PRA number
2013/13576
Campaign number
13175
Published date
Product description
BMW E46 vehicles
9/1999 - 8/2006
9/1999 - 8/2006
Reasons the product is recalled
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
Owners of affected vehicles should contact their local BMW dealership or BMW head office directly via the website at https://www.bmw.com.au/offers-and-services/service to arrange for a replacement airbag inflator free of charge.
Consumers who are unsure whether they are affected can also use BMW's look-up tool https://www.bmw.com.au/ or contact BMW on 1800 243 675 or contact their preferred dealer.
Alternatively, consumers can use their registration plate number to check if their vehicle is affected by going to http://www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au
If you are advised that your vehicle is fitted with an ‘alpha airbag’ it is critical owners take immediate steps to have the airbag inflators replaced because of the significant risk of injury or death associated with these inflators.
It is strongly recommended that owners of these vehicles stop driving their vehicles immediately. Under the Recall Notice, on request BMW must offer to arrange for your vehicle to be towed free of charge to the place of replacement or for a qualified technician to travel to you (or some similar arrangement), so that you do not have to drive your vehicle to be fixed if you do not want to do so.
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
Consumers who are unsure whether they are affected can also use BMW's look-up tool https://www.bmw.com.au/ or contact BMW on 1800 243 675 or contact their preferred dealer.
Alternatively, consumers can use their registration plate number to check if their vehicle is affected by going to http://www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au
If you are advised that your vehicle is fitted with an ‘alpha airbag’ it is critical owners take immediate steps to have the airbag inflators replaced because of the significant risk of injury or death associated with these inflators.
It is strongly recommended that owners of these vehicles stop driving their vehicles immediately. Under the Recall Notice, on request BMW must offer to arrange for your vehicle to be towed free of charge to the place of replacement or for a qualified technician to travel to you (or some similar arrangement), so that you do not have to drive your vehicle to be fixed if you do not want to do so.
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
Supplier
Traders who sold this product
BMW Australia Ltd
Where the product was sold
Nationally
Responsible regulator
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the responsible regulator for this recall.
