The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
The risk
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 530i | 2021 |
| BMW 540i | 2021 |
| BMW 740Li | 2021 |
| BMW 840i | 2021 |
| BMW M340I | 2021 |
| BMW M440I | 2021 |
| BMW X5 | 2021 |
| BMW X6 | 2021 |
| BMW X7 | 2021 |
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 530i | 2021 | 17 | 7 |
| BMW 540i | 2021 | 9 | 6 |
| BMW 740Li | 2021 | 0 | 5 |
| BMW 840i | 2021 | 0 | 5 |
| BMW M340I | 2021 | 11 | 6 |
| BMW M440I | 2021 | 6 | 5 |
| BMW X5 | 2021 | 110 | 12 |
| BMW X6 | 2021 | 7 | 7 |
| BMW X7 | 2021 | 47 | 9 |
Other electrical system recalls in 2020
105 of the 782 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2020 concerned the electrical system; BMW of North America, LLC filed 347 campaigns in all.
| 20V812000 28 Dec 2020 | Marion Body Works Inc. |
| 20V805000 21 Dec 2020 | SVI Trucks |
| 20V801000 18 Dec 2020 | Keystone RV Company |
| 20V790000 17 Dec 2020 | General Motors, LLC |
| 20V798000 17 Dec 2020 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| 20V779000 15 Dec 2020 | Rosenbauer America |
| 20V783000 15 Dec 2020 | Halcore Group, Inc. |
| 20V781000 15 Dec 2020 | Ducati North America |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2020