BMW has initiated a fairly large recall over concerns about a defect in an airbag activation system, and extended warranty coverage even on some vehicles not affected by the recall.

The AP reports, "BMW AG said Wednesday it was recalling 200,000 vehicles over concerns that the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash."  The affected vehicles are all 2006 3-Series models, 2004-2006 5-Series models, ad 2004-2006 X3 SUVs.  Approximately 200,000 cars are impacted. 

In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW explains that the problem involves the system that detects whether someone is sitting in the front passenger's seat.  "Depending on seat configuration and vehicle geometry," BMW says, "the mat can fatigue…over time micro-cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat."  These cracks could cause the system to de-activate passenger-side airbags even though the passenger seat is occupied. If that were to happen, "the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag 'on-off' lamp will be illuminated to make the occupants aware of the deactivation."  The head-curtain airbags would still function.

BMW's filing with the NHTSA stresses several times that the automaker "is not prepared to agree that a defect that presents an 'unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety' exists" in these cars, but is willing to "conduct a voluntary owner notification and product improvement campaign" to resolve the reported problem. 

BMW spokesman Tom Plucinsky told the AP that there have been "no injuries or accidents reported" in connection with the defect, but the NHTSA reports that the automaker had "received 23,739 warranty claims over the air bag system issue" as of January this year. 

In addition to the recall, BMW is extending warranty protection on some vehicles. The 2006 6-Series, 2006 3-Series with standard seat, 2004-2005 Z4, 2004-2006 7 Series, 2006 X5, and 2004-2006 5-Series with comfort seats will all now receive additional warranty coverage for ten years with no mileage limit. 

BMW dealerships should begin contacting owners to resolve the matter this month.  They will inspect vehicles for cracks in the airbag detection mat, and replace the component at no charge.  Concerned owners who don't want to wait for their dealership to contact them can call (800) 525-7417 to make service arrangements.

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