BMW Group Korea, the local importer and distributor of German automaker BMW AG, is voluntarily recalling over 1,300 vehicles sold in South Korea due to defective fuel filter heaters and airbags, the government said Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the fuel filter heater in 790 units of the 120d, 520d,

X3 20d, X5 30d and X6 30d vehicles, produced between May and November of 2009, may experience an electrical overload, which in turn can cause it to become permanently activated even when the ignition is off.

This could lead to a dead battery, as well as overheating, which could possibly result in a fire, the ministry said in a press release. A fuel filter heater warms up the diesel fuel at low outside temperatures.

The local importer of BMW AG is also recalling 540 units of the 318i, 320i, 325i, 330i, 325ci, 330ci, 325xi and M3 vehicles, produced in certain months of 2002, for defective airbags that may not fully inflate, according to the ministry.

Free repair services will be available at BMW Korea service centers from Tuesday. Those who have already repaired the defective parts on their own may have their expenses reimbursed, the ministry said. (Yonhap News)