Vehicle recallDVSA
BMW X3, X4 and other models recalled over a fire risk
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Check your product
Only vehicles within the listed VIN ranges or build dates are covered. A franchised dealer can confirm from your VIN.
12 identifiers listed for this notice.
X3
- Build datesThe build or first registration date is on the V5C.
- 28/09/2020 – 29/05/2024
- Manufacturer referenceThe manufacturer’s own campaign number. Quote it to the dealer.
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
X4
- Build dates
- 26/04/2021 – 06/10/2022
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
X5
- Build dates
- 07/05/2021 – 19/06/2021
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
3 Series Saloon
- Build dates
- 18/09/2020 – 29/04/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
3 Series Touring
- Build dates
- 18/09/2020 – 09/04/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
4 Series Coupe
- Build dates
- 18/08/2020 – 25/04/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
4 Series Convertible
- Build dates
- 23/09/2020 – 25/04/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
4 Series Gran Coupe
- Build dates
- 16/04/2021 – 05/05/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
Z4
- Build dates
- 02/09/2020 – 16/04/2025
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
5 Series Saloon
- Build dates
- 30/10/2020 – 02/06/2023
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
6 Series GT
- Build dates
- 28/07/2021 – 19/01/2023
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
2 Series Coupe
- Build dates
- 18/12/2020 – 29/04/2024
- Manufacturer reference
- 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600
What to do now
There is a risk of fire on affected BMW X3, X4 and other models.
- Check whether your vehicle is affected using its registration number on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker, or ask a franchised dealer.
- Contact a franchised dealer to book the free repair.
- Keep the manufacturer’s recall letter if you receive one, and update your address on the V5C so future letters reach you.
Why it matters. Vehicle fires can start while driving or parked. Some manufacturers advise parking outside until the repair is done.
Repairs and costs
Safety recall work is carried out by franchised dealers free of charge, whether or not you are the first owner and whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.
If a dealer will not carry out the recall work, contact the manufacturer’s customer services and, if that does not resolve it, the DVSA.
From the official notice
Published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (R/2026/054). Quoted as issued.
Summary
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Defect
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Models
X3, X4, X5, 3 Series Saloon, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 4 Series Gran Coupe, Z4, 5 Series Saloon, 6 Series GT, 2 Series Coupe
Open the DVSA notice
Questions
Why are BMW X3, X4 and other models being recalled?
There is a risk of fire on affected BMW X3, X4 and other models. Vehicle fires can start while driving or parked. Some manufacturers advise parking outside until the repair is done.
How do I know if my vehicle is affected?
Enter your registration number on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker or ask a franchised dealer, who can check your VIN against the manufacturer’s campaign. The VIN ranges and build dates published by the DVSA are listed on this page.
What should I do now?
Check whether your vehicle is affected using its registration number on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker, or ask a franchised dealer. Contact a franchised dealer to book the free repair.
Will the repair cost anything?
Safety recall work is carried out by franchised dealers free of charge, whether or not you are the first owner and whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty. If a dealer will not carry out the recall work, contact the manufacturer’s customer services and, if that does not resolve it, the DVSA.