BMW will be recalling one thousand five hundred and forty 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles equipped with diesel engines, after receiving sixteen out of country reports of the fuel filter overheating. The affected vehicles were manufactured between June 13, 2009 to November 9, 2009. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 13V339000.

According to the recall report, the issue involves the fuel filter heater (FFH) used for warming diesel fuel when the outside temperatures are low. An internal electrical contact inside the unit may be inadequate and could lead to an electrical overload condition in the power transistor. In most cases the fuel filter heater could be permanently activated, draining the battery, and making it impossible to start. Under certain rare circumstances the unit could overheat and lead to a fire.

BMW will be sending out recall notices starting in September and will ask owners to take their vehicles to their dealerships to have the fuel filter heater replaced. Anyone wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.