The South Korean government has urged local authorities across the country to ban from their roads BMWs that have recently been recalled but have yet to be inspected.
The move was made as more BMWs burst into flames on the country's roads in the last week, with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system believed to have caused engine fires in each case.
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At the end of last month BMW Korea recalled some 106,137 diesel cars, mostly 520d models, for safety checks and to replace faulty parts if required.
But with the incidence of engine fires continuing to rise, the government is demanding more urgent action. A total of 39 engine fires have been reported since the beginning of the year, most of which have happened in the last two months and while the cars were being driven.
Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee urged the heads of local municipalities to issue administrative orders to stop drivers of affected BMWs from using their vehicles on grounds of public safety.
The Ministry of Transport will carry out an investigation into the cause of the fires and will examine among other things emissions levels and allegations of software manipulation.
See also: BMW Korea apologises over diesel engine fires
