2 NEW BMW Recalls affecting 3, 5, X3 and X5 series

“BMW announced a voluntary recall regarding the front passenger air bag seat sensor mat involving approximately 200,000 Model Year 2004-06 vehicles. Affected are certain Model Year 2006 3-Series, Model Year 2004-06 5-Series, and Model Year 2004-06 X3 vehicles, depending upon seat type. BMW has found that the sensor mat may become damaged during vehicle usage depending upon the manner and frequency of the front passenger’s entry and exit.

BMW will begin sending customer letters in late September 2008. Affected owners may continue to drive their vehicles; however, customers should contact their BMW Center if the air bag warning lamp, and the passenger air bag ”on-off” lamp are illuminated simultaneously. In this situation, BMW recommends customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately. At the present time, we are unaware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue.”

Also, BMW has recalled the Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier in X3 and X5:

“IN CONJUNCTION WITH THULE INC., THE SUPPLIER OF OUR BIKE CARRIER, BMW is recalling the Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier, part number 82 11 0 393 954. A manufacturing problem has been found that results in a safety issue. A retrofit kit must be installed to correct the problem. Installation is simple, requires no tools and takes a few minutes. You can install the kit yourself or arrange for installation by a BMW center.