Police put brakes on use of BMWs after engine fire led to officer’s death

BMWs with N57 engines have been withdrawn from forces across the country - marcyano/iStock Editorial
BMWs with N57 engines have been withdrawn from forces across the country - marcyano/iStock Editorial

Police have withdrawn some of their high-powered BMWs as others are given speed restrictions amid safety fears following the death of an officer.

Northumbria, Hertfordshire and Cumbria are among the forces that have replaced the cars, used largely by traffic and armed response officers, amid concerns over a technical fault in certain engine types.

Meanwhile officers nationwide using BMW models with an N57 engine have been told that they should travel at an absolute maximum of 90mph even when chasing suspects.

The advice to the blue light responders is that they should not go more than 20mph over the speed limit in any given area.

It comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, whose engine burst into flames on the M6 in January 2020 when he was responding to a 999 call.

BMW said on Wednesday that the “technical matter” was linked to the “particular way” police use their cars and there is “no need for action on civilian vehicles”.

Emergency response vehicles are known to travel at higher speeds for prolonged periods and use heavier acceleration and breaking.

It is understood that BMW has been in touch with forces about potential issues since engine problems were linked to PC Dumphrey’s death.

PC Nick Dumphreys died when his engine burst into flames on the M6 in January 2020
PC Nick Dumphreys died when his engine burst into flames on the M6 in January 2020

His force, Cumbria, confirmed that they “do not have any BMW N57 engine vehicles in our fleet” as they “ceased to be used as they approached their end of life”.

Hertfordshire said that BMWs with potential issues “have been withdrawn from operational use as a precautionary measure” whilst the risks are assessed.

Northumbria confirmed at the end of last year that it had withdrawn its BMW X5s amid safety fears and a spokesman on Wednesday told The Telegraph that they now do not have any in their fleet.

Concerns have been raised that the officers are now being forced to rely on slower vehicles including Vauxhall vans and Ford Rangers.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “The majority of our BMW fleet are fully operational as the issue only affects a specific engine type. Some affected BMW vehicles remain in operational use, but with limitations in place as a result of UK-wide guidance.”

Durham said that they were carrying out “a review of our fleet” but assured members of the public that it would not impact their services.

Derbyshire said that they could not confirm whether they were using the BMWs for “operational reasons”.

'Urgent steps' being taken to address engine issue

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, lead on police driving for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “We are aware there may be an issue with some older vehicles in our fleet and we are taking urgent steps to ensure this is addressed, including offering guidance to forces.

“Chiefs are working with the National Association of Police Fleet Managers to examine any risks.

“Our priority at this time is to ensure the safety and the long-term integrity of the equipment our officers use.”

It is understood that the fault is found in models with M57 or N57 three-litre diesel engines.

'No need for action' on civilian vehicles

A BMW spokesman said: “The safety of our customers and their vehicles is of utmost importance to BMW.

“We have been working with the police for some time on a technical matter linked to a small number of special high-performance vehicles.

“This issue is associated with the particular way in which the police operate these high-performance vehicles. This unique usage profile puts extra strain on some components and therefore BMW has specified a special servicing programme for these vehicles. There is no need for action on any civilian vehicles.”