Home › Guides › BMW › Visibility
BMW glass and sunroof recalls: leaks, windows closing on their own
Only three recalls here, and two tell the same story: windows and the sunroof can close with no key in the vehicle. One campaign covers 2019-2022 X5, 2021-2022 X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2022 X6, 2019-2023 X7 and 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe; the other covers 2023 8 Series coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe, 2023 2 Series Coupe and the Z4. Both are corrected with software. The third recall is different and more serious: on 2023 X5 and X7 models the windshield may not have been bonded properly, allowing water to enter and contact electrical components, which BMW says could short-circuit and cause a fire.
Warning signs to watch for
- A sunroof or window that operates or closes when no key is in the vehicle
- Water inside a 2023 X5 or X7 near the windshield — damp headliner, A-pillar trim or carpet
- Electrical faults caused by water reaching components behind the windshield
- The windshield bonding problem may give no sign at all until water gets in
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of the three notices tells owners to stop driving or park outside, including the windshield recall with its fire risk — BMW says you may keep driving while you arrange the free inspection. Even so, treat a 2023 X5 or X7 as a priority if you see any water inside. The sunroof and window recalls do not change how the vehicle drives; the danger is someone being pinched, especially a child. Until the software is updated, never leave children or pets alone in the car.
What the free repair involves
For the windshield, dealers inspect the seal and, if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield with a new seal. The sunroof recall reprograms the roof function control unit. The window recall updates the electronic control unit software, and the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi is deactivated until that update is installed. All repairs are free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-17 | BMW 2, 8 Series and Z4: windows close without key | medium |
| 2022-11-02 | BMW X5 and X7 windshield leak may cause fire | critical |
| 2022-04-20 | BMW X5, X6 and X7 sunroof closes without key | medium |
Common questions
Can a leaking windshield really cause a fire?
BMW's notice says the windshield may not be properly bonded, which could let water enter and contact electrical components, possibly resulting in a short circuit. Dealers inspect the seal and reinstall the windshield with a new seal at no cost.
Will I lose my digital key during the window software recall?
Yes, temporarily. BMW deactivates the digital key function via cellular service and Wi-Fi until the vehicle receives the updated electronic control unit software. Once the dealer installs the update, the function is restored. Owner notification for that recall covers 2023 8 Series, 2 Series and Z4 models.
Is the sunroof recall handled over the air?
The notice says dealers reprogram the roof function control unit free of charge, so plan on a dealer visit. Letters went out June 20, 2022 for the 2019-2023 X5, X6, X7 and 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Call 1-800-525-7417 with your VIN.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.