BMW has issued a recall for 901 vehicles including M3 and M4 flagships, citing welding defects in certain braking components.
There is a long list of affected models that includes the 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4, and M4 Competition. Other affected line-ups include the 8-Series and 7-Series cars: M8, M850i xDrive, 840i xDrive, 840i, 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, and 745 Le xDrive. Affected cars from BMW’s SUV model range include a few models from the X5, X6, and X7.
The defect causing BMW to issue a recall seems to be caused due to a weak welding joint between a rotor and a shaft in the braking system. Under hard braking, these components may separate resulting in the reduction of braking assistance. In such a case, the braking system of the vehicle will only function in mechanical form, meaning, the driver will have to apply significantly more pressure on the pedal in order to get the required braking force.
However, when the assistance is reduced while hard braking, the vehicle may require more distance to come to a halt thereby posing a safety risk not only to the vehicle’s occupants but also to bystanders and other vehicles on the road. Thankfully, BMW is not aware of any injuries or accidents caused due to this defect.
The defect was brought to light at a road test at an assembly plant on 10th October, 2020. On further investigation during the course of three months, it was found that the mentioned braking parts may not have been produced to BMW’s specification and the decision to issue a recall was taken.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notifications from BMW starting April 5th. On taking their cars to official service centers, BMW will replace the integrated braking system free of charge. Until then, owners are advised to drive carefully with utmost attention on the road.
