BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns
BMW 135i Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
A potential fault with the side airbags fitted to 2008 BMW 1- and 3-Series cars has lead to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apparently, possible fitment of the wrong crimp connector can cause the airbag not to properly deploy.
In a separate recall, 2009 model year BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are also being called back to dealers, as they may have been fitted with rear brake discs that don't meet specifications. In extreme cases, the flaw could cause the rear disc to break, which would obviously then hurt the vehicle's ability to stop.
Unusually, the number of vehicles possibly covered under the actions has not been released, and BMW has not yet released the protocol for either repair. In any case, you can contact the company or NHTSA for more information. Complete information can be found in the NHTSA notices after the jump.
Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots
[Source: NHTSA -- 1-Series / 3-Series, X5 / X6]
NHTSA BULLETIN
Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / 1 SERIES, BMW / 3 SERIES
Model Year(s): 2008
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr's Report Date: JUL 01, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V257000
Component: AIR BAGS: FRONTAL
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
Consequence:
IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / X5, BMW / X6
Model Year(s): 2009
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr's Report Date: JUN 25, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V255000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2009 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AT THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL COULD OCCUR.
Consequence:
IN AN EXTREME CASE, THE AFFECTED REAR BRAKE DISC COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING AT THAT WHEEL INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
happyfun86 4:06PM (7/15/2009)
Must be a supplier problem...
Reply
alwaysgetlucky 6:42PM (7/15/2009)
my previous 3 series cost me a lot of problems , i have a whole new idea about the german cars now i am with the trouble free Lexus ES
Rev 1:19AM (7/16/2009)
Must be that superior German engineering!
L to the O to the L.
Stumpy 4:12PM (7/15/2009)
I don't care about recalls, I still want a 135i in the worst way.
..
Reply
BigMcLargeHuge 4:22PM (7/15/2009)
I think the worst way to have a 135i is on top of you.
=P
gefinley 4:50PM (7/15/2009)
No, I think inside you would be worse.
PJ 10:52PM (7/15/2009)
"I still want a 135i in the worst way."
+1. Put the 135 hardware in the Euro-market 5-door body, and I could probably live with one car for the rest of my life.
Max Palmer 7:58AM (7/16/2009)
Ditto.
mr.ed 5:10PM (7/15/2009)
Bangle lives.
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Seminole 11:19PM (7/15/2009)
What does an ex-chief designer have to do with an airbag recall?
mr.ed 11:49PM (7/15/2009)
I hope I posted in the right spot. Talkin' about the curved side character line on the BMW 1 series.
Frank 5:20PM (7/15/2009)
This is punked. It's like soy beans in my hamburger.
Reply
Jrejre 5:21PM (7/15/2009)
Apparently it's not safe to drive a car that's pregnant.
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BigEd 5:31PM (7/15/2009)
1-series should be recalled for unsafe (causes gag reflex) body design.
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Rev 6:44PM (7/15/2009)
Hells no, the 1-series is the only attractive BMW I've seen in ages and one of the only ones I'd be willing to be seen driving.
Looks great in white/black. Seen them on the road. Wonderful little cars.
BigEd 6:48PM (7/15/2009)
Mechanically -- an awesome car. But I just can not get over that banana lower body. Just can't. :-/
fixitfixitstop 12:54AM (7/16/2009)
The 1-series is a styling failure to these eyes.
Greg 6:21PM (7/15/2009)
I guess this means I have to hit things straight on, until my 328 is fixed. If you find yourself in my lane you best get out...I ain't swerving!
Reply
Hike15 8:01PM (7/15/2009)
this doesn't surprise me. One of my neighbors had a 128i and she got in an accident where the airbags were supposed to deploy but didn't. Her car later caught fire.
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Seminole 11:20PM (7/15/2009)
I see your story about a neighbor and raise you a story about a guy who crashed head first at 35 mph into a pole in his 135i and walked away without a scratch.
The guys post, complete with pictures:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279340