A problem with several BMWs’ water pump connector could lead to a short circuit, potentially causing a fire.
BMW has decided to recall 720,796 vehicles covering various models across its lineup between the 2012 and 2018 model years for a potentially faulty water pump electrical connector. Under certain conditions, the connector may short circuit, potentially starting a fire.
The automaker says it is recalling a wide range of vehicles to address the problem, including:
| Model | Year Range | Number of Vehicles | Starting Build Date | Ending Build Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2015 | X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i | 62,954 | March 8, 2011 | June 30, 2015 |
| 2012-2016 | Z4 xDrive28i | 6,621 | February 7, 2011 | August 22, 2016 |
| 2012-2016 | 528i, 528i xDrive | 110,102 | April 6, 2011 | October 27, 2016 |
| 2012-2016 | 328i, 328xi | 236,702 | June 9, 2011 | July 14, 2016 |
| 2013-2017 | X3 sDrive28i, xDrive28i | 163,728 | February 15, 2012 | August 25, 2017 |
| 2014-2015 | 328i, 328xi Sportswagon | 5,980 | February 26, 2013 | June 28, 2016 |
| 2014-2016 | 228i, 228xi Coupe | 12,742 | July 10, 2013 | June 22, 2016 |
| 2014-2016 | 428i, 428i xDrive Coupe | 29,693 | March 12, 2013 | June 28, 2016 |
| 2014-2016 | 428i, 428i xDrive Convertible | 20,082 | June 10, 2013 | June 28, 2016 |
| 2014-2016 | 328xi GT | 12,709 | June 12, 2013 | June 29, 2016 |
| 2015-2016 | 228i, 228xi Convertible | 6,824 | September 16, 2014 | March 13, 2015 |
| 2015-2016 | 428i, 428xi Gran Coupe | 23,790 | February 28, 2014 | July 1, 2016 |
| 2015-2018 | X4 xDrive28i | 14,061 | March 6, 2014 | March 6, 2018 |
| 2016-2018 | X5 xDrive40e Hybrid | 14,808 | July 6, 2015 | June 30, 2018 |
More specifics on the problem and the fix
BMW says it first discovered a problem in March 2024, after the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport contacted the automaker about a “thermal event”. The automaker’s preliminary review of field notes indicates that a similar “thermal event” — or what we in common parlance would call a “fire” — occurred in January on a BMW vehicle in the U.S.
By July, after another field incident, BMW worked out with suppliers that a problematic electrical connector for vehicles’ water pumps. In some instances, insufficient sealing around the connector could cause fluid ingress. If that happens, the connector could experience a short circuit and start a fire.
As of August 2024, BMW says it is aware of approximately 18 customer complaints or field incidents that may be related to the issue. No injuries or accidents related to the problem were reported.
BMW will notify affected owners of the problem by mail on October 4. It’s already notified dealers, and the repair will involve technicians inspecting the water pump and the plug connector, replacing parts where necessary free of charge. The automaker states a shield will also be installed to divert fluid that might drop down onto the water pump from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system’s intake hose, again aiming to prevent any possible short circuits. BMW will reimburse owners who have already paid to fix the issue out of their own pocket.
