Image caption Checks to affected cars should take 30 minutes, according to BMW

German luxury carmaker BMW is recalling some 1.3 million cars worldwide because of potential battery problems that could, in extreme cases, result in a fire.

The cars involved are 5 and 6 Series models built between 2003 and 2010.

Thecompany said it had received nine reports of the defect, but was not aware of any injuries resulting from the fault.

Owners should take the vehicles to authorised dealers for repair.

It said the battery cable cover may be incorrectly mounted.

A company statement said: "In order to carry out a quality measure, BMW is recalling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models of the previous generation, built between 2003 and 2010 and still on the market, for repair at authorised dealers.

"This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire."

It said it would write to all owners and that checks would take about 30 minutes and be free of charge.

Earlier this month, the company reported record profit margins in its core car business for 2011.

Its profits jumped by 51% last year to 4.9bn euros ($6.43bn; £4.1bn) compared with 3.24bn euros from the year before. Sales rose 14% to 68.82bn euros.