NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047
Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC
Components AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected 230,117

 

Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

 

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles.

These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall.

These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

 

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin March 15, 2017.

Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

 

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.

 

Check if your BMW has a Recall

 

 

 

RECALL 17V-047: DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE – PRIOR PARTS REPLACEMENT

Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop. New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol

New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B65 02 17 dated January 2017 Whats New:

• Recall number added
• Affected vehicles, Cause, Correction, and Procedure added
• Parts and Warranty added

 

MODEL

 

Model Year 2000- 2003

E46 All steering wheel variants

E39 / E53 Only steering wheel variants Sport and M Sport (SA0255 or SA0710)

 

SITUATION

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall on certain E39, E46 and E53 vehicles, involving the driver’s front air bag module. This recall campaign involves the Takata PSDI-4 inflator which entered the spare parts supply chain, and may have been installed in vehicles during service or repair events

All customers affected by this Recall are being sent letters in March 2017. The letter will inform them that their vehicle is affected by this Recall. To assist you with customer concerns, please reference the attached Q&Athat will be updated as information becomes available.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

This Recall Campaign involves a total vehicle population of approximately 230,000 vehicles from Model Year 2000 thru 2003. The number of potentially affected vehicles is much smaller and we expect only around 2% of these vehicles will require parts replacement.

Vehicles in dealer inventory are affected by this recall/stop. Vehicles which require this Recall Campaign to be completed will show it as “Open” when checked either in AIR, the “Service Menu” of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.

Affected vehicles may have received a Takata PSDI-4 driver front air bag as a replacement part even though the affected vehicles were NOT produced with Takata air bags. The replacement Takata air bag part is “backwards compatible” with the original non-Takata air bag. The air bag will be checked on all affected vehicles and replaced if necessary.

 

CAUSE

Due to a supplier production error, certain air bags from supplier Takata may not have been produced to specifications.

 

CORRECTION  PROCEDURE

Check the driver’s air bag and if necessary replace it.

1. Remove the driver’s air bag in accordance with repair instructions REP 32 34 020 “Removing and installing/replacing air bag units”.
2. Check the label on the back of the driver’s air bag.

Is the label yellow with the number BAM XXX – 1085 (as shown below) printed below the bar code?

YES- replace air bag following attached procedure.

NO – the driver’s air bag is not affected. Reinstall the driver’s air bag.

 

Note: Before installing the replacement part, the new air bag module’s serial number

must be documented by the technician on the repair order so it can also be entered into the warranty claim’s comment section.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

 

 

PARTS RETENTION

The parts replaced and submitted through this recall claim entry procedure are the property of BMW NA.

Your center is responsible for the proper identification, storage and documentation of these parts. They must be held in a secure retention area until notification of claim payment is made by BMW NA through DCSnet.

A DCSnet part return tag will be generated for the driver’s front air bag module with special handling instructions. Inflatable air bags are classified as dangerous goods by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and require special preparation, packing and labeling for transport.

A shipping procedure has been created for returning the replaced air bag modules directly to Takata. There is also a procedure available for “Bulk Shipping 15 or more Air bag modules” at one time to Takata.

These procedures are contained in the “Part Return Program Instructions” and “Bulk Ship” PDF attachments to this bulletin; please read both of them. Please use the following email address when scheduling bulk shipment returns to Takata:

[email protected]

The parts are to be packaged in the same packaging that the new part arrived in for shipment back to Takata.

The returns pickup schedule has been changed from weekly to every two weeks.

Your center is responsible for following all rules and regulations that apply to shipping dangerous goods as described in the attachment.

Please do not return these Recall Campaign air bag modules to either:

• Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC) or to the
• Recycling/disposal vendors listed in the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual, Section 6.

 

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the following information:

 

Checking Label Only

 

 

Or:

Checking Label and Replacing Air Bag

 

 

Only one of the listed flat rate unit numbers may be quoted for reimbursement purposes.

 

TREAD Act – Previous Customer-Pay Repairs

With this Recall Campaign, a prior repair reimbursement is unlikely. Typically, a customer would have their driver’s front air bag module replaced as a result of an accident. In such a case, either an insurance company or the customer themselves, paid for the replacement of the above mentioned air bag module in conjunction with the accident repairs. Such cases are not covered by this campaign and are not entitled to reimbursement.

 

ATTACHMENTS

View PDF attachment 17V-047_QA_26Jan2017.

View PDF attachment B650217_Parts_Bulk_Ship_Return.

View PDF attachment B650217_Parts_Return_Program_Instructions.

View PDF attachment Procedure A B650217_V2.

View PDF attachment Recall Notice B650217.

 

SAFETY RECALL NOTICE  

 

To:  All Center Operators, Sales Managers, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Warranty Processor

RE:  Recall 17V-047:  Driver’s Front Air Bag Module B65 02 17

 

BMW Group is conducting a Voluntary Safety Recall (effective January 20, 2017) involving the front driver air bag in certain 3 Series, 5 Series and X5.

Owners will be notified by First Class mail about the Recall and will be instructed to bring their vehicles in for a free repair when parts are available.

 

Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law (The Safety Act) for you to sell, lease or deliver any new motor vehicle covered by this notification until the recall repair has been performed.  This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles to consumers until they are fixed or use/sell replacement equipment/parts subject to this recall.  Note also that substantial civil penalties apply to violations of the Safety Act. 

 

Also, you should not sell, lease or deliver any Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles subject to a safety recall until the repair is completed. 

 

Please follow any special instructions that we provide to you for the return or disposition of recall parts.

  

We appreciate all your assistance with this Recall.

 

B65 02 17 – RECALL 17V-047: DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE – PRIOR PARTS
REPLACEMENT

Before installing the replacement part, the new air bag module’s serial number must be documented by the technician on the repair order so it can also be entered into the warranty claim’s comment section.

 

The safety regulations that apply when dealing with air bag modules MUST be complied with.

Note:

On vehicles with a basic steering wheel, the horn ring must be removed from the new part. To do so, proceed as follows:

 

 

 

See repair instructions REP 32 34 020 “Remove and install / replace air bag units” to complete installation.

 

Model Year 2000-2003 BMW X5, 3 and 5 Series
Driver’s Front Air Bag Module
Safety Recall 17V-047
Last updated: 1/26/2017

 

Q1. Which models are included in this Safety Recall Campaign?

Included are approximately 230,117 vehicles, with approximate volumes and production dates as noted below.

 

Q2. Which inflator is affected?

This recall campaign involves the Takata PSDI-4 inflator which entered the spare parts supply chain, and may have been installed in vehicles at dealers during service visits.

 

Q3. What is the fix?

The driver’s front air bag module will be checked and if a Takata PSDI-4 inflator is found, it will be replaced.

 

Q4. How long will the repair take?

Checking the air bag takes about 30 minutes; if the driver’s front air bag module needs to be replaced, it could take approximately one hour. Additional time may be required depending upon your BMW center’s schedule. The repair will be performed free of charge by any authorized BMW center.

 

Q5. Are final remedy parts for the recall available?

Yes.

 

Q6. How will I be notified of this recall?

Owner notification letters will be mailed in February. You should to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center immediately. You can locate your nearest BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealers.

To ensure BMW of North America, LLC has your most recent contact and vehicle information, please register your vehicle at http://www.bmwusa.com/myBMW. Registration is free of charge, and will give you access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to your BMW vehicle.

 

Q7. Do I have to wait for my letter in order to have my vehicle serviced?

No. You should make an appointment with an authorized BMW center immediately.

 

Q8. If I had my driver’s front air bag module replaced prior, do I need to have it replaced again?

Yes. We need to check the driver’s front air bag module, and if a Takata PSDI-4 inflator is found, it will be replaced. Please contact your authorized BMW center immediately to schedule an appointment to have this important free repair performed as soon as possible.

 

Q9. I own a 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series that still needs to have the passenger’s front air bag replaced under recall 13V-172 or 14V-428. Can I get both air bag modules replaced at the same time?

Absolutely! Your BMW center can perform both repairs in a single visit. Please let your service advisor know when you make an appointment and be sure to arrange alternate transportation if needed.

 

Q10. Should I get my driver’s front air bag module replaced, even though the final remedy for the passenger side is not currently available?

Yes! Replacing the driver’s air bag module now should help enhance your peace of mind as well as demonstrate your care and concern for the safety of your passengers.

 

 

Q11. I had my passenger front air bag replaced already and I thought it was a final repair, why is it now interim?

Due to the decision in May 2016 by NHTSA to recall all non-desiccated frontal Takata phase stabilized ammonium nitrate, the vehicles that had a prior replacement will need to have the inflator replaced again.

 

General Takata Questions

Q1. What is the specific concern?

Takata’s investigation to date indicates that exposure to certain environmental conditions (several years of exposure to persistent conditions of high absolute humidity) could lead to over-aggressive combustion in the event of air bag deployment.

 

Q2. What is desiccant? 

Put simply, desiccant is a substance with properties that enable it to soak up water vapor from the air surrounding it.

 

Q3. Why are other BMW models not included?

Other vehicles have frontal air bags that were produced with different inflators.

 

Q4. What can happen as a result of this issue?

In a crash where air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag inflator housing may rupture. In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants.

 

Q5. Is it possible to find out whether the problem exists in my car? 

No. There is no way to detect if your BMW might have an air bag inflator potentially at risk of rupturing upon deployment in an accident.

 

Q6. How did BMW become aware of this issue?

BMW became aware of this issue through its quality control procedures.

 

Q7. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?

Yes. However, please contact any authorized BMW center immediately to schedule an appointment to have this important free repair performed as soon as possible.  If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.

 

Q8. I did not receive a letter from BMW regarding my vehicle. How can I find out if my BMW is included in this recall?

You can check for open recalls a few different ways. You can check for open recalls by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) at www.bmwusa.com/recall and download a sample owner notification letter and Q&A if your VIN is affected. You can also call or visit your local BMW center’s service department to determine if your BMW is affected. Make sure to update your contact information by registering at http://www.bmwusa.com/myBMW.

 

Q9. What if I am not the current owner of this vehicle?

You can update your vehicle ownership information by registering at http://www.bmwusa.com/myBMW.

 

Q10. Which states are considered to be high absolute humidity areas?

Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan, South Carolina and U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

Q11. Will BMW give me a loaner vehicle when my vehicle is being serviced for this recall?

Yes.

 

Q12. Am I eligible for reimbursement under the TREAD Act if I previously replaced my driver’s front air bag module?

In this particular recall, reimbursement is likely not applicable, as you would typically have replaced your frontal air bag module as a result of an accident. In that situation, most likely your insurance company paid for the repair. However, in the very unusual (unlikely) scenario that you previously paid to replace the front air bag module “out-of-pocket” upon learning of this possible defect, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Additional information is provided when BMW mails the letter asking you to make an appointment with an authorized BMW center.

 

 

SI B65 02 17 – RECALL 17V-047: DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE – PRIOR PARTS REPLACEMENT

 

Defect Code: 0032480200

 

Safety Device Return Procedure for Airbag Recall 

 

 **ATTENTION**

 

DO NOT USE THE “1.4 LABEL” AND DO NOT FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS FOUND INSIDE

THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG MODULE’S BOX.

 

DISREGARD THOSE INSTRUCTIONS AND DO

NOT RELABEL THE ORIGINAL BOX THAT WILL NOW BE USED FOR RETURNING THE RECALLED AIRBAG.

 

IMPORTANT

• As the shipper, your center is responsible for proper packaging and documentation completion.
• The person packaging the airbag(s) must have received the Hazardous Material training per 49CFR 172.702. Those training records must be on file at your center.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) will impose substantial fines and/or penalties on the shipper if the packaging, labeling, or documentation is not properly prepared and the customer’s (center) copy of the OP 900PRP form is not kept on file for a minimum of two (2) years.

 

SI B65 02 17 – RECALL 17V-047: DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE – PRIOR PARTS REPLACEMENT

 

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V047-1280.pdf

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCMN-17V047-0284.pdf