Non-Compliance Recall 20V-379 – Top-Tether Anchor – 2020-2021 BMW 7 Series Sedan

June 30, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V379000

Inaccessible Child Seat Tether Anchor/FMVSS 225

A child restraint system placed on the vehicle’s rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V379

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components CHILD SEAT

Potential Number of Units Affected 16

 

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) “Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.”

 

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating position and the vehicle’s three-point safety belt. The recall began August 20, 2020. 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

 

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SIB 51 21 20
2020-07-09

RECALL 20V-379: TOP TETHER ANCHOR COVER

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 1) replaces SI B51 21 20 dated June 2020.

 

What’s New (Specific text highlighted):

• Complete bulletin content added

 

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.

 

MODEL

E-Series	Model Description	Production Date
G12	7 Series Sedan	July 11, 2019 – March 16, 2020

 

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), ISPA Next or Warranty Vehicle Inquiry.

 

SITUATION

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Non-Compliance Recall (effective June 23, 2020) on a small number of Model Year 2020-2021 BMW 7 Series that were produced between July 11, 2019 and March 16, 2020.

 

The top tether anchor at the rear center seating position, may not be accessible.  If a child seat was placed on the rear center seat, the child seat’s top tether would not be able to be attached to the vehicle.

 

Recall notice and Q&A have been attached for further information.

 

CAUSE

An incorrect trim panel was installed during production.

 

CORRECTION

Inspect the armrest trim and the top tether cover.  Replace if necessary.

 

PROCEDURE

1. Inspect the trim panel above the center arm rest, in the area of the rear parcel shelf (area circled below). Does the trim panel have a tether cover as shown?   Note: No trim panel tether cover on left (bad).  Trim panel tether cover is in place on right (OK).

 

If trim panel tether cover is installed, no further correction is required.

 

If trim panel tether cover is not installed, continue to step 2.

 

2. Replace the top armrest trim and tether cover. Repair instructions are included within REP 52 25 280 “Removing and installing the center armrest”.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Only use and invoice the part numbers below that apply.

 

Depending on the vehicle equipment (color) (see EPC) to ensure P/N ordered from the list below corresponds to the P/N listed in ETK/AIR by VIN.

 

Part Number	Description	Quantity
51 46 7 410 450	Armrest trim at the top	1
Or:
51 46 7 410 452	Armrest trim at the top	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 226	Armrest trim at the top	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 227	Armrest trim at the top	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 228	Armrest trim at the top	1
And:
51 46 7 442 767	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 410 455	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 442 769	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 410 459	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 217	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 218	Top tether cover in the center	1
Or:
51 46 7 990 219	Top tether cover in the center	1

 

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Reimbursement for this Recall will be via normal claim entry utilizing the applicable work package information below, and when required, the part numbers listed above that apply:

 

Defect Code:

0051960400

 

Completion before the first vehicle delivery to a customer or the vehicle is already in the workshop

 

Work Pkg	Labor Operation	Description (Plus work)	Labor Allowance
# 1	00 69 749	Checking the top tether trim panel (No replacement necessary)	3 FRU
Or:
# 2	00 69 750	Replacing the top tether trim panel	3 FRU

 

Or:

 

The vehicle arrives at your center and this Recall shows open (No other main work will be performed or claimed during this workshop visit)

 

Work Pkg	Labor Operation	Description (Main work)	Labor Allowance
# 3	00 69 223	Checking the top tether trim panel (No replacement necessary)	5 FRU
Or:
# 4	00 69 224	Replacing the top tether trim panel	5 FRU

 

Only one of the flat rate labor operation codes listed above can be used for claim submission/reimbursement purposes.  Also, only one Main work flat rate labor operation code can be claimed per workshop visit.

 

Claim Repair Comments

 

Only reference the SIB number and the work package (Pkg) number performed in the RO technician notes and the claim comments (For example: B51 21 20 WP 1), unless otherwise required by State law.

 

Reimbursement of Prior Customer-Pay Repairs (TREAD Act)

 

Based on the issue and age of the Affected Vehicles being addressed by this Safety Recall Campaign, a reimbursement request for a qualifying prior customer-pay repair is not likely.

 

However, if you receive a reimbursement request from a customer for a prior repair that may qualify, please contact the Warranty department (include a legible copy of the invoice) through IDS by selecting Coverage, Policy, Coding Questions and Mileage Corrections.  The Warranty department will review and respond to your inquiry accordingly.

 

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS BULLETIN

Technical inquiries	Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin
Warranty inquiries	Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department
Parts inquiries	Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department

 

Supporting Materials

picture_as_pdf B512120_2020-BMW-MY2020-G12-TopTetherAnchor-QA-(01Jul2020).pdf
picture_as_pdf B512120 Recall Notice.pdf

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Attachment to B51 21 20
June 2020

NON-COMPLIANCE RECALL NOTICE

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

RE: Recall 20V-379: Top-Tether Anchor – B51 21 20

BMW AG is conducting a Voluntary Non-Compliance Recall (effective June 23, 2020) on a small number of Model Year 2020-2021 BMW 7 Series that were produced between July 11, 2019 and March 16, 2020.

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.

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Attachment to B512120
July 2020

Non-Compliance Recall 20V-379
Top-Tether Anchor Cover – Rear Center Seat
Model Year 2020-2021
BMW 7 Series
Last Update: 07/01/2020

 

Q1. Which BMW models in the US are potentially affected by this Non-Compliance Recall?

A very small number of Model Year 2020-2021 BMW 7 Series in the US, produced between July 2019 and March 2020, are potentially affected.

 

Q2. What is the specific issue?

At the rear center seating position, the top-tether anchor cover may not allow access to the anchor.  If a child seat was placed on the rear center seat, the child seat’s top-tether may not be able to be attached to the vehicle.

 

Q3. Why are other models / vehicles not included in this Non-Compliance Recall?

Other models contain a top-tether anchor cover at the rear center seating position that allows access to the anchor.

 

Q4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle?

Yes.  However, when you receive a letter from BMW advising you of this recall, and indicating that parts are available, you should make an appointment to have this important Non-Compliance Recall performed by an authorized BMW center as soon as possible.  If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers of this important information.

 

Q5. Can I determine if this issue exists in my vehicle?

Yes.  If you cannot access the top-tether anchor at the rear center seating position, then your vehicle is affected.

 

Q5a. What should I do if my vehicle does not allow access to the top-tether anchor at this location?

If you need to install a child seat, top-tether anchors are available at the rear outboard (left, right) seating positions.  Alternatively, the child seat could be installed at the rear center seating position using the vehicle’s safety belt.

 

Q6. How did BMW become aware of the issue?

BMW became aware of the issue through our quality control procedures.

 

Q7. How will I be informed of this Non-Compliance Recall?

Letters will be mailed to owners in August via First Class mail advising them of this Non-Compliance Recall and requesting them to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed.  You can locate your nearest authorized BMW center at www.bmwusa.com/dealer.  To ensure BMW has the most recent contact and vehicle information, owners should register their vehicle at www.bmwusa.com/myBMW.  Registration is free, and will give them access to factory initiated campaigns and other information specific to their BMW.

 

Q8. How will my vehicle be remedied?

The top-tether anchor cover at the rear center seating position will be replaced for free and will take about one hour.

 

Q9. Do I have to wait for my letter to have my vehicle serviced?

Yes.  BMW is in the process of ensuring that the necessary parts, tools, and procedures are available at authorized BMW centers prior to contacting owners to have this important Non-Compliance Recall performed. For the latest updates to this Non-Compliance Recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall.

 

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BMW

IMPORTANT NON-COMPLIANCE RECALL

This notice applies to your vehicle, [INSERT VIN].

Recall Campaign No. 20V-379:  Top-Tether Anchor Cover

Remedy is Available

 

Name
Address1
Address2
City, state, zip
August 2020

 

Dear BMW Owner / Lessee:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. BMW AG has decided that certain Model Year 2020-2021 BMW 7 Series vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 225 (Child restraint anchorage systems). Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle.

 

Why are we contacting you?

We are pleased to inform you that we are ready to perform this recall. Please contact your authorized BMW Center immediately to schedule an appointment to have this important free repair performed as soon as possible. To locate your nearest BMW center, visit www.bmwusa.com/dealer. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information.

 

What could happen?

At the rear middle seat position, the top-tether anchor for a child seat is not readily accessible.  Therefore, if you place a child seat at the rear middle seat position, and do not attach it using the safety belt, this could increase the risk of injury to the child in a crash. Until your car is remedied, a child seat could be placed at the rear middle seat position and secured using the safety belt, or the child seat could be placed at the left or right “outboard” seat position and secured using the top-tether anchor and the lower (“latch”) attachments.

 

What will BMW do?

An appropriate top-tether anchor cover will be installed at the rear middle seat position.  This free repair will take about one hour.  There may be some options to help overcome the inconvenience of bringing your vehicle in for service, if needed. Contact your local BMW center to check what may be available.

 

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

If you changed your address or sold the vehicle, please let us know by visiting www.bmwusa.com/mybmw or by contacting BMW Customer Relations (see left side of page for contact info).  If you are a vehicle lessor, Federal Regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.  

 

What if I have additional questions?

For the latest updates to this recall, please visit www.bmwusa.com/recall.  Should you have any questions about this recall, please contact your authorized BMW center.  If you need additional assistance, please contact BMW Customer Relations.

If your BMW center is unable to remedy the defect without charge or within a reasonable period of time, you may notify the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

Please be assured that your safety is important to us, and we sincerely apologize if this recall causes any inconvenience.  We recommend that you and your passengers wear your safety belt at all times. Sincerely,

BMW of North America, LLC

 

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8 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
BMW	740LI	2020-2021
BMW	750LI	2020-2021
BMW	B7 ALPINA	2020-2021
BMW	M760I	2020-2021

 

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8 Associated Documents

Non-Compliance 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V379-8152.PDF 214.346KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Dealer Broadcast re Recall for Top-Tether Anchor

RCMN-20V379-6918.pdf 133.126KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V379-5927.pdf 275.724KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V379-7274.pdf 750.66KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V379-0142.PDF 211.24KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V379-3503.PDF 211.139KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V379-7020.PDF 211.327KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V379-7423.pdf 671.868KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V379&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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