Component
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The occupant classification system in your vehicle is a sensor mat installed under the passenger seat. It helps the airbag deploy correctly in a crash by detecting if the passenger is present or not. Over time, this mat can crack and break, which could cause it to fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the occupant classification system fails, the passenger airbag won't deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury to the passenger. They won't have the protection of the airbag, and you could be at risk of a serious head or chest injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the occupant detection mat with a new one, free of charge. When parts become available, you'll receive a second letter and be scheduled for the repair. In the meantime, you'll also get an extended warranty on the mat for added peace of mind.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →