Owners of certain BMWs should park them outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until they can be repaired. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists 720,796 potentially affected vehicles in the nationwide recall. The fire risk can persist while a vehicle is parked and switched off.
BMW is still developing a fix. The recall replaces a 2024 campaign for the same water-pump issue, and vehicles that received the earlier repair need the new one. An improperly sealed connector on the electric water pump can be exposed to water and short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
Which BMWs are covered?
The recall applies to certain vehicles in the following model-year groups:
- 2012 to 2016: 3 Series, 5 Series and Z4.
- 2012 to 2015: X1.
- 2013 to 2017: X3.
- 2014 to 2016: 2 Series Coupe, 3 Series Coupe and Sportswagon, 328xi Gran Turismo, and 4 Series Coupe and Convertible.
- 2015 to 2016: 2 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupe.
- 2015 to 2018: X4.
- 2016 to 2018: X5 xDrive40e.
The model and year narrow the list. Your vehicle identification number, or VIN, identifies your individual car.
How to check your VIN
NHTSA says affected VINs will be searchable in its database starting Dec. 25. BMW expects to mail owner notices in December. If your car is in one of the listed groups, contact BMW's recall line at 800-525-7417 and ask about campaign 26V733000. You can also use BMW's recall lookup with your 17-character VIN. An earlier repair under campaign 24V608 does not clear the new recall.
