BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, M3 And 2 More Recall R/2017/114: Plug In Contact Cable May Malfunction, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Apr 2017
- Launched
- 36,410
- vehicles in the UK
- 0061390400/0061400400
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 1 Series, 3 Series, M3 and 2 more vehicles built between 1 December 2009 and 13 October 2021. The connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. The recall notice describes the fix as: with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PLUG IN CONTACT CABLE MAY MALFUNCTION Defect: It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning. Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.
Are You Affected?
1 Series, 3 Series, M3 and 2 more built between 1 December 2009 and 13 October 2021 may be included. BMW estimates 36,410 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the campaign code 0061390400/0061400400 or the DVSA reference R/2017/114. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series and 3 moreReplace the driver’s airbag: takata PSDI-5 | Urgent | R/2025/327 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series Gran, X1Seat belt rear outer seats | Urgent | R/2025/443 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2017/106 on 10 Apr 2017, for drivers AIRBAG may deploy incorrectly. The one launched after it was R/2017/132 on 11 Apr 2017, for driveshaft universal joint may break. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2017 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/114, launched 10 April 2017. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.