Infamous for their defective airbag inflators, Takata Corp. caused a safety crisis that led to the company’s bankruptcy. Though reborn under new ownership, the issue lingers. BMW recently issued a recall for nearly 400,000 3 Series (E90 sedan and E91 wagon) due to potentially dangerous airbags. The question remains: why did it take so long?
The answer lies in owner modifications. These vehicles had their original steering wheels swapped for sportier options containing PSDI-5 inflators, known for their safety hazards. Prompted by reports from international dealerships in early 2024, BMW discovered these replacements lacked the safer inflators found in the original wheels.
The automaker emphasizes that these PSDI-5 units were never authorized parts, meaning owners unknowingly compromised safety in pursuit of a cosmetic upgrade. The propellant within these inflators can degrade over time, increasing the risk of explosions during deployment.
Owning a BMW 3 Series between 2006 and 2012? A recent safety recall targets these vehicles due to a potential issue with driver-side airbags. The culprit? Takata airbag inflators are notorious for malfunctioning during deployment and causing serious injuries with shrapnel.
If your car is included in the recall, BMW dealerships will inspect the airbag module and replace any Takata inflators free of charge. Don’t wait for the notification letters to arrive in late August ensure your safety by checking your vehicle’s VIN on the BMW recall website or the NHTSA’s tool.
This recall serves as a reminder of a bygone era for the 3 Series, marking the end of the line for naturally aspirated engines and the last hurrah for the coupe and convertible variants.
