BMW is recalling 189,130 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans.
Water ingress can corrode the starter relay, causing arcing that can ignite the engine compartment.
Dealers will notify owners and replace the entire starter motor free of charge.
BMW is recalling 189,130 sedans built between July 29, 2014, and November 12, 2020, after German regulators flagged a starter relay that lets water seep into its housing. The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt is tracking the campaign under reference 16791R.
Corrosion inside that relay can short-circuit the starter and, in the worst case, ignite the engine compartment. Owners of affected 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series cars should expect a dealer letter and a free fix.
