Huge recall coming for BMW owners

Some 200,000 Toyota GR Supras and BMW Z4 roadsters, as well as other key BMW models, have been recalled in North America over a fire risk that’s likely to affect some Australian BMW vehicles – but not local Supras.

BMW and Toyota have linked a new fire risk to a defect in the starter motor of the ‘B48’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines which, in extreme cases, could switch on by itself and overheat, short-circuit and catch fire.

Australian Supra owners will not be affected as the cars sold locally only came with the larger ‘B58’ 3.0-litre turbo six and not the smaller B48 available in the US, Japan and other markets.

The bulk of the recall’s volume affects a far higher number of Z4s, as well as the higher-selling BMW 230i, 330i, 430i, 530i and X3 and X4 mid-size SUVs, all of which are offered in Australia.

There's been no local activity yet, but it's thought a mass recall could be made in the coming days or weeks, with BMW Australia reportedly confirming it was aware of the global recall, with the local outfit thought to be analysing what cars might be impacted.

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