BMW is recalling nearly 180,000 vehicles in China due to a potential fire risk linked to improperly routed air conditioning wiring harnesses, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.
The recall affects a total of 179,527 vehicles, including both domestically produced and imported models. Among them, 133,849 units are locally manufactured BMW 5 Series vehicles built between December 5, 2023 and April 12, 2025. An additional 8,978 imported 5 Series cars produced between October 2023 and April 2025 are also included.
The recall further covers 36,527 imported BMW 7 Series vehicles manufactured between June 2022 and April 2025, along with 173 units of the BMW M5 produced between July 2024 and April 2025.
According to the regulator, the issue involves the routing of the front cabin’s air conditioning wiring harness, which may be damaged during aftermarket air filter replacements. In extreme cases, the defect could lead to a short circuit and increase the risk of fire.
BMW said it will inspect and secure the wiring harnesses free of charge, replacing any components found to be damaged. Some vehicles that have already undergone repairs will not require further action.
The recall follows a previous action in November, when BMW recalled 7,740 electric vehicles in China, including the i3, i5, iX1, iX and i7, due to a software issue affecting the high-voltage system.
China remains BMW’s largest single market globally, where the company operates a joint venture with Brilliance Auto to produce models such as the 5 Series locally.