Recall 12V126 covers 367,682 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 vehicles for overheating battery-cable connections. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 367,682 2004-2010 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 vehicles because the positive battery cable bulkhead connector can loosen at the trunk floor panel. Higher electrical resistance at that connection can overheat the cable and create a fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 vehicles, the positive battery cable carries power from the battery to the rest of the electrical system. The insulated bulkhead connector is the protected pass-through where that cable attaches at the trunk floor panel. It is supposed to keep the cable connection tight, insulated, and able to carry power without excess heat.
On affected vehicles, that connector was attached incorrectly to the trunk floor panel. The bolt connection can loosen over time. Once the connection loosens, electrical resistance at that point rises. Resistance creates heat, so the cable connection can overheat instead of passing power cleanly.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not list a dashboard light, sound, smell, or driving symptom that reliably appears before the connection overheats.
Who's affected?
Spans the 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 model lines across 2004-2010, all tied to the same battery cable component.
| 2004 BMW 5 Series | battery |
|---|---|
| 2006 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2005 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2007 BMW M5 | battery |
| 2008 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2009 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2005 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2007 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2010 BMW M6 | battery |
| 2009 BMW M6 | battery |
| 2006 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2009 BMW M5 | battery |
| 2007 BMW M6 | battery |
| 2008 BMW M6 | battery |
| 2008 BMW M5 | battery |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2007 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2010 BMW M5 | battery |
| 2009 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2004 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| 2010 BMW 5 Series | battery |
| 2006 BMW M5 | battery |
| 2010 BMW 6 Series | battery |
| Units affected | 367,682 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated battery cable connection can lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and shut off. Keep the vehicle away from combustible surroundings when practical and schedule the recall inspection promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, or M6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask whether the free battery-cable inspection and securing repair is open for your VIN.
- Park outside and away from structures until the battery-cable connection is inspected and secured.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V126 when you call.
- Ask BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer needs help confirming the recall or repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the positive battery cable connection at the insulated bulkhead connector in the trunk floor area. If the bolt connection is loose, the technician secures the battery cable connection so electrical resistance does not build heat at that point. BMW says this inspection and securing work is free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012; if your VIN still shows an open recall, ask the BMW dealer to confirm the repair status.
Timeline
| March 26, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 30, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V126?
Recall 12V126 covers 367,682 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, and M6 vehicles with a positive battery cable bulkhead connector that can loosen at the trunk floor panel. Higher electrical resistance at that connection can overheat the cable connection and create fire risk.
What should I do if my 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, or M6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 12V126. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule inspection and repair of the positive battery cable connection. Reference recall number 12V126 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW dealers will inspect and secure the positive battery cable connection as needed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 12V126.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is overheating at the positive battery cable connection, with fire risk even while the vehicle is parked. BMW's filing advised owners to park outside until the remedy was completed. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before regular use.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 5 Series, 6 Series, M5, or M6 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 12V126.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V126000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V126 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V126000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →