Recall 08V384000: Seat Occupant Sensor Defect

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

BMW/3 Series 2006

BMW/5 Series 2004-2006

BMW/X3 2004-2006

MANUFACTURER: BMW of North America, LLC.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: July 18, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001

COMPONENT: Air Bags: Frontal

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 200000

SUMMARY:
BMW is recalling 200,000 M/Y 2006 3 Series Sport Seat, M/Y 2004-2006 5 Series Standard and Sport Seat, and M/Y 2004-2006 X3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "ON-OFF" lamp will be illuminated.

CONSEQUENCE:
In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.

REMEDY:
Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall is expected to begin during late September 2008. BMW will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

NOTES:
BMW is extending the warranty to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit to the following vehicles: M/Y 2006 6-Series, 3-Series (standard seat), M/Y 2004-2005 Z4, M/Y 2004-2006 7-Series, M/Y 2006 X5, and M/Y 2004-2006 5-Series (Comfort Seat). Under the extended warranty program, the occupant detection mat in a vehicle that experiences this specific issue will be replaced at no charge to the customer. Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.