BMW Recall Campaign: Side Air Bag/ Safety Belt Tensioner Wiring

Xin1120 · 09-20-2009, 12:01 AM

Just got the letter today. Anyone else receive this?

"Dear BMW Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the national Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

BMW AG has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2008 BMW 1-series and 3-series vehicles. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT
The problem involves the front side air bag and safety belt tensioner wiring., Certain wiring connectors may be of the wrong size. As a result, the side air bags and/or safety belt tensioners may not deploy in an accident which would otherwise be severe enough to cause such systems to activate.

You may continue to drive your vehicle; however, you must have the problem corrected immediately. Failure to observe the following precautions, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk in the event of a crash.

PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY
1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
2. IF YOU NOTICE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED AND SERVICED WITHOUT DELAY.
3. IF YOU NOTICE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, BMW RECOMMENDS THAT YOU NOT USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED.
4. BMW recommends that you always wear your safety belt, and that all passengers are properly seated and restrained at all times.
5. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information.

DESCRIPTION OF REPAIR
BMW will conduct a recall campaign to remedy the affected vehicles. Specifically, the side air bag and safety belt tensioner wiring will be replaced.

The Actual repair will require approximately two hours; however additional time may be required depending on the BMW center's scheduling and processing. This work will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW center."

It then goes on to talk about if you need any help to contact an authorized BMW center and they're sorry...

Also, there is another page within the letter that is the "TREAD ACT CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT PLAN" which basically says if you've had this replaced, BMW will reimburse you for your payments...

HPFREAK · 09-20-2009, 12:48 AM

awesome...more problems with these cars, as if we needed anymore.lol

RPM90 · 09-20-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPFREAK

awesome...more problems with these cars, as if we needed anymore.lol

It seems that this type of problem exists in a lot of cars and brands.

Being a safety issue these things get fixed fairly quickly under recall.

romak47 · 09-20-2009, 12:58 AM

it says only 2008 owners have this problem. Why not 2009 unless BMW knew about this problem a long time ago?

Mindgame · 09-20-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPFREAK

awesome...more problems with these cars, as if we needed anymore.lol

Hardly worried. You wouldn't believe how many recall letters I got while owning my 98 grand prix...with most of them saying "Your car could start on fire and BBQ you."

HPFREAK · 09-20-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindgame

Hardly worried. You wouldn't believe how many recall letters I got while owning my 98 grand prix...with most of them saying "Your car could start on fire and BBQ you."

that is crazy I would of framed that letter.

MadMan77 · 09-20-2009, 10:49 AM

When build date does your 1er have there Xin1120?

WhiteOne · 09-20-2009, 06:30 PM

This is the only problem I have had with my 2008.
Other than this it has been perfect.

Xin1120 · 09-20-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMan77

When build date does your 1er have there Xin1120?

Late May 2008

MadMan77 · 09-20-2009, 08:55 PM

Hmmmm... Mine has a early June 2008 build date. I am wondering if I will be getting a letter in the mail soon.

Citizen Z · 09-20-2009, 09:01 PM

I'm pretty sure its gonna be a May 08 issue. Mainly because my car was the one that set off this safety bulletin.

drewser · 11-18-2009, 11:16 PM

Any further word on this? I remembered first hearing about this back in July and had kept it in the back of my mind, but never received any kind of notice in the mail.

My 2008 (not sure of the exact build date but I think April 2008 -- delivered in early May) was finally due for service this week and when I took it in today, I asked the service advisor about the recall and he said there were no active recall campaigns for it.

Xin1120 · 11-18-2009, 11:26 PM

I've been way too lazy to go in and get it taken care of. I really do need to stop by soon though haha, just haven't had time.

MadMan77 · 11-19-2009, 02:38 PM

According to the NHTSA and BMW TSB SI 65 24 09 the affected dates of manufacture are May 23, 2008 - July 21 , 2008. I have attached the documents that I retrieved from the NHTSA site safercar.gov

I will be contacting my dealer since, according to the TSB, my car built in June 2008 should be affected and I have not received the recall letter.

Lexington · 11-19-2009, 02:46 PM

Hmmm. I have a June 08 build and have not received anything on this and had the car in for an oil change at the dealer yesterday and they didn't mention anything about it.

drewser · 11-19-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMan77

According to the NHTSA and BMW TSB SI 65 24 09 the affected dates of manufacture are May 23, 2008 - July 21 , 2008. I have attached the documents that I retrieved from the NHTSA site safercar.gov

Ahh...thanks, that explains why mine wasn't included. I have a mid-Apr '08 build.

Pamlico · 11-20-2009, 08:22 AM

June '08 build date and had the recall performed. Check to be sure that your dealer has everything needed for this. Apparently in some cases there can be several parts that need to be replaced. After beginning the job the dealer discovered they didn't have all the necessary parts so I had to return for a separate appointment.

2AD Tanker · 11-20-2009, 11:45 AM

How long ago did the letter arrive? I have a 2008 and have not received anything yet.

Pamlico · 11-20-2009, 12:10 PM

I can't recall the exact date the letter was received but within the past 6 to 8 weeks. I can check the paperwork later today and get a more accurate time if you like.

2AD Tanker · 11-20-2009, 12:16 PM

My 135i had a May 2008 build date. Will the dealer be able to confirm if a specific car is effected?

Pamlico · 11-20-2009, 01:05 PM

Look here and enter the year, model, etc of your car and the recalls will be listed. Apparently there are 2350 "units" potentially involved. Unfortunately, no specifics on the VINs of the specific cars being recalled, but a telephone number for BMW Customer Relations and Service is listed (1-800-525-7417) to call for more information. They should be able to tell you if your car is one of the lucky 2350.

09-20-2009, 12:01 AM	#1
Xin1120 Captain 41 Rep 667 Posts Drives: 135i Coupé Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i Coupé SOLD [0.00]	BMW Recall Campaign: Side Air Bag/ Safety Belt Tensioner Wiring Just got the letter today. Anyone else receive this? "Dear BMW Owner: This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the national Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. BMW AG has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2008 BMW 1-series and 3-series vehicles. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT The problem involves the front side air bag and safety belt tensioner wiring., Certain wiring connectors may be of the wrong size. As a result, the side air bags and/or safety belt tensioners may not deploy in an accident which would otherwise be severe enough to cause such systems to activate. You may continue to drive your vehicle; however, you must have the problem corrected immediately. Failure to observe the following precautions, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk in the event of a crash. PRECAUTIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY 1. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 2. IF YOU NOTICE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED AND SERVICED WITHOUT DELAY. 3. IF YOU NOTICE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, BMW RECOMMENDS THAT YOU NOT USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED. 4. BMW recommends that you always wear your safety belt, and that all passengers are properly seated and restrained at all times. 5. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information. DESCRIPTION OF REPAIR BMW will conduct a recall campaign to remedy the affected vehicles. Specifically, the side air bag and safety belt tensioner wiring will be replaced. The Actual repair will require approximately two hours; however additional time may be required depending on the BMW center's scheduling and processing. This work will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW center." It then goes on to talk about if you need any help to contact an authorized BMW center and they're sorry... Also, there is another page within the letter that is the "TREAD ACT CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT PLAN" which basically says if you've had this replaced, BMW will reimburse you for your payments...
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09-20-2009, 12:48 AM	#2
HPFREAK Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,884 Posts Drives: C6 ZO6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (8)	awesome...more problems with these cars, as if we needed anymore.lol __________________ My Youtube Channel
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09-20-2009, 12:58 AM	#4
romak47 Captain 53 Rep 941 Posts Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	it says only 2008 owners have this problem. Why not 2009 unless BMW knew about this problem a long time ago?
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09-20-2009, 10:49 AM	#7
MadMan77 ↓↓↓ Ex-Con ↓↓↓ 34 Rep 1,874 Posts Drives: Jet Black '08 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Yigo iTrader: (1)	When build date does your 1er have there Xin1120? __________________
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09-20-2009, 06:30 PM	#8
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	This is the only problem I have had with my 2008. Other than this it has been perfect.
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09-20-2009, 08:55 PM	#10
MadMan77 ↓↓↓ Ex-Con ↓↓↓ 34 Rep 1,874 Posts Drives: Jet Black '08 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Yigo iTrader: (1)	Hmmmm... Mine has a early June 2008 build date. I am wondering if I will be getting a letter in the mail soon. __________________
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09-20-2009, 09:01 PM	#11
Citizen Z Alpine Master 111 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: '08 135i AW Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (1)	I'm pretty sure its gonna be a May 08 issue. Mainly because my car was the one that set off this safety bulletin. __________________ Alpine White with Taupe Leather 135i, Sports Package, Heated Seats, Comfort Access, iPod Adapter Fastness: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252727
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11-18-2009, 11:16 PM	#12
drewser Enlisted Member 0 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Any further word on this? I remembered first hearing about this back in July and had kept it in the back of my mind, but never received any kind of notice in the mail. My 2008 (not sure of the exact build date but I think April 2008 -- delivered in early May) was finally due for service this week and when I took it in today, I asked the service advisor about the recall and he said there were no active recall campaigns for it. __________________ DREW
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11-18-2009, 11:26 PM	#13
Xin1120 Captain 41 Rep 667 Posts Drives: 135i Coupé Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i Coupé SOLD [0.00]	I've been way too lazy to go in and get it taken care of. I really do need to stop by soon though haha, just haven't had time.
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11-19-2009, 02:46 PM	#15
Lexington Lieutenant 53 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Blue Water Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	Hmmm. I have a June 08 build and have not received anything on this and had the car in for an oil change at the dealer yesterday and they didn't mention anything about it. __________________
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11-20-2009, 08:22 AM	#17
Pamlico Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	June '08 build date and had the recall performed. Check to be sure that your dealer has everything needed for this. Apparently in some cases there can be several parts that need to be replaced. After beginning the job the dealer discovered they didn't have all the necessary parts so I had to return for a separate appointment.
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11-20-2009, 11:45 AM	#18
2AD Tanker Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 135i Black Sapphire Metallic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beer town USA (Milwaukee) iTrader: (0)	How long ago did the letter arrive? I have a 2008 and have not received anything yet. __________________
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11-20-2009, 12:10 PM	#19
Pamlico Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	I can't recall the exact date the letter was received but within the past 6 to 8 weeks. I can check the paperwork later today and get a more accurate time if you like.
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11-20-2009, 12:16 PM	#20
2AD Tanker Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 135i Black Sapphire Metallic Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beer town USA (Milwaukee) iTrader: (0)	My 135i had a May 2008 build date. Will the dealer be able to confirm if a specific car is effected? __________________
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11-20-2009, 01:05 PM	#21
Pamlico Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 238 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rochester NY iTrader: (0)	Look here and enter the year, model, etc of your car and the recalls will be listed. Apparently there are 2350 "units" potentially involved. Unfortunately, no specifics on the VINs of the specific cars being recalled, but a telephone number for BMW Customer Relations and Service is listed (1-800-525-7417) to call for more information. They should be able to tell you if your car is one of the lucky 2350.
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