BMW recall: Plug in contact cable may malfunction
- What's wrong
- The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but…
- What to do
- Contact a BMW dealer to book the free repair. On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
What’s wrong
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
The fix
On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Vehicles affected
| Model | Built from | Built to | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 SERIES | 24 Oct 2006 | 30 Jun 2011 | 311,848 |
| X1 | 19 Aug 2009 | 15 Jun 2011 | 311,848 |
| Z4 | 2 Dec 2008 | 30 Nov 2009 | 311,848 |
| 3 SERIES | 20 Sep 2006 | 30 Jun 2011 | 311,848 |
How to check your vehicle
Use the official DVSA checker with your registration number to see if your exact vehicle is included. If it is, the manufacturer should have written to the registered keeper. The repair is free, even if you bought the vehicle second-hand.
Updated 7 June 2018. This page summarises an official notice. Details can change – always follow the official notice.