BMW Recalls 154,472 Vehicles Because of Fuel Leak Caused by 'Hot Wires'

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notified the public that BMW will be issuing recalls on 136,188 vehicles in the United States and another 18,284 in Canada due to possibility improperly crimped wires. The wires in question, for the fuel pump and a loose connection, could create enough heat to melt the connector and result in the vehicle leaking gas.

While there isn’t nearly enough oxygen in your fuel tank to turn your Beemer into a ticking time bomb, a wonky fuel pump is certainly worth getting fixed. NHTSA warns the fuel pump may offer limited functionality or could stop working entirely, causing an engine stall and increased risk of a crash. It also isn’t a good idea to perpetually starve your engine of fuel if you are hoping to keep it living long and healthy.

Affected models include: 2012 650i, 2012 640i, 2011-2012 550i, 2011-2012 535i, 2011-2012 528i, 2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2010-2011 X6, and 2007-2011 X5. Hybrid models are also included.

There have been no reports of injury, death, or Michael Bay-style explosions resulting from the problem at this time.

BMW’s recall will officially begin on December 5th, so keep an eye on your mailbox and check engine light if you own any of the vehicles listed above. It might also be worth giving your interior a sniff once in a while to see if you notice the faint aroma of gasoline.

Concerned owners can call BMW Customer Service or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline for more information.

[Image: BMW Group]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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 6 comments
  • 05lgt 05lgt on Oct 30, 2016

    What rhymes with "The Hire" and fits this story... maybe the next installment should be "The Fire".

  • Gasser Gasser on Oct 30, 2016

    Were these built in US or Europe? I note that no 3 series are included in the recall.

    • See 1 previous
    • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Oct 30, 2016

      @krhodes1 Let me make a guess: China.

  • Kvndoom Kvndoom on Oct 31, 2016

    What? An automotive recall that wasn't preceded by months of blaming the owners first? The world is changing right before my very eyes!

  • LS1Fan LS1Fan on Oct 31, 2016

    "Ach! Hans, ze fuel pump was supposed to fail after ze warranty! After ! Schisse!"

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