BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 And 1 More Recall R/2018/132: Plug In Contact Cable May Malfunction, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 7 Jun 2018
- Launched
- 311,848
- vehicles in the UK
- 0061770400
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and 1 more vehicles built between 20 September 2006 and 30 June 2011. The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: PLUG IN CONTACT CABLE MAY MALFUNCTION Defect: The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps. Remedy: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.
Are You Affected?
1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and 1 more built between 20 September 2006 and 30 June 2011 may be included. BMW estimates 311,848 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 0061770400 or the DVSA reference R/2018/132. 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?.
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| 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/2021/408 on 18 May 2018, for the blower-regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of…. The one launched after it was R/2022/079 on 7 Jun 2018, for the plug-in contact of the positive battery cable on the front power distribution box can…. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2018.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/132, launched 7 June 2018. 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.