BMW Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles In The U.S. Over Risk Of Fire Under The Hood

A small and manageable amount of cars will have to be put on the calendars at BMW's repair shops soon, since the company had to issue two different recalls spanning 1.4 million vehicles for risk of fire. It'll be more than a month before repairs start, but BMW encourages owners to keep their cars outside until then.

There are two separate problems that could cause fires, one being a wiring issue in the air-conditioning system and the other an electrical short that can cause a valve from the crankcase to melt. Repairs for both recalls are expected to start Dec. 18, 2017. Here are the cars affected by the first recall, from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

The overheated wiring can cause electrical connectors to melt, which can make for a fire risk "even when the vehicle is unattended." Here are the cars affected by the second recall from the NHTSA:

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

The PCV valve is used to vent the crankcase, which houses the crankshaft in an internal combustion engine. The electrical short can cause parts of the PCV valve to melt, which, naturally, could lead to a fire.

The Associated Press reports that a BMW spokesperson said risk for fire is low in the cases of both recalls, but that vehicles in need of the recall should be left outside "in an abundance of caution." Do that, and as always, go get your recalls done.