series or 6 Series that falls within these build dates we would ask you to make contact with your local BMW Dealership.

Kind regards,
BMW Australia