BMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras

BMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras

March 9, 2021 Ken Boyd

Westwood, NJ – March 9, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 13,858 vehicles, due to an issue with the rearview camera. The recall includes the following models:

  • BMW X models, including BMW X3 2021 and 2019-2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i crossovers
  • BMW Alpina, including 2019-2021 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive sports car

For a complete list of models and model years included, please refer to this page.

Recall summary  

Rearview cameras became required on all new cars in 2007. Due to a software bug, when these recalled cars are shifted into reverse, the drivers may not see the entire rearview image or the screen may fail to illuminate altogether.  

Risks 

A malfunctioning rearview camera may result in a crash, as the driver may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This issue may cause injury or even death.

The cars in question, however, are equipped with a Park Distance Control (PDC) system, which alerts drivers to objects behind the vehicle, reducing the risk.

To read more about why rearview cameras were made standard, please visit our recent article about a Ford recall for a similar issue.

BMW xDrive recalls

BMW has just recalled over 14,000 cars – including 228i xDrive coupes and M235i xDrive high-performance cars – over a faulty sunroof that is prone to continuing to close after the car is turned off. This may result in an injury to a small child or a person inside the car.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and perform a free update, if necessary.  The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 13,800 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydBMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras
BMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake

BMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake

March 8, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Westwood, NJ – March 8, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 14,011 cars whose sunroofs do not adhere to federal safety guidelines about how and when power windows are allowed to close. The recall includes:

  • 2020-2021 BMW 228i coupes
  • 2020-2021 BMW 228i xDrive coupes
  • 2020-2021 BMW M235i xDrive cars

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the sunroof, which may continue to close even after the car has been turned off. This breaks a federal safety regulation requiring all power windows, including sunroofs, to be unable to close when the car is off and the front doors have been opened.

In a document submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW said that this recall is caused by window-controlling software intended for European cars  “inadvertently” implemented in US cars.

Other BMW xDrive recalls

In February, BMW recalled 901 cars – including 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive – because of a risk that parts of the cars’ braking system may separate if the driver brakes hard. This may result in a loss of anti-lock brakes and “braking assistance,” increasing the risk of a crash.

Risks

If the sunroof continues to close after the ignition is turned off, it may hurt small children and other car occupants.

In fact, the regulation requiring windows to stop closing when the car is off was put in place in 1970 after “numerous cases” of children who suffered injuries or were choked to death after getting stuck in closing power windows. Many of these cases involved children who were left unattended in cars with the ignition off. 

The BMW sunroof, however, does feature an “anti-trap” feature, meaning that it would stop moving if it encountered resistance – such as a person’s limb – while closing.

The repair

BMW dealers will reprogram the sunroof’s electronic coding for free. Notifications with more information about how and when to get this repair will be mailed out to owners starting on April 12.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To perform a BMW recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake
BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

February 3, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Westwood, NJ – April 18, 2018 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 47,806 vehicles with faulty water pumps that may cause the circuit board that controls them to overheat, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following BMW models with eight- and 12-cylinder engines and MINIs with four-cylinder turbocharged engines:

  • 2011-2012 BMW 550i
  • 2010-2012 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
  • 2012 BMW 650i Convertible and Coupe
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750i
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750li
  • 2009-2012 BMW 760li
  • 2011-2012 BMW Activehybrid 7
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5 M
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 Activehybrid SAC
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6 M
  • 2007-2012 MINI Cooper S
  • 2008-2012 MINI Cooper S Clubman
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman
  • 2007-2012 MINI JCW
  • 2008-2012 MINI Clubman JCW 
  • 2011-2012 MINI JCW Convertible
  • 2010-2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the issues with BMW’s electric auxiliary water pumps, which help regulate temperature under the hood by conducting heat away from the turbocharger. This recall mirrors the 2018 recall of defective electric auxiliary water pumps in BMW and MINI models. The turbocharger is a device designed to make the engine more efficient and amp up its performance.

Because of the faulty design of the recall cars, the circuit board controlling the pump may overheat and start burning the water pump when working in high temperatures. This could potentially result in an engine fire and also cause the pumps to fail.

Similar BMW recalls occurred before including the 2011 BMW auxiliary water pump failure and the 2012 BMW auxiliary water pump failure possibly causing a fire.

Risks

An engine fire creates the risk of death and injury for you and your passengers. Learn more about possible warning signs for Audi engine fires caused by smoldering engine compartment seals included in a recent recall of Audis.

Driving with a faulty water pump may cause the car to overheat, increasing the risk of an engine failure.

The repair

BMW and MINI dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump for free. Owners will be sent recall notifications by mail starting  June 11. Those who have already paid to repair this defect may be eligible for reimbursement. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

As of October 2019 – the last date for which information is available – over 31,000 vehicles have been repaired. To see if your car is amongst those that still need to be fixed,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.  Avoid parking your car inside until it is repaired.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure
BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

November 2, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – BMW of North America has remedied issues with 4,444 models including the 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 due to a risk of fire caused by debris in hybrid battery cells. 0 of these vehicles have been declared as unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. One group of these 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 models with hybrid battery issues were remedied in 2020 and four more groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 30, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) has recalled 4,509 hybrids in the U.S. that may have debris in the hybrid battery cell, which could lead to a fire. The recall includes:

  • 2021 BMW 330E hybrid sedans
  • 2020-2021 BMW 530E hybrid sedans
  • 2021 BMW 745LE hybrid sedans
  • 2020 BMW i8 hybrid sports cars
  • 2020-2021 BMW X3 hybrid crossovers
  • 2021 BMW X5 hybrid SUVs
  • 2020-2021 Mini Countryman crossovers

These cars are equipped with the following high voltage battery models:

  • 8658344-11/345-11
  • 8678566-10/567-10
  • 9452661-04

Recall summary  

The recall concerns these hybrid vehicles’ high voltage batteries, some of which may be contaminated with debris due to a manufacturing issue at Samsung, the battery producer. The debris could cause the batteries to short-circuit, which could lead to a fire. BMW is aware of a total of four incidents related to this issue, which all took place between early August and mid-September. No related accidents or injuries have been reported to the automaker or the National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Risks

Equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration. Researchers have said that hybrid-electric vehicles are as likely to catch fire as gas-powered vehicles. 

If a vehicle catches fire, the driver should:

  1. Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.
  2. Once stopped, TURN OFF the engine (using the key or a smart button, if available).
  3. Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything. 
  4. Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic. Call 911.

Hybrid car fires require different firefighting techniques than gas-powered vehicle fires. Engaging with a burning hybrid without the right protection could lead to electric shock, exposure to toxic fumes, and lithium burns. If you experience a hybrid vehicle fire, make sure emergency services know that the vehicle is a hybrid so they can best protect you and themselves.

The repair

According to BMW, the remedy for this issue is still “under discussion.” Customers should look for a recall notification in the mail, which will be sent out sometime in October.

Until the remedy is available, BMW is telling drivers not to charge the battery of their plug-in vehicles, drive in manual mode, sport mode or use the shift paddles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. Use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool to find out if your vehicle is affected by this or other recalls.

Rebecca RandBMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk
BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights

BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights

October 12, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 28, 2020 – BMW of North America LLC (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) has recalled 4,265 cars with faulty headlights that may create glare for oncoming drivers, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes: 

  • 2019-2020 BMW Z4 roadsters
  • 2020 Toyota Supra sports cars

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing mistake, the headlights on these vehicles are able to be pointed left and right. This is not allowed by federal motor vehicle safety regulations, which state that the low beams – used to light the road ahead of the car – must not be horizontally adjustable.

What does Toyota have to do with it? 

The 2020 Toyota Supra is part of the BMW Z4 recall because both vehicles are the result of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW. The Supra uses many BMW parts and is built at the same plant as the Z4.

Risks

It is important for headlights to work properly to maximize visibility for everyone on the road. Beams that are not aimed properly may cause glare, blinding oncoming drivers. At the same time, lights that are not bright enough limit how much the person behind the wheel can see. Both increase the risk of collisions.

Of all the fatal accidents in the United States, about half happen at night, when only a quarter of trips take place. So not only is reduced visibility responsible for more accidents, these accidents are also more severe.

The repair

BMW dealers will inspect vehicles’ headlights and correct the problem for free. The recall repair is currently available and should take less than half a day.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles are part of this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights
BMW X6 Rear Spoiler Could Detach

BMW X6 Rear Spoiler Could Detach

February 19, 2020 Marshall Earley

Laguna Hills, CA – February 6, 2020 – Rear spoilers on certain 2020 BMW vehicles may detach while in operation, creating a road hazard and increased risk of crash.

The total number of affected vehicles is 166,196.

The defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling 2020 X6 sDrive 40i, X6 xDrive 40i, and X6 xDrive 50i vehicles whose rear spoilers may detach during operation and create higher risks of vehicle crashes.

On January, 15, 2020 a loose rear spoiler was noticed during BMW X6 vehicle assembly. BMW contacted the supplier of the spoilers and performed a visual examination on the remaining vehicles in assembly.

The examination revealed that many of the spoilers placed on the vehicle were not applied with uniform adhesive.

Records provided by the spoiler supplier revealed that there was a period in the production process where the application of the adhesive to the spoiler deviated from the normal specified process.

Continued testing on February 2, revealed that the rear spoiler could detach from the vehicles at high speeds. By February 12, 2020, BMW decided to release a safety recall for the certain X6 vehicle models.

The solution

All BMW X6 vehicle owners will be notified by First Class mail beginning April 13, 2020. To perform the proper remedy affected vehicle owners must bring their vehicle into any authorized BMW center where they can assess the spoiler and replace it with adequate adhesive if necessary.

This repair will be free of charge.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyBMW X6 Rear Spoiler Could Detach
Third Brake Light on M6 Gran Coupe Could Detach

Third Brake Light on M6 Gran Coupe Could Detach

February 19, 2020 Marshall Earley

re: NHTSA campaign 20V094000

Laguna Hills, CA – February 6, 2020 –  BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is issuing a recall citing third brake lights that could loosen and detach from certain 2014 – 2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles.

If a third brake light detaches from the vehicle, it would not provide adequate exterior lighting to surrounding traffic, ultimately resulting in a higher risk of crash.

The potential number of affected vehicles is 2,728.

The defect

In certain BMW 2014 – 2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicles the third brake light could loosen and detach from the vehicle. The first incidents cited of loose third brake lamp assemblies came in July, 2019.

BMW decided to issue an engineering review and field data analysis in August, suggesting the possible cause could be local weather due to the close proximity and dates of each of the incidents.

Since the M6 Gran Coupe was no longer in production, a specific review of the production process could not be performed, but the problem was expected to lie in the unique carbon fiber roof, a specific feature of the M6 Gran Coupe.

The months of September through November were spent assembling parts and vehicles for testing. Once the parts were assembled multiple tests were performed which consisted of long term environmental exposure to the carbon roof to determine its interaction with the third brake lamp.

In December, the tests were deemed inconclusive and environmental ware on the brake lamp fasteners and carbon roof were ruled out.

In January 2020, an additional series of tests were performed to determine the effect of loose and missing fasteners on the attachment of the third brake lamp.

By late January, BMW noted that prior to the official testing of the M6 Gran Coupe, fasteners for the third brake lamp were already loose. On January 31, tests concluded that the separation of the third brake lamp from the vehicle was due to missing or loose fasteners not environmental conditions.

On February 12, 2020 BMW decided to release an official recall, citing the test results.

The solution

All 2014 – 2019 M6 Gran Coupe vehicle owners will receive a letter in April from BMW of North America, LLC citing the official recall. Vehicle users may still operate the vehicle if the third brake light becomes detached but are strongly advised not to.

Instead, BMW asks that all affected vehicle owners schedule an appointment at any authorized BMW center to perform the proper repair, free of charge. The repair of the detached brake light, new fasteners will be installed to secure the brake lamp into place.

This repair will take approximately one hour to complete. Owners wishing to have their vehicle serviced are advised to wait until they receive the official letter from BMW, so as to ensure the necessary tools, parts and procedures are available. In the meantime owners are free to schedule an appointment at any authorized BMW center.

You can check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

—————————————————————————————————————

About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyThird Brake Light on M6 Gran Coupe Could Detach
BMW Recalls Over 300,000 Vehicles Due to Faulty Airbag Inflators

BMW Recalls Over 300,000 Vehicles Due to Faulty Airbag Inflators

January 17, 2020 Marshall Earley ,

Laguna Hills, Calif. – March 20, 2022 – BMW of North America has remedied issues with 46,423 models including the 2007-2012 BMW X5, 2000-2006 BMW M3, and others with driver and/or passenger airbag Failures. Besides this, 0 have been declared as unreachable and 606 has been removed from the recall. Four groups of these BMW models were remedied in 2020 and two groups were fixed in 2021 for this un-announced explosion risk on the driver and/or passenger airbags.

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 17, 2020 – BMW of North America (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling approximately 357,000 vehicles with faulty driver and/or passenger airbags that could explode un-announced, sending dangerous objects and metal at car passengers.

The following models will need their passenger-side airbags replaced:

  • 2000-2005 BMW 320I
  • 2000-2006 BMW 323CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 323I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 323IT
  • 2000-2006 BMW 325CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325IT
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325XI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325XIT
  • 2000-2006 BMW 328CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 328I
  • 2000-2006 BMW 330CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 330I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 330XI
  • 2000-2006 BMW M3

The following models will need their driver’s-side airbags replaced:

  • 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series M
  • 2008-2013 BMW 128I
  • 2008-2013 BMW 135I
  • 2006-2011 BMW 325I
  • 2006-2012 BMW 325XI
  • 2006-2013 BMW 328I
  • 2006-2012 BMW 328XI
  • 2006-2011 BMW 330I
  • 2006-2011 BMW 330XI
  • 2009-2011 BMW 335D
  • 2006-2013 BMW 335I
  • 2007-2013 BMW 335IS
  • 2006-2011 BMW 335XI
  • 2007-2013 BMW M3
  • 2013-2015 BMW X1
  • 2007-2010 BMW X3
  • 2013 BMW X5
  • 2013-2014 BMW X6

The following models will need to have both driver- and passenger-side airbags replaced:

  • 2006 BMW M3
  • 2007-2012 BMW X5
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid SAC

The defect

Affected vehicles may be installed with faulty airbag inflators which, under the pressure of high heat and humidity, could explode sending dangerous metal fragments and objects toward the driver and other vehicle occupants.

In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW has released certain years and models that have specific airbag inflator recalls; these include the driver’s-side airbag, driver’s-side airbag inflator, and the passenger side airbag. Below is a released list of the affected vehicles:

The solution

BMW asks all affected vehicles owners to bring the recall into any authorized BMW dealership for instalment of a new airbag inflator. This recall service will be free of charge. All affected vehicle owners should register their vehicles online to ensure fast and reliable recall service.

Affected airbag inflators, supplied by Takata, were installed using ammonium nitrate, which, under the extreme cases of heat and humidity, caused the inflators unannounced explosion. Permanent replacements of the airbag inflators will not use ammonium nitrate.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 357,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 147,233 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

—————————————————————————————————————

About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 17, 2020 – BMW of North America (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling approximately 357,000 vehicles with faulty driver and/or passenger airbags that could explode un-announced, sending dangerous objects and metal at car passengers.

The following models will need their passenger-side airbags replaced:

  • 2000-2005 BMW 320I
  • 2000-2006 BMW 323CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 323I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 323IT
  • 2000-2006 BMW 325CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325IT
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325XI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 325XIT
  • 2000-2006 BMW 328CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 328I
  • 2000-2006 BMW 330CI
  • 2000-2005 BMW 330I
  • 2000-2005 BMW 330XI
  • 2000-2006 BMW M3

The following models will need their driver’s-side airbags replaced:

  • 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series M
  • 2008-2013 BMW 128I
  • 2008-2013 BMW 135I
  • 2006-2011 BMW 325I
  • 2006-2012 BMW 325XI
  • 2006-2013 BMW 328I
  • 2006-2012 BMW 328XI
  • 2006-2011 BMW 330I
  • 2006-2011 BMW 330XI
  • 2009-2011 BMW 335D
  • 2006-2013 BMW 335I
  • 2007-2013 BMW 335IS
  • 2006-2011 BMW 335XI
  • 2007-2013 BMW M3
  • 2013-2015 BMW X1
  • 2007-2010 BMW X3
  • 2013 BMW X5
  • 2013-2014 BMW X6

The following models will need to have both driver- and passenger-side airbags replaced:

  • 2006 BMW M3
  • 2007-2012 BMW X5
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid SAC

The defect

Affected vehicles may be installed with faulty airbag inflators which, under the pressure of high heat and humidity, could explode sending dangerous metal fragments and objects toward the driver and other vehicle occupants.

In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW has released certain years and models that have specific airbag inflator recalls; these include the driver’s-side airbag, driver’s-side airbag inflator, and the passenger side airbag. Below is a released list of the affected vehicles:

The solution

BMW asks all affected vehicles owners to bring the recall into any authorized BMW dealership for instalment of a new airbag inflator. This recall service will be free of charge. All affected vehicle owners should register their vehicles online to ensure fast and reliable recall service.

Affected airbag inflators, supplied by Takata, were installed using ammonium nitrate, which, under the extreme cases of heat and humidity, caused the inflators unannounced explosion. Permanent replacements of the airbag inflators will not use ammonium nitrate.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 357,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 147,233 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

—————————————————————————————————————

About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyBMW Recalls Over 300,000 Vehicles Due to Faulty Airbag Inflators
Airbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles

Airbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles

January 15, 2020 Marshall Earley ,

re: NHTSA Campaign 20V018000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 23, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 292,948 vehicles equipped with faulty front passenger airbag inflators that could explode when placed under extreme or long-term weather conditions. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 323iT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325iT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325xiT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 320i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 323i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325xi
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 328i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 330i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW330xi
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 323Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 325Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 328Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 330Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW M3 Coupe
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 323Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 325Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 330Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMWM3 Convertible

The defect

Previous replacement parts, used to satisfy Takata airbag inflator recalls, contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN and PSPI), which will explode once subjected to high temperatures and long term humidity exposure.

The front passenger airbag in affected vehicles could explode and send metal objects toward the car’s occupants.

The solution

Affected vehicle owners will be notified on the official recall date – March, 6, 2020. Official licensed BMW dealerships will perform the proper repairs in accordance with the recalled parts.

This will be free of charge. The appropriate solution is to replace the faulty frontal airbag (passenger side) with another inflator that does not contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN). After the proper repair, inflators should not explode even under long-term exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 292,000 vehicles were originally part of this BMW recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 100,844 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.


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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyAirbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles
BMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags

BMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags

January 15, 2020 Marshall Earley ,

Laguna Hills, CA – January 23, 2020 – BMW of North America, LLC is recalling 4,007 vehicles equipped with faulty airbag inflators that could possibly explode when placed under high humidity and heat.

The recall includes:

  • 2009 – 2012 X5 xDrive35d
  • 2008 – 2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M
  • 2007 – 2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M
  • 2010 – 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid

The defect

BMW is recalling over 4,000 vehicles due to risk of unintended airbag deployment. Affected vehicles are equipped with a non-desiccated, front airbag that contains ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2); a propellant used to satisfy previous Takata inflator recalls.

Under long-term high temperatures and humidity the ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2) will explode, sending large metal fragments and shards towards the driver and other vehicle passengers, resulting in serious injuries and possible death.

BMW will notify affected vehicle owners when the official recall begins, which is March 6, 2020. Any officially licensed BMW dealership will perform the proper inflator repairs, free of charge.

The solution

The repair will include a replacement front airbag inflator that does not include ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2). This repair will allow airbag inflators to remain intact under long-term high humidity and temperatures.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles were originally included in this recall. As of April 30, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – 2,454 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we added the last section and included completion rates. The article has also been edited to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Marshall EarleyBMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags
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