BMW Recalls Over 58,000 Vehicles, Including M5 and M5 Touring, for Wiring Harness Issue

The recall impacts various BMW models due to a potential fire risk from damaged air conditioning wiring harnesses.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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BMW has issued a recall for over 58,700 vehicles, including the high-performance M5 sedan and M5 Touring wagon, due to an issue with the air conditioning wiring harness that could become damaged during routine maintenance and potentially cause a fire. The recall affects various BMW models from the 2024 to 2026 model years, and the automaker plans to notify owners on April 13 to have dealers inspect and replace any damaged wiring harnesses.

Why it matters

This recall highlights the importance of proper maintenance procedures, as even basic tasks like changing a cabin air filter can potentially lead to serious safety issues if not done correctly. The impact on BMW's high-end M5 models also underscores how technical problems can affect the brand's most enthusiastic customers.

The details

According to NHTSA filings, BMW technicians discovered evidence of damage to the air conditioning wiring harnesses on various models following routine cabin air filter replacements. Any damage to a wiring harness increases the risk of a short circuit and potential fire, prompting the recall. The affected vehicles include 277 M5 Touring wagons from the 2025 model year, 1,647 M5 sedans from 2025 and 2026, as well as various other 5 Series, 7 Series, and electric models.

  • BMW plans to send owner notification letters on April 13, 2026.
  • Dealers will inspect and replace any damaged wiring harnesses as part of the recall repair.

The players

BMW of North America

The American subsidiary of the German automaker BMW that is responsible for distributing and servicing BMW vehicles in the United States and Canada.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for motor vehicles and equipment.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately for the brand's most enthusiastic customers, both the latest BMW M5 and M5 Touring models are impacted.”

— Will Sabel Courtney, Associate Editor (Road & Track)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This recall serves as a reminder that even minor maintenance tasks can uncover hidden technical issues, underscoring the importance of thorough inspections and proper repair procedures, especially on high-performance vehicles like the BMW M5.