USABMW is recalling an additional 318,495 vehicles in the United States over a starter motor that can overheat, widening a campaign that already reaches beyond BMW’s own badge: the affected part also ships in the 2023-2024 Toyota Supra, which uses BMW-sourced drivetrain hardware.
The recall covers the BMW 2, 3, 4 and 5 Series, X3, X4 and Z4, along with the Supra. All share a Valeo-built starter motor prone to excess wear. As the wear progresses, metal dust can accumulate inside the starter. That can keep the engine from starting, and in rare cases the starter can overheat enough to ignite during startup or while driving.
BMW estimates fewer than 0.1% of the recalled vehicles actually carry the defect. The company says it knows of three related incidents but has not received reports of crashes or injuries. Dealers will replace the starter motor at no cost. Owner notifications begin August 28.
The Supra’s presence on the list is a reminder of how much BMW hardware sits under Toyota’s sports car: the current Supra shares its engine, drivetrain and much of its architecture with the Z4, built alongside it at Magna Steyr in Austria.
