BMW drivers in South Korea are reportedly being ostracised by parking bans imposed over mounting public fears about engine fires.

The country’s transport ministry estimates 27 engines went up in flames between January and July this year, prompting BMW’s South Korea unit on Tuesday to apologise and announce a recall of 106,000 diesel vehicles, including the 520d, from August 20.

“For the recent series of fire incidents happened in the country, we sincerely apologise for causing worry and anxiety among people and government authorities,” said Kim Hyo-joon, BMW Korea Chairman.

The company has cited defects in the exhaust gas recirculation system as the root cause of the fires, reported Reuters.

However, according to the Korea Times, some apartment blocks and commercial buildings have already barred BMW vehicles from their parking compounds, unwilling to risk a potential fire hazard.

Howard Kim, 45, who drives a gasoline engine-powered BMW 528i, told the paper that new parking curbs were making life difficult.

"The parking restrictions apply to all BMW vehicles, not just the 520d sedans," he claimed. "Even though I own a gasoline engine vehicle, relatively less of a risk than diesel cars, it is still uncomfortable. And people around me keep asking me if I'm okay with driving it."