A 530 million won fine was imposed on BMW Korea after it was found that some of exhaust gas-related parts of the BMW's Mini Cooper cars sold in Korea had been illegally replaced.
The Ministry of Environment said on Dec. 6 that it has imposed a fine of 530 million won on BMW Korea for violating regulations on the certification of manufacturing vehicles.
The total number of vehicles subject to violation of the regulations came to 1,265 units consisting of the two models, 'Mini Cooper' and “Mini Cooper 5-Door,” which were sold in 2015. The emission certification number is “EMY-BK-14-05.”
The vehicle in question has been changed to a part related to emissions, which is less durable than the part when it was first certified in 2014. BMW Korea did not report it to the Ministry of Environment in advance.
The cleanup control valve sends gasoline evaporative gases to the engine to burn them, and blocks external leaks. Gasoline evaporation gases from the fuel tank can cause respiratory irritation and headaches.
If components related to emissions change after receiving a certification for production vehicles and importing the cars, manufacturers should report them to the Ministry of Environment in advance and take measures such as certification of change.
BMW Korea submitted a recall plan to the Ministry of Environment in June as the ratio of defects of the Mini Cooper purification control valve reached 4.5 percent, while the Ministry of Environment confirmed the illegal change of the purification control valve during the review of the plan.
The ministry approved the recall plan on Oct. 22 to replace the cleanup control valve of the Mini Cooper vehicles with the originally-designed one and the recall has been under way.
