BMW 3 Series recalled for defective Takata airbags

The Takata airbag saga continues with BMW recalling close to 3000 examples of its 3 Series due to defective inflators that slipped through previous recalls.

“As the airbag gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade,” says BMW in its recall notice.

“If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, or if the airbag mis-deploys, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure.

“If the defective airbag inflator ruptures, the airbag can go off with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to shoot out and kill or seriously injure people in the vehicle.

“There have been serious injuries and deaths caused by faulty Takata airbags.”

BMW says the Takata PSDI-5 airbags were installed “as part of a special edition pack that included a sports steering wheel upgrade” in “E9x vehicles”, referring to the 3 Series lineup.

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• A total of 2497 vehicles built between March 18, 2010 and May 24, 2012 are included on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list
• The original recall notice is attached here

If you own an affected vehicle, you need to immediately contact an authorised BMW dealer to schedule a replacement airbag.

Your BMW dealer will arrange to have your vehicle towed to the workshop, and the replacement and towing costs are free of charge.

“Your vehicle will be repaired quickly once a booking is made with an authorised BMW dealership,” says the company.

If you have any further questions, you can contact BMW Australia’s Takata Recall Hotline weekdays between 8:30am and 8:30pm on 1800 243 675.

MORE: Everything BMW 3 Series