BMW and its supplier are locked in a high-stakes legal battle over defective brake systems, with both parties filing lawsuits that could cost hundreds of millions. The dispute centers on faulty MK C2 brakes supplied to over 1.5 million BMW vehicles, prompting recalls of 150,000 cars in Germany alone. BMW claims recall costs have reached a high three-digit million-euro figure, while the supplier has set aside only a mid-double-digit million provision, signaling a stark disagreement over liability. The conflict has already caused significant delivery delays for new vehicles, adding financial strain.
Investor Uncertainty Grows
Despite the supplier’s insistence on negotiation, legal escalation suggests a swift resolution is unlikely. BMW shareholders face prolonged uncertainty as final costs remain unquantified. Meanwhile, the supplier’s stock fell over 2% amid broader operational challenges, including tariff pressures and disappointing tire division performance. The case threatens the supplier’s reputation as a reliable partner, further unsettling investors.