BMW orders 29,919 plug-in hybrid owners to park outside due to fire risk

BMW is recalling 29,919 plug-in hybrid models from the 3-, 5-, and 7-Series due to a fire risk linked to faulty starters. Owners have been instructed to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the issue is resolved. The recall affects plug-in hybrid variants including the 2016–2018 330e iPerformance, 2017–2019 740Le xDrive iPerformance, and 2018–2020 530e iPerformance, as well as its all-wheel-drive version. The problem stems from corrosion in the engine starter relay, which can cause overheating and short circuits. Water intrusion into the relay can lead to corrosion, potentially causing starting issues or even a thermal event during operation or when parked with the ignition off. This recall is tied to a broader 2025 investigation that initially covered 196,355 vehicles, though the plug-in hybrids were not included in that earlier campaign. After examining roughly 150 starters from the field, BMW identified the need for a voluntary safety recall. Dealerships will replace the faulty starter with an improved design to resolve the issue. Owner notifications are set to begin in late August, meaning affected drivers may need to keep their cars parked outside for an extended period.