90,000 old BMWs too dangerous to drive due to airbag recall, maker says
If you own an older BMW model, you might want to stop driving it immediately. That's the urgent message from BMW, which has issued a "do not drive" warning for about 90,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a serious defect in the driver's airbag.
The defect involves airbag inflators made by Takata, a Japanese company that has been at the center of a massive global recall for years. The inflators use a chemical called ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion that inflates the airbag in a crash. But over time, the chemical can degrade and become unstable, especially in hot and humid conditions. This can cause the inflator to explode with too much force, sending metal fragments flying into the driver's face and body.
The problem has been linked to at least 33 deaths and more than 400 injuries worldwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency says that these are some of the oldest and most dangerous Takata airbags under recall, and they have an extremely high probability of failure during a crash.
The BMW models affected by the warning are:
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
- 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) including M5
- 2000-2004 BMW X5s (E53)
These vehicles were previously recalled to replace the faulty airbag inflators, but some owners may not have completed the repair or may have bought a used car without knowing its recall status. BMW says that owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on its recall website or call its customer service hotline at (866) 835-8615 to see if their car is affected. The company also offers free mobile repair, free towing, and free loaner vehicles for owners who need to get their airbags replaced.
BMW urges owners not to drive their cars until they have fixed the problem, as it could be a matter of life and death. "These vehicles are 17 to 22 years old, and the risk to vehicle occupants is dire," NHTSA said in a statement. "Don't gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it's too late."
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