# 2018 BMW M3 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
> NHTSA complaint `2238646` · 2026-08-24 · BMW of North America, LLC
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** BMW
- **Model:** M3
- **Year:** 2018
- **Manufacturer:** BMW of North America, LLC
- **Component:** ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- **Speed:** 20 mph
## Narrative
While driving, suddenly, with no warning smoke came from under the hood.  I got off the road and turned off car immediately.  Luckily, since I did turn off the car so quickly, it did not burst into flames but did create a fire within the engine.  I have video of fire damage and BMW quote on repair stating fire damage.   As in the past with BMW, there is a documented history of PCV-heater fires.   NHTSA Recall 22V-119 states the BMW PCV valve heaters can short circuit, overheat and cause a fire.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*