BMW to recall 750,000 cars due to electrical problem

BMW is recalling about 750,000 cars in the United States, Japan, Canada and South Africa for possible electrical failure that may cause the cars to stall unexpectedly, U.S. regulators said.

Vehicles sold in Germany and other European counties are not involved in the recall. The recall affects Bayerische Motoren Werke AG's popular 3-Series sedans, convertibles, coupes and sports wagons, as well as its 1-Series coupes and convertibles and Z4 two-seat roadsters. The X1 crossover vehicle is also part of the recall in some markets.

The affected vehicles were built between March 2007 and July 2011.

It is not clear whether or how many vehicles sold in China will be affected. According to BMW China, the company is submitting applications to China's quality watch dog for possible recalls in parts of the Chinese market, and awaiting approvals from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Qurantine.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report issued on Monday that a battery cable connection with a fuse box on the cars may degrade over time, which could cause the engine to stall because of a loss of electric power, increasing the risk of a crash.

BMW on Tuesday said the electronic fault had triggered a crash in Canada but no injury occurred.