US urges owners of 720,000 BMW vehicles to park outside over fire risks

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged the owners of ​more than 720,000 BMW vehicles to park outside ‌due to fire risks until repairs can be completed.

BMW said Friday it is recalling 720,796 vehicles due to a risk ​of fire while cars are parked and turned ​off. The vehicles were previously recalled in 2024 ⁠for a water pump issue and must be repaired ​again, NHTSA said, adding that owners “should park your vehicle outside ​and away from buildings and other vehicles until the vehicle is repaired.”

BMW is still working on the recall fix and is aware ​of 10 fire incidents that may related to the ​issue and occurred after vehicles were repaired under the 2024 recall.

‌NHTSA ⁠said an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit, increasing fire risks.
NHTSA said the following vehicles should ​be parked outside ​until repairs ⁠can be made:

• 2012-2016 BMW 3 Series
• 2012-2016 BMW 5 Series
• 2012–2015 BMW X1
• ​2012-2016 BMW Z4
• 2013-2017 BMW X3
• 2014-2016 ​BMW 2 ⁠Series coupe
• 2014–2016 BMW 3 Series sportswagon
• 2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
• 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series convertible
• 2014-2016 BMW ⁠4 ​Series coupe
• 2015-2016 BMW 2 ​Series convertible
• 2015-2016 BMW 4 Series gran coupe
• 2015-2018 BMW X4
• 2016-2018 ​BMW X5 xDrive40e

Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Joe Bavier