Photo: BMW
BMW announced today that it will be recalling all BMW E46 models built between May 1999 and August 2006, to replace the passenger-side front airbags that were equipped with a certain type of trigger. The total number of recalled vehicles adds up to over 1.6 million.
The issue with these airbags was previously reported by competitors of the Bavarian company such as Toyota, Honda, Chrysler and Ford and the manufacturer claimed that it will be assisting them in fixing the issue.
However, up until now, most companies had regional recalls, focused on areas with high air humidity. Apparently, the humidity was a factor that contributed to the parts malfunctioning.
BMW also issued a smaller recall earlier this year, at the suggestion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but it was only for Florida, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. That recall included a limited number of cars though, as it was focused only on model year 2001-2005 325i, 325xi and 330xi and 2001-2005 325Ci and 330Ci models.
This time, all 3 Series models are being called back into service to replace the malfunctioning part. According to BMW, this is a precautionary measure even though no case involving an E46 model was reported.
According to the Germans, all customers will be notified but, considering the age of most of these cars, some other factors have to be taken into consideration. Most of them have been sold and have new owners. Furthermore, some of them might be located in a different country from their original destination. How will BMW recall these cars?
There’s good news as well, though. The whole replacement operation is supposed to last around one hour and is completely free. For those owners that can be reached, of course.
However, up until now, most companies had regional recalls, focused on areas with high air humidity. Apparently, the humidity was a factor that contributed to the parts malfunctioning.
BMW also issued a smaller recall earlier this year, at the suggestion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but it was only for Florida, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. That recall included a limited number of cars though, as it was focused only on model year 2001-2005 325i, 325xi and 330xi and 2001-2005 325Ci and 330Ci models.
This time, all 3 Series models are being called back into service to replace the malfunctioning part. According to BMW, this is a precautionary measure even though no case involving an E46 model was reported.
According to the Germans, all customers will be notified but, considering the age of most of these cars, some other factors have to be taken into consideration. Most of them have been sold and have new owners. Furthermore, some of them might be located in a different country from their original destination. How will BMW recall these cars?
There’s good news as well, though. The whole replacement operation is supposed to last around one hour and is completely free. For those owners that can be reached, of course.
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