Fowler Associates Labs

Possible electrostatic discharge may occur

October 24, 2007

BMW is recalling about 29,000 vehicles to fix a problem in the electronic control unit that could cause engines to stall.

The recall, announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, involves only vehicles with V8 engines and includes 2007 X5 sports activity vehicles, which are manufactured at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, and the 2006-2007 550i, 650i coupe and 650i convertible models. A combination of below freezing temperatures and low humidity makes is possible for an electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails, which could cause the engine to stall.

Dealers will correct the problem, free of charge, by attaching two additional ground cables in the engine compartment. This is the second recall involving the 2007 X5.