WASHINGTON, D.C. -

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said BMW of North America is recalling more than 52,000 large sedans in two separate campaigns.

The larger of the two recalls is connected with the transmission control module on 45,500 units. The models included in this campaign are:

—2005 BMW 745I
—2005 BMW 745LI
—2006-2008 BMW 750I
—2006-2008 BMW 750LI
—2005-2006 BMW 760I
—2005-2008 BMW 760LI

NHTSA said BMW is recalling certain these vehicles equipped with the comfort access option and manufactured on Aug. 23, 2004 through July 24, 2008.

Officials said the affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to park when the driver presses the start/stop button to shutdown the engine.

The agency determined if the driver presses the engine start/stop button two or three times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to neutral rather than park.

“If using the electronic key (comfort access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in park,” officials said.

NHTSA said if the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away.

“Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle,” the agency said.

NHTSA indicated BMW will notify owners beginning next month but will not have revised software available to remedy the vehicles until March.

In the meantime, owners can call BMW at (800) 525-7417 or email the automaker at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

BMW Recall to Fix Door Latch

In a separate campaign, BMW is recalling certain model year 2005–2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both comfort access and soft close automatic options, and manufactured on Aug. 23, 2004 through Sept. 3, 2007.

Due to a software problem, NHTSA said the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

The 7,485 models included in this recall are:

—2005 BMW 745I
—2005 BMW 745LI
—2006-2007 BMW 750I
—2006-2007 BMW 750LI
—2005-2006 BMW 760I
—2005-2007 BMW 760LI

“The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door,” NHTSA said. “The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.”

The agency added BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall is expected to begin next month.