Faulty batteries in BMW hybrids – how do I know if I’m at risk of fire?

BMW’s Service Action covers some 27,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles. The action is due to faulty high-voltage batteries that can cause a vehicle fire during external charging.

What are high-voltage batteries and what is their factory defect?

Electric and hybrid cars are equipped with battery packs that power electric motors. The batteries are combined into high-voltage assemblies. The output voltages in these batteries can range from 300 volts to as much as 700 volts DC.

Until 2018, BMW worked exclusively with Samsung in battery production. As of 2019, the Chinese company CATL has also become a battery supplier.

The reason for the defects found was contaminants that got into the lithium-ion cells during production at the CATL plant. The effect of these impurities was that the batteries spontaneously ignited when charged to full.

It is estimated that the faulty batteries were installed in some 27,000 electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

What BMW models are affected by this defect?

The problem affects the following BMW models:

• X1
• X2
• X3
• X5
• 3
• 5
• 7
• i3
• i8
• Mini Countryman

Am I in danger of exploding if there are defective batteries in my BMW?

The problem with the batteries was mainly related to spontaneous combustion occurring only when the battery was maximally charged from an external charger. The problem did not occur while driving and charging with the internal combustion engine.

What symptoms might suggest battery problems?

There are no initial symptoms or diagnostic messages that would inform the driver of this particular fault.

How do I find out if my BMW has faulty batteries?

Based on the VIN number, you can verify whether your vehicle is covered by the Technical Action for battery repair and whether the repair has already been performed.

Will an Authorized BMW Service repair the batteries in my car for free?

Yes, all Technical Actions are performed at BMW AG’s expense.

• How do I get my car repaired due to a BMW Technical Action?

What if I can’t get my battery repaired at a BMW Authorized Service Center?

If your vehicle is not covered by BMW Technical Assistance, you can schedule an appointment at our BM Cars service center and carefully verify the condition of your battery and vehicle.

• BMW hybrid and electric car repair

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I’m too far away from BM Cars. What should I do?

BM Cars, as a specialized BMW service center, has access to an official database where it can check any car by VIN number. This database is maintained by BMW AG and includes all technical stocks.

The generated extract – a PDF file will allow you to:

• reliably verify whether there is a defective battery in your car,
• showing the defective component, in case of buying/selling the car,
• possible appointment of repair in ASO.