BMW has put the brakes on five of its brand-new 2024 4-Series Convertible models due to a fire risk lurking under the hood. This limited recall, affecting vehicles produced between October 10th and 11th, 2023, stems from a manufacturing flaw in the cylinder head cover.
BMW 4-Series Convertible">
The eagle eyes of a quality assurance test on October 5th spotted a seemingly minor oil leak. However, further investigation revealed the culprit - a potential anomaly in the cover's injection molding process. This could lead to variations in its wall thickness, paving the way for hairline cracks. Over time, these cracks could cause engine oil to leak into the engine compartment, creating a potential fire hazard.
While the number of affected vehicles is minuscule, the consequences could be significant. Fortunately, BMW hasn't recorded any accidents or injuries related to this issue yet. To nip the problem in the bud, the carmaker alerted its dealers on December 20th, 2023, and plans to notify owners individually starting February 9th. All five cars will receive a complete replacement of the faulty cylinder head cover, free of charge.
This isn't BMW's first recall rodeo in recent months. Earlier in December, a Takata airbag inflator issue prompted the recall of several X3, X4, and X5 models. Just six weeks before that, a driver-assistance system malfunction led to the recall of over 9,000 7-Series and 5-Series cars. While these recalls represent a small fraction of BMW's overall fleet, they underscore the importance of quality control and swift action in safeguarding consumer safety.
For the five lucky (or perhaps unlucky) owners of the fire-prone 4-Series, a trip to the dealership is on the horizon. While inconvenience is inevitable, the peace of mind that comes with a fire-proof engine compartment is surely worth the wait.