Risk of Fire: BMW Recalls 150,000 Mini Electric Cars

BMW, the manufacturer of the Mini Cooper SE, has announced a voluntary recall for about 150,000 units of the retro-style electric car. The issue is a possible defect in the vehicle’s battery system.

The defect is likely a crack in the battery casing that causes moisture buildup leading to sealing problems. According to the manufacturer, the affected vehicles are from the previous generation of the Mini Electric, produced between 2018 and 2024, and not the current generation being sold now. According to the Transport Ministry’s records, there are about 300 vehicles of this version in Israel.

BMW stated that there have been no known cases of injuries or accidents resulting from the defect, but it is considered problematic as it could lead to overheating of the high-voltage battery and potentially cause a fire. "A fire in a vehicle, even when stationary, is not an option that can be dismissed outright," said a company spokesperson in a statement to Reuters. While no injuries are known, the German newspaper Bild reported at least two cases of vehicle fires, one in Germany and one in the United States.

In documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW requests owners to visit official Mini dealerships to install updated diagnostic software for the electrical system. According to the documents, the vehicle will alert the driver when the software detects a fault or malfunction in the battery. Simultaneously, once the fault is detected, the system will discharge the battery and reduce its voltage, thereby minimizing the risk of overheating that could lead to a fire.

In the U.S., about 12,500 cars will be recalled, and 39,000 in Germany. According to Delek Motors, the BMW and Mini importer in Israel, the recall will affect 148 Mini Cooper SE 3-door electric models produced between 2020 and 2023. The recall will include a software update as per the manufacturer’s instructions, with an estimated repair time of about two hours.

The repair will be performed free of charge at authorized BMW service centers by Delek Motors. According to traffic regulations, vehicle owners who do not complete the recall within 6 months will not be able to renew their vehicle registration or transfer ownership.