As a precautionary measure, BMW is replacing the passenger airbags in models of the 3 Series pre-predecessor generation.

Munich. BMW is replacing the passenger airbags on 1.6 million 3 Series vehicles (pre-predecessor generation E46) produced between 05/1999 and 8/2006. The number of potentially affected vehicles in South Africa is approximately 47,000. Potential problems with gas generators that may rupture in vehicles produced by our competitors using similar systems from the same supplier have become evident in rare cases. BMW is not aware of a case involving a BMW vehicle. The replacement campaign is a voluntary precautionary measure that aims at minimising the risk of faulty airbag activation.

Formally speaking, it is a voluntary extension of last year's recall campaign. At that time, the supplier stated a production period during which potentially faulty gas generators were installed in passenger airbags. Following this, BMW recalled 240 000 3 Series vehicles (E46) of the pre-predecessor generation. The supplier has now extended the production period.

In order to ensure maximum safety of our customers, BMW has decided to replace the passenger airbags in the vehicles from the suggested production period, and additionally, as a voluntary precautionary measure, the passenger airbags in all BMW 3 Series models (E46) of the pre-predecessor generation equipped with this airbag module. The 240 000 E46 units already recalled worldwide last year are excluded from the current replacement campaign.

The customers affected will be informed by BMW.  It goes without saying that the costs of the quality measure will be borne by BMW. The rectification of the problem will take about 1 hour.

For any media queries, please contact BMW South Africa's Group Communications and Public Affairs Division as follows:

Mr Guy Kilfoil

General Manager: Group Communications and Public Affairs

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2204

Mobile: +27-82-583-6262

Email: guy.kilfoil@bmw.co.za 

OR

Mr Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Mobile: +27-83-717-3184

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za