Where there's smoke...; BMW set to recall thousands of 2001 models due to fire hazard.(Brief Article)

BMW will soon recall 22,345 new sedans, sport/utility vehicles and high-end sports cars to replace a faulty radiator cooling fan switch that has resulted in at least four vehicle fires.

BMW spokesman Rob Mitchell said BMW became aware of the problem recently when owners of a small number of 2001-model vehicles reported fires. No one was injured in any of the incidents. Mitchell said it was likely only a small number of the recalled vehicles were outfitted with the faulty switch.

``Typically, this shows up very early on-within the first 200 miles,'' said Mitchell. ``The fan doesn't work so either the engine overheats or the fan control unit overheats. If a customer notices any sign of overheating, they should shut down the car immediately and call roadside assistance.''

BMW plans to begin notifying owners by mail in mid-July-once replacement parts are available. Mitchell said dealers and the Nation- al Highway Traffic Safety Administration were notified of the planned recall in mid-June.

Vehicles possibly fitted with the bad electronic control unit include: 3 Series with manual transmissions built between Feb. 1and April 30; 7 Series built between Nov. 1, 2000, and Jan. 8, 2001; X5s built between Dec. 18, 2000, and April 30, 2001; and Z8s built between Jan. 1 and April 30. The recalled vehicles represent a little more than 10 percent of BMW's annual U.S. sales of cars and light trucks.

Florida resident Bill Morrow can attest to two cases of BMW X5 models catching fire. In one case, a friend's one-month-old X5 with 3800 miles on it started on fire in a West Palm Beach theater parking lot. Morrow and his friend extinguished the blaze before it caused major damage.