2001 BMW 540

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

DEALERSHIP IN CONCORD CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN TRYING TO DELAY REPAIRING MY VEHICLE AIRBAG EVEN AFTER APPOINTMENT. DID NOT EVEN START FIXING MY VEHICLE AFTER WAITING 5 PLUS HOURS.

I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND I HEARD A "PANG" SOUND FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, A MOMENT LATER MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO A SAFE STOPPING PLACE TO BE TOWED BEFORE THE LOST BELT THAT FOLLOWED OVERHEATED ME. PUMP SNAPPED IN AT LEAST ONE PLACE MAKING THE PULLEY CROOKED, AND SHREDDING THE BELT. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A ROUND ROCK OF 4-5 INCHES IN DIAMETER WAS DROVE OVER AND STRUCK THE FRONT AIR DAM RIGHT OF THE CENTER. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD PROTECTION AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND THE CONTACT IS WAITING FOR A RETURN PHONE CALL.

RADIATOR FAILED AT 40K MILES IN MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC,OBSCURING VISION WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN MANY CARS AND THEN STRANDING CAR FAT DANGEROUS INTERCHANGE. *NLM

ACCELERATOR PEDAL STCKS WHEN FOOT PRESSURE IS RELEASED. RESPONSE OF ACCELERATOR IS VERY QUICK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK GAS PEDAL STUTTERING/ BINDING CONDITION IS WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS OUT IN SUN FOR A FEW HOURS. DEALER REPLACED PEDAL THREE TIMES. *TT