The contact owns a 2006 BMW 3-series. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, indicating that the front passenger side air bag was not functioning. The contact noticed NHTSA campaign I.D. number 08V384000 (air bags:frontal) and took the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The contact was informed that the front passenger air bag detection matt needed to be replaced, but the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact expressed concern in regards to driving a vehicle without a functioning air bag. The failure mileage was 81,606. Updated 07/26/11 the consumer stated BMW agreed to share the cost with the him. Updated 07/28/11

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

My 2003 BMW 325I was involved in an accident. The driver of my BMW rear ended another vehicle at approx. 35 mph. There was extensive damage to my BMW. In fact, the insurance co. Is considering a total loss as we speak. The amount of damage to the front end exceeds $18,000 to include some structural damage. My complaint is that neither the front air bags or the seat restraint system deployed. The folks at the repair shop and the insurance adjustor cannot understand why. I brought my complaint to BMW of North America and they sent an engineer to examine the damage. He filed a report with BMW and they called to say "the impact did not warrant deployment of the safety system". I strongly question this determination given the amount of damage to the vehicle. Further, my wife, the driver of the vehicle, sustained some injury, and is seeking treatment at this time. Please help me! if they determine the vehicle to be a total loss, there will not be much time to have an inspection of the vehicle.

- Midlothian, VA, USA