BMW recalls 180,000 cars in China over fire risk

The Chinese arm of German automaker BMW will recall nearly 180,000 vehicles due to a possible wiring fault in air conditioning units that poses a fire risk, China’s market regulator said on March 24, 2026. The recall applies to 133,849 domestically manufactured vehicles and 45,678 imported models produced between 2022 and 2025. — AFP

BEIJING: The Chinese arm of German automaker BMW will recall nearly 180,000 vehicles due to a possible wiring fault in air conditioning units that poses a fire risk, China's market regulator said on Tuesday (March 24).

The recall, which is effective immediately, applies to 133,849 domestically manufactured 5 Series vehicles produced between December 5, 2023, and April 12, 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said.

It also includes 45,678 imported 5 Series, 7 Series and M5 vehicles produced between June 2022 and April 2025, the regulator said.

"The vehicles within this recall scope have a front cabin air conditioning wiring harness that, due to improper wiring, may become damaged during after-sales air filter replacement," SAMR said.

"In extreme cases, this could cause a short circuit, posing a fire risk."

BMW will inspect and resecure the air conditioning wiring harness for the recalled vehicles, free of charge. - AFP