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Eight different BMW models, and the Toyota Supra, have been recalled in the USA due to a starter motor fault, and Australian customers will be impacted.
BMW of North America have issued an urgent recall for nearly 200,000 cars (196,355) due to a fault with the starter motor, which may cause the component to corrode and overheat.
While there has been no formal notification of the recall in Australia, a BMW Australia spokesperson has told Drive, “We are aware of the global recall and can confirm that the Australian market is impacted. We are in close contact with our head office to determine the specific implications for our market.”
The recall impacts BMW 230i (2022), 330i (2019-2021), 430i coupe and convertible (2021-2022), 530i (2020-2022), Z4 (2019-2022), X3 and X4 SUV (2020-2022) and 2020-2022 Toyota Supra, which uses a BMW engine.
The North American recall notes that “The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit”, and that “a short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.”
“Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete.”
While not specifically noted, all the affected ‘x30i’ vehicles use the same BMW B48 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. For the 2019-2022 model years specified in the North American recall, Australian market 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series cars as well as X2, 3 and 4 SUVs, and the Z4 and Toyota Supra sports cars all have model variants that use versions of the BMW B48 engine.
In April 2025, BMW Australia issued a recall for 273 vehicles (2024-25 520i and X3 models) for a starter generator fault. Both these vehicles use the B48 engine.
Drive will update this story with local details once further information is made available.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
