NHTSA Investigating 2002-2008 E65/E66 BMW 7 Series for Possible Automatic Transmission Issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it has opened a preliminary probe of the BMW 120,000 2002-2007 BMW 7 Series ( E65 and E66 BMW 7-Series) vehicles over concerns the vehicles may roll away after being parked.

According to Reuters, reports involving similarly equipped cars also describing roll-away incidents were submitted by BMW.

As expected, a BMW spokesman said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA and, the good thing is that is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue.

This preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.

According to the complaint filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], BMW 7 Series sedans are those from the 2002–8 model years equipped with BMW’s Comfort Access electronic access and ignition system and an electronic transmission shifter with the gear selector mounted on the steering column. The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to park under a variety of conditions, including when the driver turns off the engine, according to the NHTSA website.

In addition, NHTSA said no cause has been identified for any of the incidents.

Source: Reuters
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