83 BMW iX and BMW i4 electric vehicles recalled due to possible battery fires

There have been a few incidents related to BMW iX and i4 electric vehicles overseas and in the US. Following this, BMW carried out its own investigation and therefore undertook to recall the 83 vehicles of the two models concerned. In fact, the origin of the problem was the batteries of these cars.

According to Autoblog, the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are advising owners of the iX xDrive 50, iX M60, i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 models not to drive these vehicles or park them inside or near other vehicles and structures that catch fire easily and finally not charging them. Notification letters to owners of these vehicles will be sent by September 19.

Failing batteries?

BMW’s initial investigation into the incidents led it to conclude that fault lay with battery manufacturing defects. It was an incident that happened overseas in April and it involved a 2022 i4 eDrive. As for the manufacturing defects, they relate to a few Samsung SDI battery cells.

For information, BMW has two battery suppliers for its iX and i4 electric vehicles, these are CATL and Samsung SDI. The faulty batteries come from the latter supplier. Technically, it is the cathode plate of a battery cell which would have suffered damage. And there is a fire hazard because if cathode debris comes loose inside the cell, it could generate a short circuit.

The solution interviewed by BMW

BMW has decided to recall the models concerned, that is to say 27 copies of the i4 and 56 copies of the iX. The company has decided to do so, although at this time they say they are not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by this battery defect.

The company will also replace all the batteries of the vehicles mentioned. She says she will do this for free. In addition, BMW Assistance is available to anyone who needs more information. Don’t worry that a situation like what happened with General Motors’ Chevy Bolt happens with BMW vehicles since the two companies source the battery from different manufacturers, General Motors actually sourced the battery of the Chevy Bolt from LG Chem.

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