BMW i7

2026: Detection of a fault that causes a short circuit and fire

On February 26, 2026, BMW of North America announced a service action to recall 58,713 vehicles due to the risk of fire associated with damage to the wiring harness of the air conditioning system. A defect can lead to a short circuit in the electrical circuit and fire.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration USA (NHTSA), the malfunction occurs when replacing the interior filter: the attachment screw of the filter body cover can damage the harness of the air conditioner wires. Filter replacement is a standard procedure performed during annual maintenance.

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Фото: BMW

The following models fall under the review:

• BMW 750e (2024–2025);
• BMW 550e (2025–2026);
• BMW 7 Series (2023–2025);
• BMW 5 Series (2024–2026);
• BMW i5 eDrive40 (2024–2026);
• BMW i5 M60 (2024–2025);
• BMW i5 xDrive40 (2025–2026);
• BMW i7 eDrive50 (2024–2025);
• BMW i7 xDrive60 (2023–2025);
• BMW M5 (2025–2026);
• BMW M5 Touring (2025).

The largest number of potentially defective cars is in the 5 Series - 20,438 units. All of these models are built on a modular CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform and are equipped with unified electrical components, which explains the spread of the defect over several lines.

As part of a recall campaign, dealerships will conduct a free inspection of cars. If damage is detected, the wire bundle will be replaced and a fixing tape or bracket will be installed to prevent repeated damage.

Written notices to owners will be sent on April 13, 2026. Before receiving official notification, owners can independently check whether their car falls under the recall using a VIN number on the NHTSA website.

The company did not record any fires, injuries or accidents associated with this malfunction, and did not issue a prohibition order on the operation of cars. As a precaution, it is recommended to park vehicles away from buildings until the fault is corrected.^[1]

2021: Car announcement

In early December 2021, BMW introduced, according to the German manufacturer, the world's first executive class electric sedan. A model called the BMW i7 should compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQS.

The manufacturer did not disclose technical details about the BMW i7 by early December 2021. It is known that the car will receive electric motors with a total capacity of 650 hp. The capacity of the traction battery will be 120 kVt⋅ch, which should be enough for 700 km of track on a single charge. Also, buyers will be offered a simpler version with a filling from i4, but the battery capacity will decrease to 80 kVt⋅ch, and the range will be reduced by about a third.

BMW i7 electric car

The BMW i7 will be the flagship electric car in the German manufacturer's range. BMW has not yet announced which trim levels will be offered or how much they will cost, but the i7 is expected to be offered in normal and sporty trim levels.

At the beginning of December 2021, BMW i7 is undergoing road tests at the BMW Winter Test Center in Arjeplug, Sweden. According to the manufacturer himself, low temperatures and snow-covered roads create ideal climatic conditions for comprehensive testing of the power plant and chassis of an electric car. As the manufacturer noted, this allows BMW engineers to fine-tune the suspension, steering and braking components, as well as electronic safety assistants for the electric sedan. According to the test results, BMW concluded that the electric motor, battery and i7 control system are ready for operation at extremely low temperatures. The flagship BMW i7 electric sedan will hit car dealerships in 2022.

Earlier, BMW hinted at the imminent appearance of a hybrid crossover HM - the most powerful production car in the history of the BMW M division. It will receive a 750-horsepower installation with a V8 engine and will be able to drive only on electric traction up to 80 kilometers.^[2]

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