Vehicle recall 12V126000 · March 26, 2012

BMW 5 Series, 6 Series and 2 more models

The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 M5, and model year 2007-2010 M6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Consequence: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 12V126000
Reported to NHTSA: March 26, 2012
Filed by: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Owner notification: April 30, 2012
Vehicles potentially affected: 367,682
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables

Recall 12V126000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 5 Series (2004-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
BMW 6 Series (2004-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
BMW M5 (2006-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
BMW M6 (2007-2010): 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

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