BMW Recalls Nearly 320,000 Cars, Including Toyota Supra and Z4, Over Starter Fire Risk

BMW is recalling close to 320,000 vehicles equipped with its B48 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, including the Toyota GR Supra and BMW Z4 roadster, due to a starter motor defect that could cause a fire. The issue stems from an internal component in the starter that can wear excessively, overheat, and potentially ignite.

1 percent of affected cars will actually catch fire, the company is replacing the starters free of charge as a precaution.

0-liter). Not every car with the B48 engine is included. BMW and supplier Valeo traced the problem to a specific production run of starters, linked to certain build dates. Owners will receive recall notices in late August and can head to their dealer for a new starter from a different, safer production batch.

If you notice a burning smell from your four-cylinder BMW, turn off the car immediately and open the driver door to kill power to the starter. In the event of a fire, get everyone, including pets, out of the vehicle, call 911, and do not try to fight the flames yourself, even with an extinguisher.

Also, practice manually unlocking your doors in an emergency: on many BMWs, that means pulling the interior handle twice. Knowing that trick could save precious seconds if the electrical system fails.