2000 BMW M5

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES. THE DAMAGED AREA COULD WEAKEN TO THE POINT WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE COULD OCCUR.

Risk. HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

The original airbag in my vehicle was replaced with a Takata airbag at some point (prior to my ownership) that is subject to recall, but the dealer will not replace because my VIN was not part of the recall. I have removed the airbag to verify that the part number matches the recall. It is silly to recall a part 15+ years after production and use a VIN as a means to identify affected drivers. Perhaps as a starting point, but it will never encompass all affected drivers, as parts are frequently replaced as vehicles age. The parts were sold by the vehicle manufacturer and are installed in a working vehicle. Those should be the only requirements to get a replacement, especially as it relates to a potentially lethal defect.

The contact owns a 2000 BMW M5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer denied the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V047000 (Air Bags) due to the steering wheel not being the original steering wheel. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

POSSIBLE BRAKE AND / OR "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL" FAILURE RESULTED IN IMPACT WITH UTILITY POLE WITH RUPTURE OF FUEL TANK AND RESULTANT FIRE AND FATALITY. *JB

WHILE TRAVELING PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR COLLISION, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK