BMW Battles Mystery Fires in S. Korea

BMW AG is struggling to clarify why at least 30 of its cars have caught fire on motorways in South Korea this year, most of them diesel-powered 5 Series sedans.

The problem, which apparently hasn’t occurred in other markets, prompted BMW to recall 106,300 cars and replace parts as needed, The Korea Herald reports.

BMW says the problem involves the exhaust gas recirculation system but has not elaborated. Some observers speculate that hot air may melt or deform plastic parts of the EGR system, thereby allowing gases, coolants and/or soot particles to leak into the engine compartment and cause a fire. But a skeptical industry expert points out that EGR systems are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures.

The problem prompted a group of customers to file a lawsuit in Seoul earlier this month. Their complaint seeks 5 million won ($4,500) in damages per car for lost resale value. The complaint represents owners whose cars were built between 2011 and 2016.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer tells the Herald that the affected part was produced by a Korean supplier, unlike components used by BMW in other markets. He says the Korean component is slightly larger than those found elsewhere to accommodate Korean emission control laws.