The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The nut that secures the main positive cable to the positive battery terminal clamp was not tightened properly, allowing the cable to loosen over time. If this occurred, the cable could ultimately loosen to the point where electrical continuity could be interrupted.
The risk
If this occured while the engine was running, the engine could stop. Also, if the vehicle were being operated at night, the lighting system could shut off, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-275 (98V275000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables |
| Report date | November 3, 1998 |
| Owners notified | November 30, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-275 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.