The LA Times is reporting that BMW will recall 1.3 million luxury cars, including 367,000 in the U.S., because of a potential problem with a battery cable connector.

The defective battery cable connector can loosen in the trunk and overheat.  According to documents posted on NHTSA’s website, in  extreme cases, it could lead to a smoldering fire in a trunk floor mat,

Company officials say it is BMW’s largest recall ever.  It is also big by industry standards, rivaling some of the large recalls issued by Toyota Motor Co. as it dealt with quality issues over the past two years.

The recall includes all BMW 5 Series Sedans and Sport Wagons produced between June 1, 2003, and March 31, 2010, and 6 Series Coupes and Convertibles produced between Sept. 1, 2003, and July 31, 2010.

The company says the cable connection could overheat and cause a fire starting in the vehicle, even when it is not being driven.

BMW released a statement saying:   “In rare cases, the insulated bulkhead connector may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel. Over time, this can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection causing various systems in the vehicle to malfunction.”

The German corporation said they will mail letters to owners of the vehicles in April, asking them to take the cars to their dealer.  A technician will inspect the connector.

In addition, the BMW technicians will add a protective grease to the area and the battery cable plastic cover will be replaced with a new version.

This is the second recall of a high-end German car this month.  Porsche said Monday that it will recall 2012 model year 911 Carrera S sports cars because the fuel line might come apart.