BMW has issued a recall for the 2006 3 Series, 2004-2006 5 Series and 2004-2006 X3 for a problem with their air bags. Please read the details carefully for which model years apply to each model.
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Model Year: 2004, 2005,2006
Models affected:3 Series, 5 Series, X3
NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V384000
Potential Units Affected: 200000
Problem: BMW is recalling 200,000 model year 2006 3 Series sport seat, model year 2004-2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and model year 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger’s entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag “on-off” lamp will be illuminated. In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Corrective Action: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall is expected to begin during late september 2008. BMW will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.