BMW is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall involving
Driver-Side Front Air Bag Module on certain BMW vehicles that are
equipped with non-desiccated Takata PSDI-5 inflators. These vehicles,
covering model years 2006-2015 have not been part of earlier
Takata-related air bag recalls. There are approximately 840,000 vehicles
in the US.
BMW has decided that a safety defect exists in certain
models below and has issued a recall to address the issue, effective
February 5, 2016.
Model Model Year Approx. Volume Production Dates
1 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2008 - 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
1 Series Convertible 2008 - 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
3 Series Sedan (incl. M) 2006 - 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 - Dec 2011
3 Series Sedan (diesel) 2009 - 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 - 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 - May 2012
3 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 - Jun 2013
3 Series Convertible (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 99,810 Nov 2006 - Oct 2013
X1 SAV 2013 - 2015 57,290 Feb 2012 - Sep 2014
X3 SAV 2007 - 2010 64,925 Aug 2006 - Aug 2010
X5 SAV (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 214,580 Sep 2006 - Jun 2013
X5 SAV (diesel) 2009 - 2013 35,440 Mar 2008 - Jun 2013
X6 SAV (incl. M) 2008 - 2014 37,000 Jul 2007 - Jun 2014
X6 SAV ActiveHybrid 2010 - 2011 365 Mar 2009 - Sep 2011
The defect involves the driver-side front air bag module.
Owners will be notified by mail informing them about the recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts become available.
Model Model Year Approx. Volume Production Dates
1 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2008 - 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
1 Series Convertible 2008 - 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
3 Series Sedan (incl. M) 2006 - 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 - Dec 2011
3 Series Sedan (diesel) 2009 - 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 - 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 - May 2012
3 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 - Jun 2013
3 Series Convertible (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 99,810 Nov 2006 - Oct 2013
X1 SAV 2013 - 2015 57,290 Feb 2012 - Sep 2014
X3 SAV 2007 - 2010 64,925 Aug 2006 - Aug 2010
X5 SAV (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 214,580 Sep 2006 - Jun 2013
X5 SAV (diesel) 2009 - 2013 35,440 Mar 2008 - Jun 2013
X6 SAV (incl. M) 2008 - 2014 37,000 Jul 2007 - Jun 2014
X6 SAV ActiveHybrid 2010 - 2011 365 Mar 2009 - Sep 2011
The defect involves the driver-side front air bag module.
Owners will be notified by mail informing them about the recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts become available.
Recall Notice: Questions & Answers
Updated: February 12, 2016
Q1. Which models are included in this Safety Recall Campaign?
Included are approximately 840,000 vehicles, with approximate volumes and production dates as noted below.
Series Model Model Year Approx. Volume Production Dates
E82 1 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2008 - 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
E88 1 Series Convertible 2008 - 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
E90 3 Series Sedan (incl. M) 2006 - 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 - Dec 2011
E90 3 Series Sedan (diesel) 2009 - 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
E91 3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 - 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 - May 2012
E92 3 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 - Jun 2013
E93 3 Series Convertible (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 99,810 Nov 2006 - Oct 2013
E84 X1 SAV 2013 - 2015 57,290 Feb 2012 - Sep 2014
E83 X3 SAV 2007 - 2010 64,925 Aug 2006 - Aug 2010
E70 X5 SAV (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 214,580 Sep 2006 - Jun 2013
E70 X5 SAV (diesel) 2009 - 2013 35,440 Mar 2008 - Jun 2013
E71 X6 SAC (incl. M) 2008 - 2014 37,000 Jul 2007 - Jun 2014
E72 X6 SAC ActiveHybrid 2010 - 2011 365 Mar 2009 - Sep 2011
Q2. BMW conducted safety recalls in 2013, 2014 and 2015 on a similar issue. How is this different?
The inflators are different. This recall campaign pertains to the Takata PSDI-5 inflator. The earlier recalls pertained to different inflators produced by Takata.
Q3. Are BMW M models included in this recall campaign?
Yes. [Please refer to Q1.]
Q4. Is this recall comparable to similar recalls being conducted by other Manufacturers?
Yes. This recall campaign involves the Takata PSDI-5 inflator.
Q5. How many BMW vehicles in the US are included in this Safety Recall?
The number of BMW vehicles in the US included in this recall is approximately 840,000.
Q6. Why are other models not included?
Other models are not included because this recall pertains specifically to vehicles equipped with the Takata PSDI-5 inflator.
Q7. What is the specific concern?
Takata's investigation to date indicates that, due to exposure to certain environmental conditions (several years of exposure to persistent conditions of high absolute humidity), this could lead to over-aggressive combustion in the event of air bag deployment.
Q8. What can happen as a result of this issue?
In a crash where air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag inflator housing may rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants.
Q9. Is there a possibility to find out whether the problem exists in my car?
No. There is no way to detect if your BMW might have an air bag inflator potentially at risk of rupturing upon deployment in an accident.
Q10. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
Yes. BMW is not aware of a ruptured inflator in any of its vehicles associated with this recall. However, when you receive a letter asking you to have this service performed by an authorized BMW center, please do so as soon as possible. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.
Q11. What measures will be taken?
The driver-side front air bag module will be replaced.
Q12. How did BMW become aware of this issue?
BMW became aware of this issue from Takata (the air bag module supplier) and NHTSA.
Q13. Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries involving BMW vehicles associated with this campaign?
No. BMW is not aware of a ruptured inflator in any of its vehicles associated with this recall.
Q14. How will I be informed of this recall program?
If your vehicle is affected, you will receive an initial letter in March via First Class mail advising you of this recall. You should receive an additional letter when replacement parts become available, requesting that you schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle to an authorized BMW center for service and repair.
Q15. NHTSA has encouraged all owners to get their affected air bags replaced as soon as replacement parts are available. What is BMW's position?
BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator to allow this safety recall to proceed as soon as possible.
Q16. Will my BMW center deactivate my driver-side front air bag until it is replaced?
BMW is not of the opinion that a deactivation of the driver-side front air bag system is necessary.
Q17. How will this program be performed?
When you are notified via the final letter, you will be asked to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center who will order the replacement driver-side front air bag module for your vehicle prior to your appointment.
Q18. How long will the repair take?
This repair may take approximately two hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center's schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.
Q19. Do I have to wait for my letter in order to have my vehicle serviced?
Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing this program to ensure that the necessary parts, tools and procedures are available to its authorized BMW centers, prior to instructing you to take your vehicle in for repair.
Q20. Am I eligible for reimbursement under the TREAD Act if I previously replaced my driver-side front air bag module?
In this particular recall, reimbursement is likely not applicable, as you would typically have replaced your driver-side front air bag module as a result of an accident. In that situation, either your insurance company paid for the repair, or you paid "out-of-pocket".
However, in the very unusual (unlikely) scenario that you previously replaced the driver-side front air bag module "out-of-pocket" upon learning of this possible defect, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Additional information will be provided when BMW mails the additional letter, asking you to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have your driver-side front air bag module replaced.
Q21. When are the repair parts expected to be available?
BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator to allow this safety recall to proceed as soon as possible. At the moment, a specific date is not available.
Q22. What is the difference between the existing and the repair part?
The existing part is a Takata PSDI-5 inflator. BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator for the repair part.
Q23. How will the repair be introduced to USA customers?
When an adequate inventory of parts is available, final owner notification letters will initially be issued via US First Class Mail to owners of the highest risk registered vehicles, i.e., oldest models in highest absolute humidity areas (e.g., USA Gulf states). As parts supply increases, all owners of affected vehicles will be notified by First Class mail.
Q24. Why is the passenger-side front air bag not affected?
The passenger-side front air bag does not contain a Takata PSDI-5 inflator so it is not affected by this recall.
Updated: February 12, 2016
Q1. Which models are included in this Safety Recall Campaign?
Included are approximately 840,000 vehicles, with approximate volumes and production dates as noted below.
Series Model Model Year Approx. Volume Production Dates
E82 1 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2008 - 2013 32,620 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
E88 1 Series Convertible 2008 - 2013 28,160 Nov 2007 - Oct 2013
E90 3 Series Sedan (incl. M) 2006 - 2011 132,845 Feb 2005 - Dec 2011
E90 3 Series Sedan (diesel) 2009 - 2011 4,160 Mar 2008 - Aug 2011
E91 3 Series Sports Wagon 2006 - 2012 3,270 Jun 2005 - May 2012
E92 3 Series Coupe (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 129,515 Apr 2006 - Jun 2013
E93 3 Series Convertible (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 99,810 Nov 2006 - Oct 2013
E84 X1 SAV 2013 - 2015 57,290 Feb 2012 - Sep 2014
E83 X3 SAV 2007 - 2010 64,925 Aug 2006 - Aug 2010
E70 X5 SAV (incl. M) 2007 - 2013 214,580 Sep 2006 - Jun 2013
E70 X5 SAV (diesel) 2009 - 2013 35,440 Mar 2008 - Jun 2013
E71 X6 SAC (incl. M) 2008 - 2014 37,000 Jul 2007 - Jun 2014
E72 X6 SAC ActiveHybrid 2010 - 2011 365 Mar 2009 - Sep 2011
Q2. BMW conducted safety recalls in 2013, 2014 and 2015 on a similar issue. How is this different?
The inflators are different. This recall campaign pertains to the Takata PSDI-5 inflator. The earlier recalls pertained to different inflators produced by Takata.
Q3. Are BMW M models included in this recall campaign?
Yes. [Please refer to Q1.]
Q4. Is this recall comparable to similar recalls being conducted by other Manufacturers?
Yes. This recall campaign involves the Takata PSDI-5 inflator.
Q5. How many BMW vehicles in the US are included in this Safety Recall?
The number of BMW vehicles in the US included in this recall is approximately 840,000.
Q6. Why are other models not included?
Other models are not included because this recall pertains specifically to vehicles equipped with the Takata PSDI-5 inflator.
Q7. What is the specific concern?
Takata's investigation to date indicates that, due to exposure to certain environmental conditions (several years of exposure to persistent conditions of high absolute humidity), this could lead to over-aggressive combustion in the event of air bag deployment.
Q8. What can happen as a result of this issue?
In a crash where air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag inflator housing may rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants.
Q9. Is there a possibility to find out whether the problem exists in my car?
No. There is no way to detect if your BMW might have an air bag inflator potentially at risk of rupturing upon deployment in an accident.
Q10. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?
Yes. BMW is not aware of a ruptured inflator in any of its vehicles associated with this recall. However, when you receive a letter asking you to have this service performed by an authorized BMW center, please do so as soon as possible. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.
Q11. What measures will be taken?
The driver-side front air bag module will be replaced.
Q12. How did BMW become aware of this issue?
BMW became aware of this issue from Takata (the air bag module supplier) and NHTSA.
Q13. Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries involving BMW vehicles associated with this campaign?
No. BMW is not aware of a ruptured inflator in any of its vehicles associated with this recall.
Q14. How will I be informed of this recall program?
If your vehicle is affected, you will receive an initial letter in March via First Class mail advising you of this recall. You should receive an additional letter when replacement parts become available, requesting that you schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle to an authorized BMW center for service and repair.
Q15. NHTSA has encouraged all owners to get their affected air bags replaced as soon as replacement parts are available. What is BMW's position?
BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator to allow this safety recall to proceed as soon as possible.
Q16. Will my BMW center deactivate my driver-side front air bag until it is replaced?
BMW is not of the opinion that a deactivation of the driver-side front air bag system is necessary.
Q17. How will this program be performed?
When you are notified via the final letter, you will be asked to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center who will order the replacement driver-side front air bag module for your vehicle prior to your appointment.
Q18. How long will the repair take?
This repair may take approximately two hours; however, additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center's schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by your authorized BMW center.
Q19. Do I have to wait for my letter in order to have my vehicle serviced?
Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing this program to ensure that the necessary parts, tools and procedures are available to its authorized BMW centers, prior to instructing you to take your vehicle in for repair.
Q20. Am I eligible for reimbursement under the TREAD Act if I previously replaced my driver-side front air bag module?
In this particular recall, reimbursement is likely not applicable, as you would typically have replaced your driver-side front air bag module as a result of an accident. In that situation, either your insurance company paid for the repair, or you paid "out-of-pocket".
However, in the very unusual (unlikely) scenario that you previously replaced the driver-side front air bag module "out-of-pocket" upon learning of this possible defect, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Additional information will be provided when BMW mails the additional letter, asking you to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have your driver-side front air bag module replaced.
Q21. When are the repair parts expected to be available?
BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator to allow this safety recall to proceed as soon as possible. At the moment, a specific date is not available.
Q22. What is the difference between the existing and the repair part?
The existing part is a Takata PSDI-5 inflator. BMW is developing an alternate air bag inflator for the repair part.
Q23. How will the repair be introduced to USA customers?
When an adequate inventory of parts is available, final owner notification letters will initially be issued via US First Class Mail to owners of the highest risk registered vehicles, i.e., oldest models in highest absolute humidity areas (e.g., USA Gulf states). As parts supply increases, all owners of affected vehicles will be notified by First Class mail.
Q24. Why is the passenger-side front air bag not affected?
The passenger-side front air bag does not contain a Takata PSDI-5 inflator so it is not affected by this recall.
Contact
BMW of Middleburg Heights
6976 Pearl Rd
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
- Sales: 440-845-9333
- Service: 440-845-9333
- Parts: 440-845-9333
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