BMW Issues Recalls On Four Models

[JoshCalkins]

2009 X6

Well, when it rains it pours. A few days ago, BMW issued a recall on the 2009 model year X5 and X6 over a brakes issue. Some vehicles may have received rear brake discs that were not manufactured to the proper specification, resulting in the potential loss of rear braking ability which could prove pretty dangerous. But, this problem is easily fixed. Go to the dealer, get some new rotors put on the rear brakes, and you're set.

2008 1-Series

The recent recall on the 2008 model year 1-Series and 3-Series cars, however, is not so simple. These models may have incorrect seat belt tensioner and side air bag wiring. Basically, the crimps connectors used on the wires may have been the wrong ones. So, when those crimps contact their corresponding plugs, there's too much electrical resistance, meaning that a signal of an impact wouldn't trigger air bag deployment or for the seat belt to lock up.

These two announcements are a bit out of the norm for recalls, however. Most of the time, manufacturers indicate the specific number of vehicles that could have been affected, and, the recalls don't offer specific instructions for repair, which other recalls normally do. The recall details from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are as follows:

NHTSA BULLETIN

Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / 1 SERIES, BMW / 3 SERIES
Model Year(s): 2008

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr's Report Date: JUL 01, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V257000
Component: AIR BAGS: FRONTAL

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Consequence:
IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes:
OWNERS 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 .




Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / X5, BMW / X6
Model Year(s): 2009

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr's Report Date: JUN 25, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V255000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTSISC

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2009 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AT THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL COULD OCCUR.

Consequence:
IN AN EXTREME CASE, THE AFFECTED REAR BRAKE DISC COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING AT THAT WHEEL INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes:
OWNERS 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 .