Police officers responding to emergency callouts have been told to avoid going too fast in some of their BMWs – amid concerns over the older cars.
The guidance has been given to 999 motors that have N57 engines under their bonnets.
Police chiefs have told armed and traffic officers to avoid going over 20mph over the speed limit even in chases.
It has the knock-on effect that if a pursuit is taking place on the motorway, police can only drive a maximum of 90mph.
BMW have said the issue is only with specialist police vehicles due to the way they are being driven.
Emergency calls do feature sharper acceleration and braking and longer spells of speed.
© Provided by Daily Mail The guidance has been given to 999 motors that have N57 engines under their bonnets © Provided by Daily Mail It comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, when his BMW caught fire and killed him
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on police driving, Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, 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 comes after the death of PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, when his BMW burst into flames in 2020 in Cumbria.
PC Dumphreys had been on a 999 call when the tragedy happened.
A pre-inquest review hearing in May last year was told his car had returned to his force’s vehicle management unit at least four times.
© Provided by Daily Mail PC Dumphreys was the only occupant of his squad car when it crashed at about 2pm and burst into flames. He died at the scene (pictured)
They were related to a power failure at 70mph, warning lights appearing on the dashboard and an oil change.
Speaking on the new guidance, a whistleblower told The Sun officers faced the sack if they broke the new speed rules.
They said: ‘We may as well give up the day job.
‘Every second counts in an emergency.
‘It beggars belief that these cars are still in use.’
BMW told MailOnline: ‘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.;
Keyword: Police ordered not to go faster than 90mph over fears over BMW issues