Recall 26V305 affects 116 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution motorcycles for DC/DC converter ground-cable corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 116 2017-2018 C Evolution motorcycles because water from the front wheel can reach the DC/DC converter's 12V battery ground connection and corrode the electrical contacts. That corrosion can overheat the connection and increase the risk of a fire; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The main wiring harness on the 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution carries low-voltage power through the scooter's 12V electrical system. One key connection is the ground cable lug for the 12V battery, which helps complete the electrical path between the battery and the DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter changes high-voltage battery power into 12V power for the scooter's lower-voltage systems.
On affected C Evolution motorcycles, splash water from the front wheel can reach the ground cable lug at the front of the battery housing. If that lug is not sealed tightly enough, water can travel along the cable by capillary action, the same way liquid moves through a narrow gap. That moisture reaches the connector plug and corrodes the electrical contacts, so the connection no longer carries current cleanly.
There is no warning sign before failure. The corrosion happens inside the connector, so an owner should not expect a visible clue, noise, smell, or dashboard message before the electrical connection has already degraded.
Who's affected?
VINs become searchable on July 6, 2026; until then, the VIN-by-VIN list is not public.
| 2018 BMW C Evolution | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2017 BMW C Evolution | wiring |
| Units affected | 116 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The 2017-2018 model years narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific scooter is included.
What's the safety risk?
Corrosion on the electrical contacts can overheat the wiring and increase the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle needs inspection before regular use. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the free repair that replaces the 12V ground-cable lug section and checks the DC/DC converter plug for corrosion.
- Reference recall number 26V305 when you call, and bring the owner letter if BMW has mailed one.
- Ask the dealer whether the motorcycle is safe to ride before the repair if you notice heat, smoke, or a burning smell near the electrical system.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the cable section that includes the ground cable lug with a repair cable kit. The technician also checks the 12V plug connector to the DC/DC converter. If corrosion is found, BMW replaces the affected wiring harness sections as part of the recall. Parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for this remedy before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 14, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| May 21, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 6, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V305?
Recall 26V305 covers 116 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution motorcycles. Water from front wheel splash can reach the DC/DC converter's 12V battery ground cable lug connection, corrode the electrical contacts, and overheat. BMW dealers will replace the affected cable section and inspect related wiring for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 26V305. If it is, contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the repair cable kit replacement and DC/DC converter connector inspection. Reference recall number 26V305 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW dealers will replace the ground cable lug cable section with a repair cable kit for free, and will replace additional wiring harness sections for free if the inspection finds corrosion.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is overheating and fire. The recall involves corrosion at the DC/DC converter's 12V battery ground cable lug electrical contacts. If those contacts corrode, they can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
When will BMW notify owners about recall 26V305?
BMW expects to mail owner letters on July 6, 2026. You do not need to wait for a letter if you suspect your 2017-2018 BMW C Evolution is affected. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer if your motorcycle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V305000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V305 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V305000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →