BMW Is Recalling 180,000 Cars In UK Over Air-Con Fire Risk

BMW is recalling 180,000 cars in the UK over fears an air-con fault could pose a fire hazard.

Owners of around 180,000 first-generation (E8x) BMW 1 Series cars built between 2004 and 2011 are now being contacted; however, due to limited parts, they may have to wait another four to eight weeks before a date for repairs can be arranged.

The cost of repairs will be paid by BMW.

In a statement shared with The Scotsman, the German car manufacturer said: "Over time, frictional corrosion can occur at the contacts of the blower regulator due to vibrational stress.

"When combined with high current flow at the maximum blower speed, an increase in temperature can occur, which may result in damage to the regulator connection and wiring. In rare cases this may lead to a fire.

"Cars are being recalled to dealers so the wiring to the regulator can be examined and replaced. In some cases, the regulator may also have to be replaced."

BMW added that people can still use their car unless they experience any of the following problems:

• Intermittent or complete loss of airflow from the air conditioning system including the max air conditioning or demist functions

• Smell of scorching/burning within the vehicle cabin

• Smoke within the vehicle cabin from the interior vents

If they detect any of these problems, they should stop using the car and contact BMW on 0808 1968815.

People should also avoid using the max and demist settings on their air-conditioning, while owners with manual air-conditioning should leave the fan speed at its lowest setting.

BMW is in the process of writing to affected owners, but you can check if your BMW needs to be recalled using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) here.

BMW previously had to recall 312,000 vehicles in 2018 after BBC's Watchdog found out that they could cut out while on the road.

The models recalled were: the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, Z4, and X1 petrol and diesel models made between March 2007 and August 2011.

The initial recall of 36,410 cars was extended after the manufacturer realised that a similar fault could affect other models.

LADbible has contacted BMW for comment.