BMW Japan Recalling Cars

TOKYO March 11, 2003; Dow Jones reported that Kyodo News said BMW Japan Corp. said Tuesday it is recalling a total of 2, 785 vehicles in three models for free repairs due to a defective steering gearbox.

In a report presented to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, BMW Japan said the bolt that holds the hydraulic pipe in place could come unstuck and result in oil leakage in the steering system of its 735i, 745i and 745Li models.

Three cases of malfunctioning caused by defective gearboxes have been reported, including a fire that occurred in December.

Subject to the recall are 968 units of the 735i model manufactured between July 2001 and July 2002 as well as 1,374 units of the 745i and 443 units of the 745Li, which were produced