TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pan German Universal Motors (汎德), Taiwan's authorized BMW importer, announced on Tuesday (Jan. 27) that BMW will recall nine car series in Taiwan due to concerns over the waterproof design of the starter motor. The company will replace the defective parts free of charge to ensure vehicle safety. The defect could lead to corrosion, potentially causing short circuits, engine start-up problems, or fire risk if left unaddressed.
The company assured that BMW has prepared improved replacement parts, available at authorized service centers across Taiwan. The replacement process is expected to take about three hours. Pan German Universal Motors urged owners to schedule service appointments promptly upon receiving notification to maintain driving safety. The recall affects vehicles produced between Nov. 17, 2016, and Nov. 20, 2020, including the 3 Series (G20, G21), 4 Series (G22), and 5 Series (G30, G31).
BMW first revealed the starter motor defect in September 2025, prompting recalls of over 130,000 vehicles in Germany and nearly 200,000 in the U.S. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advised affected U.S. owners to park their vehicles outdoors until the issue is resolved. Pan German Universal Motors identified flaws in the waterproof design of some models, which could escalate to overheating and a fire risk if left unaddressed.
The recall in Taiwan follows BMW's global response to the defect, which has affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide. Owners of affected models are encouraged to contact Pan German Universal Motors or visit authorized service centers to schedule free repairs and ensure their vehicles meet safety standards. The company emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly to prevent potential safety hazards on the road. ◼