Owners of certain BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, or M5 models may be affected by a new recall related to a damaged air-conditioning wiring harness.
BMW of North America has initiated a recall affecting nearly 59,000 of its flagship and technology-focused models due to a potential fire risk. The issue stems from an air-conditioning wiring harness that may short-circuit, raising the possibility of a fire.
This marks the second fire-related recall BMW has announced this month. Earlier, approximately 87,000 vehicles were recalled over engine starters that posed a fire risk. The current recall is unrelated and concerns a different set of models, so it warrants closer examination.
- No. of vehicles affected: 58,713
- Risk: Fire hazard
- Cause: A/C wiring harness could become damaged and short-circuit
- Fix: Replacement of wiring harness, if necessary
- Cost: Free of charge
What Models Are Affected?
- BMW i5
- BMW i5 eDrive40
- 2024 BMW i7
- BMW i7
- 2025 BMW M5
- 2025 BMW M5
Documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the problem originates from an electrical wiring harness linked to the air-conditioning system. The harness can be damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
Specifically, a housing cover screw may come into contact with and damage the wiring harness. Since cabin air filter replacement is routine maintenance typically performed during annual servicing, the issue could arise under normal service conditions.
BMW has identified the following models and production years as subject to the recall:
- 2024-2025 BMW 750e
- 2025-2026 BMW 550e
- 2023-2025 BMW 7 Series
- 2024-2026 BMW 5 Series
- 2024-2026 BMW i5 eDrive40
- 2024-2025 BMW i5 M60
- 2025-2026 BMW i5 xDrive40
- 2024-2025 BMW i7 eDrive50
- 2023-2025 BMW i7 xDrive60
- 2025-2026 BMW M5
2025 BMW M5 Touring
In total, 58,713 vehicles are included, many of them representing the brand’s most premium sedans and wagons. Both variants of the M5, for instance, exceed $120,000 in price. Among the affected lineup, the 5 Series accounts for the largest share, with 20,438 units potentially impacted.
All of the listed vehicles are built on BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform and share advanced electrical systems. As a result, a single safety defect can extend across multiple closely related models within the manufacturer’s range.
BMW has stated that authorized dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the electrical wiring harness where necessary. In addition, a retaining strap or bracket will be installed if required. All corrective measures will be performed at no cost to the owner.
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to owners beginning April 13, 2026.
In the meantime, customers seeking additional details may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle owners can also verify whether their car is included in the recall by entering the VIN on the NHTSA website.
Although BMW has not issued a Do Not Drive notice and no accidents or injuries have been reported in connection with the defect, it is prudent to park affected vehicles away from buildings or other structures as a precaution against potential fire risk.
Owners may also be able to arrange for repairs before official notification letters are sent by contacting their local dealership.
This recall underscores how routine service procedures on modern, electronically complex vehicles can sometimes create unintended safety concerns. Fortunately, only a relatively small portion of the total production run is affected, and the likelihood of a fire occurring appears to remain low.
