BMW may recall 350,000 cars after brake problem discovered

BMW’s recall of nearly 200,000 luxury vehicles in the US to fix a power braking problem may extend to another 150,000 cars of the same series around the globe, a spokesman said today.

Globally, some 345,000 BMWs of the 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series vehicles powered by V8 and V12 engines and almost 6,000 Rolls Royce Phantom models could be affected by the problem, BMW AG spokesman Frank Strebe said.

He stressed there have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

The German car maker said earlier a leak could develop in the power braking system, leading to a vacuum loss and the reduction of power braking assistance. Mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle, it said.

Whereas in the US BMW has set up specific legal procedures to enact a recall, it has not done so yet in other countries.

BMW said it was up to the various countries’ headquarters to decide what measure is the most appropriate for their market.

In Britain, BMW said it is offering a voluntary recall and owners of some 10,500 BMWs and 900 Rolls Royces may seek repairs.