DETROIT (AP) — BMW is recalling more than 917,000 older cars and SUVs in the US — most for the third time — to fix a problem that could spark engine fires.
The recall affects many Series 3, Series 5, Series 1, X5, X3, and Z4 vehicles from model years 2006 through 2013.
Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say there may be an electrical short in the positive crankcase breather valve heater. They can overheat and cause a fire.
The fire hazard occurs while driving or shortly after they are parked. BMW says the vehicles are still drivable because fires have been rare.
But the company says in documents that if a driver smells smoke or burning plastic or sees smoke coming from the engine compartment, they should go to a safe location, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle.
The German car manufacturer is still working on a solution. Owners will be notified by letter from 25 April.
Most cars were recalled in 2017 and 2019 for the same problem. BMW documents say owners who made the previous repairs should have their vehicles repaired again.
BMW says in documents it has eight reports of fires, but no reports of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.
Owners can go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/ and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their cars are affected.
