BMW to recall 350,000 luxury cars worldwide over brakes

BMW has announced it will recall about 350,000 luxury cars worldwide because of a problem with brakes.

The German firm said the recall was due to a fault with the power-braking system but the cars were not unsafe.

The recall affects V8 and V12-powered BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls-Royce models produced between July 2001 and November 2009.

Of the total, 11,427 cars – including 905 Rolls-Royces – are in the UK, and 198,000 in the US.

Globally, 348,000 BMWs are affected, plus a further 5,800 Rolls-Royces.

‘Voluntary’ decision

“In the affected vehicles, a leak may develop in the power braking system, potentially causing a vacuum loss and consequent reduction of power braking assistance,” said the company in a statement.

However, mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle, and there have been no reported accidents or injuries.

Any concerned BMW owners should contact the BMW customer service number on 0800 325600.

A BMW spokesman told the BBC that the problem was identified via feedback from routine vehicle servicing, and that the recall is entirely voluntary.

BMW’s share price dropped 3% following the news, to below 50 euros.

However, the company’s stock remains well up for the year, having rallied from a price of 30 euros in March.

The news comes a day after the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was investigating a potential power steering problem with the Mini – another brand owned by BMW.

It also comes a day after BMW’s chairman, Norbert Reithofer, had his contract extended by six years.
Source: BBC