BMW Seoul HQ Raided Over Engine Fires
South Korean police swooped into BMW’s Seoul headquarters on Thursday, following a surge of engine explosions that have set the car‑maker on fire (pun intended).
What the Police Found
- After‑thought investigation into possible cover‑ups of vehicle defects.
- >30 detectives, led by the Seoul Metropolitan Police’s white‑collar crime unit, seized documents, manuals and other evidence.
- Police quoted “a thorough investigation will bring the truth to light” but spared details.
Fires that Made Fans Panic
- More than 40 BMW cars have burst into flames this year.
- Some parking lots are still refusing to accept these vehicles – fear of a blaze is real.
- South Korea temporarily banned un‑tested BMWs from the streets, giving owners a hot ticket to lawyers.
Recall & the Exhaust‑Gasp Gaffe
- BMW Korea is recalling 106,000 vehicles equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation module that sparked the fires.
- 42 diesel‑powered models are affected.
- BMW claims the issue is “not Korea‑specific,” suggesting a global patch is needed.
Legal Storm Brewing
- Owners are demanding a criminal probe of the Korean unit and nine senior officials.
- South Korea faces a wave of lawsuits over the safety crisis.
Market Impact
- Nearly 39,000 BMWs hit South Korea in the first half of the year – three‑quarters of imported cars are German.
While BMW’s more glamorous image takes a beating, the legal and public backlash is heating up faster than a faulty engine.
