Transmission issue forces BMW to pause sales of some M models

No matter how big or experienced an automaker is, recalls have affected even the senior-most of the automobile manufacturers time after time. Recently, we have seen the likes of Audi, BMW, and many more automakers finding in waters filled with troubles. And, as if the airbag recalls weren't enough for BMW, the German automaker has now found an issue in some of its newer M models as well.

Speaking of the issue, the problem is with the transmission wiring harness, whose location and routing can lead to potential damage. “This could lead to a short circuit, affecting transmission function, and causes the vehicle to lose propulsion and to shift to Neutral while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. If you notice that while driving the vehicle loses propulsion and the transmission shifts to Neutral, your vehicle may be experiencing this issue,” said BMW in the press release.

Affected models include the likes of the 2019-2020 BMW M5, M8, X5 M, and X6 M models that were produced between January 2019 to November 2019. While the affected units that have already been sold will be recalled, the other concerned units that are in the inventory will only be sold in early 2020 following the replacement of the harness.

Following are the affected models:

• F90 M5 Sedan - January 30, 2019 – October 30, 2019
• F91 M8 Convertible - February 20, 2019 – October 30, 2019
• F92 M8 Coupe - July 3, 2019 – October 20, 2019
• F93 M8 Gran Coupe - June 19, 2019 – October 29, 2019
• F95 X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle - June 6, 2019 – November 27, 2019
• F96 X6 M Sports Activity Coupe - May 30, 2019 – November 26, 2019

BMW will send a letter to the affected customers in February 2020 through First Class mail to inform them about this safety recall. BMW will then schedule an appointment for the customers with an authorized BMW service centre to get the transmission wiring harness of their unit replaced free of cost. The process of replacing the transmission wiring harness will take around an hour of work.

“BMW is in the process of ensuring that the necessary tools, parts, and procedures are available prior to contacting owners to schedule an appointment with their authorized BMW center to have this important Safety Recall performed. For the latest updates to this Safety Recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall,” added BMW.

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