BMW recalls 489,000 cars due to defects

BMW is recalling 489,000 vehicles worldwide due to a possible engine-bolt defect, widening a repair programme that was initiated in China.

No accidents or injuries have been reported related to the fault in some 6-cylinder engines, said Bernhard Santer, a spokesman for the Munich-based carmaker. Vehicles affected include 156,000 cars in North America, as well as 232,098 vehicles in China that were announced for recall within the past month.

In affected cars, a light may come on advising the driver to have the engine checked, Santer said. The vehicle can still be driven to the nearest repair garage with reduced engine power.