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 that determines if and how the passenger airbag deploys in a crash. In some cases, this mat can crack and fail, which could affect the airbag's performance.
Risk if Unfixed
If the system fails, the passenger airbag might not deploy in a crash, putting the passenger at risk of serious injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will fix the occupant detection mat to prevent it from cracking, for free. They'll also replace it with a new one when parts become available. You'll receive a second letter from BMW when the repair is ready, and you can contact them at 1-800-525-7417 or email them at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com for more information.
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.
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Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →