More vehicles – nearly 3000 BMWs with an optional sports pack fitted – have been discovered with defective Takata airbags that could shoot sharp metal fragments into occupants when deployed in a crash.
BMW Australia has recalled 2947 examples of the 2010-2012 BMW 3 Series, as they are fitted with potentially defective Takata airbag inflators that can shoot metal fragments towards occupants in a crash.
The affected vehicles – built between March 18, 2010 and May 24, 2012, but possibly sold at a later date – are part of a wider mandatory Takata airbag recall involving more than 3 million vehicles from various brands.
The recall notice, published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says: "Takata PSDI-5 driver airbags were installed as part of a special edition pack that included a sports steering wheel upgrade.
"They were installed in E9x vehicles manufactured between 2010-2012."
Over time, the Takata inflator propellant can degrade, which if the airbag is deployed, could see "the metal inflator housing ... explode/rupture under too much internal pressure" and send metal fragments into the driver's face, potentially causing serious injury or death.
In Australia, there has been one death and three serious injuries connected to faulty Takata airbags since the national recall campaign began in 2018, but none linked to the 2010-2012 BMW 3 Series as part of the latest safety warning.
A full list of vehicle identification numbers for the 2947 vehicles involved in the recall can be found here.
BMW Australia advises owners "do not drive your vehicle under any circumstances if your vehicle is affected" and to check the manufacturing date of your vehicle found on the driver's side door pillar, known as the B-pillar.
Owners can reach out to the BMW Australia Takata Recall Hotline at 1800 243 675 between 8:30am and 8:30pm AEST Monday to Friday.
To have your vehicle checked, find your closest BMW dealership by clicking here.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
