In brief:BMW is recalling several thousand vehicles in Belgium due to a fire risk related to the starter. The affected models were manufactured between July 2020 and July 2022. Here’s everything you need to know to check if your BMW is affected and how to respond.
What’s happening
The German manufacturer BMW has just announced a massive global vehicle recall. The reason? A potential defect in thestarterthat can, in some cases, cause a fire.
According to German media, about575,000 vehiclesare expected to be affected worldwide, including28,582 in Germanyandseveral thousand in Belgium, according to Jeroen Lissens, spokesperson for BMW BeLux.
What exactly is the problem?
Product checks have revealed that after a large number of starts, increasedwear can occur in the magnetic switchof the starter.
Possible consequences:
Difficulty starting the vehicle
Complete inability to start
In rare cases:short circuitthat can lead to local overheating
In the worst case:risk of firewhile driving
BMW specifies that smoke may be visible or noticeable while driving or upon exiting the vehicle if this issue occurs.
Which models are affected?
The recall concerns vehicles equipped with a starter manufactured betweenJuly 2020 and July 2022.Here is the complete list of affected models:
Sedans and Coupes:
BMW 2 Series Coupe (G42)
BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20)
BMW 3 Series Touring (G21)
BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase (G28)
BMW 4 Series Coupe (G22)
BMW 4 Series Convertible (G23)
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26)
BMW 5 Series Sedan (G30)
BMW 5 Series Touring (G31)
BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo (G32)
BMW 7 Series Sedan (G11, G12)
SUVs and Roadsters:
BMW X3 (G01)
BMW X4 (G02)
BMW X5 (G05)
BMW X6 (G06)
BMW Z4 (G29) — including the Toyota Supra, mechanically identical.
How to know if your BMW is affected?
Good news:BMW has already contacted affected owners by mail. According to the spokesperson for BMW BeLux, in half of the cases, the starter has already been replaced.
If you have not received a letter but wish to check:
Visit the official BMW website. : bmw.be/fr/topics/offers-and-services/personal-services/recall-information.html
Enter your chassis number (VIN).
The system will indicate if your vehicle is affected by a technical action.
What to do in the meantime?
BMW recommends todo not leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running. If you notice smoke or an unusual smell when starting or while driving, stop immediately in a safe place.
Affected customers can continue to use their vehicle normally, but must make an appointment with their BMW dealer for a free starter replacement.
This is not the first time
Note: BMW had already issued a similar recall in the fall of 2025 for a different issue with the starter. This time, it was about water infiltration that could cause corrosion and, again, a fire risk.
At the end of 2024, the manufacturer also recalled 1.5 million vehicles for a defective braking system.
Do you have doubts about your vehicle?
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Sources: Le Soir, RTBF, BFM TV, La Libre Belgique — February 2026