BMW 525I, 530I, 540I and others: Inflator module

Date

Jan. 14, 2019

Filed by

BMW of North America, LLC

Consumer advisory

Do Not Drive (NHTSA consumer advisory in this record).

Vehicles

BMW 525I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003); BMW 530I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003); BMW 540I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003); BMW X5 SAV (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

Component

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

Description of the defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Potentially affected

157549

What can happen

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Owner notification date

March 14, 2019

Recall type

V (vehicle)

Influenced by

ODI

Recall number

19V015000

What should I do? Car recall: how to check your car and get it fixed

Source: NHTSA · Vehicle record. View the agency notice. The agency notice governs; check it and the company before acting.