Over 1 Million Cars & SUVs Recalled By BMW Due To Fire Risk

More than 1 million cars and SUVs are being recalled by BMW due a fire risk under the hood.

According to WPRI 12, there are two recalls. A spokesman for BMW says the fire risk is very low in both cases. The vehicles should be parked outside "in an abundance of caution." Repairs are expected to start on Dec. 18.

"The largest of the recalls covers over 740,000 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles from 2007-2011." Also included in the recall is the 2008 to 2011 128i. All have 6-Cylinder engines.

On Friday, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted documents that showed a "heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use." So far, no injuries have been reported, and the heater will be replaced by dealers.

"The other recall covers nearly 673,000 cars including the 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3 from the 2006-2011 model years." Other models also involved in the recall includes the 2007 to 2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is, and the 2009 to 2011 335d.

Even when the vehicles are unattended, the wiring for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and can cause the connectors to melt, which increases the risk of a fire. The connectors and wiring will be replaced by dealers.