The sole vehicle recall this week has been issued by BMW for 2000-2003 E39 5 Series and E53 X5 models sold between August 8, 2000, and September 30, 2003, in relation to Takata airbags possibly being fitted to some vehicles.
BMW claims that only vehicles which have had a new steering wheel fitted ‘in the life of the vehicle’ may be affected. Some vehicles may have had an affected Takata driver side airbag installed in their vehicle due to a steering wheel conversion.
As with all Takata airbag recalls the sooner the airbags are replaced the better as the propellant used to inflate the airbag degrades with age, exposure to high temperatures and humidity which increases the risk of metal fragments being projected through the airbag cushion towards vehicle occupants from the metal inflator housing which could, and has, cause a fatality.
Known owners of affected vehicles can expect to be contacted by BMW Australia. A list of affected VINs can also be found here. A replacement airbag will be fitted free of charge.
Owners can also use the ‘Is My Airbag Safe’ website using their registration plate number to check if their vehicle is affected by the recall.
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