BMW China, Brilliance BMW Recall More Than 150,000 Vehicles Over Starter and Software Defects

BMW (China) Automotive Trading Co. and Brilliance BMW Automotive Co. have filed four recall plans with China's State Administration for Market Regulation, covering more than 150,000 imported and domestically produced vehicles, according to Jiemian News. The recalls take effect on October 30, 2026 for three batches and immediately for two others. BMW (China) will recall 93,071 imported 2 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, X4, X5, X6 and Z4 vehicles built between February 22, 2021 and April 29, 2025 because repeated starts may cause abnormal starter wear, making the car difficult to start and, in extreme cases, creating a fire risk. Brilliance BMW and BMW (China) will also recall 57,423 domestically produced 5 Series vehicles and 364 imported 7 Series vehicles built between December 11, 2017 and August 28, 2020, and between June 29, 2016 and January 18, 2018, respectively, over a starter relay waterproofing defect that could lead to corrosion, electrical short circuits and overheating. Both companies said they will replace the improved starter free of charge. In a separate recall, Brilliance BMW and BMW (China) will recall 157 domestically produced X1, X5 and 5 Series vehicles and 61 imported X2, X6, X7, 5 Series, 7 Series and MINI JCW Countryman vehicles built between May 15, 2023 and April 30, 2024, and between July 6, 2022 and June 25, 2024, respectively. The companies said some vehicles may not have successfully upgraded software during earlier recall work, which could prevent warning messages about potential DSCi risks from appearing as intended. They will reinstall onboard diagnostic software and ask owners to return for free DSCi part replacements if needed.