— BMW has announced two recalls of over 2,000 vehicles for defects related to the airbag systems.
BMW 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible and 435i xDrive Convertible
The largest of the two recalls takes in over 2,000 cars with driver-side frontal airbags that might not deploy correctly to protect the driver. BMW says the 2015 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible and 435i xDrive Convertible cars have programming errors in the airbag systems.
In November 2014, changes were made to the airbag system including the airbag module control parameters. A few months later it was noticed the airbag control modules likely had errors. An investigation indicated someone input the incorrect data for the airbag parameters.
Simply put, the airbag could experience a delay in deployment and not do its job in a crash. BMW says the recalled cars were built October 22, 2014, to February 27, 2015.
BMW expects the recall to begin sometime in April 2015. Dealers will reprogram the airbag control module with new software.
BMW X5 xDrive 35d, X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i and X5 xDrive 50i
The second recall involves numerous models but only 46 total vehicles. BMW says the head protection system airbag might be able to loosen from the airbag inflator gas generator. The affected vehicles include the 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d, the 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i and X5 xDrive 50i.
The problem was discovered at the assembly plant when someone noticed a loose clamp related to the head protection airbag system. An investigation showed TRW Automotive, the supplier of the involved parts, made mistakes during production that caused the system to be created out of specification.
The loose clamp can cause the airbags to inflate below the desired levels to protect occupants.
BMW says the recalled 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d vehicles were manufactured August 19, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and the 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i, X5 xDrive 50i sports activity vehicles were built August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015.
BMW dealers will replace the head protection system starting in April 2015.
Owners who have questions about any of the recalled vehicles can contact BMW customer service at 800-525-7417.
