BMW is recalling all previous-generation 5 and 6 Series models, built between 2003 and 2010 and still on the market, to sort out a potentially dangerous electrical fault - that's about 1.3-million cars worldwide.
The company says that in some cars the battery cable cover inside the boot may be incorrectly fitted and, over time, could chafe through the insulation on the cables - which, at the very least, would result in an electrical system malfunction.
Should the exposed cable make contact with the body, however, it could result in charring of the cables or, in a worst-case scenario, fire.
BMW SA spokesman Guy Kilfoil was at pains to point out when announcing the recall that there had been no accidents or injuries as a result of this fault, which was actually spotted by BMW technicians during routine maintenance.
A total of 11 780 BMWs in South Africa are covered by the recall, include all 5 and 6 Series models built from March 2003 to September 2010. That's all previous-generation 5 Series sedans, M5 sedans and M5 Touring models, all previous-generation 6 Series coupés and convertibles, and M6 coupés and convertibles.
BMW will notify the cars' owners in writing, requesting them to bring the vehicle to their respective dealership where the repair will be done free of charge; it should not take longer than 30 minutes.