BMW rejects cartel claims but recalls all Euro 5 diesels in Europe
BMW has denied involvement in alleged emissions collusion but will recall all Euro 5 diesel models in Europe to update emissions software.
BMW has announced a voluntary recall of all its Euro 5 diesel vehicles sold in Europe, following allegations of collusion among German carmakers over emissions technology. The company insists the move is not an admission of wrongdoing and rejects any involvement in cartel activity.
Reports in the German press, including Der Spiegel, described claims that BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, Audi and Porsche held secret discussions from the 1990s onwards, allegedly to coordinate aspects of diesel emissions treatment and other technical areas. The allegations suggest manufacturers may have agreed to use smaller AdBlue tanks, potentially limiting the effectiveness of emissions control systems. BMW, in its official statement, said meetings between employees did take place, but maintained these were focused on infrastructure for AdBlue refilling, not to fix prices or restrict technology.
BMW's position on emissions compliance
BMW has stated that its Euro 6 diesel models are fully compliant with legal emissions requirements and that its vehicles are not equipped with defeat devices or manipulated software. The company specifically rejected accusations that its AdBlue tanks are undersized or that real-world emissions performance falls short of regulations. BMW emphasised that, unlike some competitors, its diesels meet both the letter and spirit of the law.
The recall campaign affects all Euro 5 diesel cars in Europe, covering models produced before the introduction of Euro 6 standards. BMW described the action as a voluntary measure to incorporate knowledge gained in recent years, rather than a regulatory requirement. The company said the update would improve emissions performance but did not specify technical changes or affected model numbers.
Industry context and regulatory pressure
The recall follows heightened scrutiny of diesel emissions across Europe since the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal. German authorities have opened investigations into possible anti-competitive behaviour among major carmakers. Mercedes-Benz and Audi have also announced voluntary recalls of diesel models in response to regulatory and public pressure.
Owners of affected BMW Euro 5 diesel vehicles will be contacted with details of the recall. The update is expected to be carried out at no cost to the customer. The company has not indicated any impact on vehicle performance or fuel economy as a result of the software changes.
