BMW has announced a recall of close to 180,000 vehicles in China due to a potential fire risk caused by a defect in the front cabin air conditioning wiring harness.
The move follows an order from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which cited the possibility of short circuits and subsequent fires in affected models.
The recall covers 133,849 domestically produced BMW 5 Series vehicles manufactured between December 2023 and April 2025. It also includes 45,678 imported models, such as the 5 Series, 7 Series and M5, built between June 2022 and April 2025.
SAMR said the front cabin air conditioning wiring harness in these vehicles may become damaged during after‑sales air‑filter replacement because of improper wiring. In extreme cases, this damage could lead to a short circuit and pose a fire hazard.
BMW has confirmed that it will inspect and repair the wiring harness in all affected vehicles at no cost to customers, by securing the harness to prevent further damage.
The recall takes effect immediately as Chinese authorities seek to avert any safety incidents linked to the defect.
