Recall published

Topics

General product safety

Product description

Critical Recall
Campaign Number: 0032260200

BMW 5 Series (E39)
CPA: 11150
Model Years 2002-2003

BMW 3 Series (E46)
CPA: 13175
Model Years 2001-2006

BMW X5 (E53)
CPA: 25512
Model Year 2003

7 909 critical affected vehicles

Front driver side airbag inflators

28 576 total affected vehicles

See a list of details to help identify the product

Reason the product is recalled

Takata airbag inflator: As it gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure.

The hazards to consumers

In the event that a defective airbag inflator ruptures, metal fragments may propel out through the airbag cushion towards the vehicle occupants causing serious injury or fatality.

What consumers should do

If owners of BMW E46 3 series, E39 5 Series & E53 X5 are advised it is under 'critical recall’ and your vehicle’s airbag is more than 6 years old, it is recommended that you stop driving the vehicle and immediately arrange for airbag replacement as the vehicle has a heightened risk of causing injury or death. The critical recall category applies to alpha airbags and also includes other airbags specified by BMW. 

BMW will offer to arrange for your vehicle to either be towed to the place of replacement or for a mobile technician to be sent to the vehicle (or some similar arrangement), so that you do not have to drive the vehicle in order to receive a replacement airbag.

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their local BMW dealership or BMW Australia’s Takata Hotline directly on 1800 243 675. Affected owners can also utilise the website https://www.recall.bmw.com.au or email info@bmw.com.au to arrange for a replacement airbag inflator free of charge. You are also entitled to request special arrangements, such as a loan or hire car or reimbursement for alternative transportation costs. 
 
Consumers who are unsure whether their vehicle is affected by the recall can also use the BMW VIN look-up tool at https://www.recall.bmw.com.au contact the BMW Takata Hotline directly on 1800 243 675 or contact their preferred BMW dealer.

Alternatively, consumers can use their registration plate number to check if their vehicle is affected by going to http://www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au 

We also recommend you visit https://www.productsafety.gov.au/newsletter/subscribe to subscribe to receive updates about current and future recalls as they are published.

Further information for consumers is available at: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/compulsory-takata-airbag-recall

Details to help identify the product

Supplier running the recall

BMW Group Australia Ltd

Who sold the product

BMW Group Australia Ltd

Identifying product features

Critical VIN list.xlsx 169.28 KB
Complete VIN list.xlsx 408.69 KB

Dates available for sale

-

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Responsible regulators

Regulators are established or appointed by government. They enforce regulations and rules.

Quote PRA number 2016/15581 when contacting a regulator about this recall.

Recall and remedy questions

Contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission if you have:

  • a question about the remedy being offered to you by the business that is responsible for managing this recall, or
  • concerns about the way the business is managing this recall.