BMW recalls 22,000 cars

Thermostat problems have got BMW hot and bothered

German carmaker BMW says it has recalled about 22,000 cars due to a potential problem with the cooling system thermostat.

The recall mainly affects the US, but a BMW spokesman said some vehicles in Japan and elsewhere may be included.

The firm said it expected to have to fit a new thermostat in 100-200 cars, but gave no indication of how much the recall might cost.

"There is no potential danger from this and it doesn't affect the engine," the spokesman said.

The problem affects vehicles with a four- or six-cylinder engine built between October 1998 and March 2000.