Takata airbag recall for Z4?

[The HACK]

All my BMW buddies are talking about it. So for sh*ts and giggles I plugged in our VIN for the 335D, and oddly enough, on the NHTSA database the 2011 335D's vin did not trigger a recall, but my friend's 2011 335is did. Total head scratcher, since the 335is and the 335D use the same exact PN from BMW.

Then it go me thinking, are any Z4s affected? On NHTSA's recall list it's pretty comprehensive, just about EVERY BMW made since 2000 or so are listed...Except for ANY Z models. None of the Z4s are on the list. Weird. It's unlikely for BMW to not source the Z4 airbag from Takata when EVERY airbag on EVERY other car they make are made by Takata. Did the same thing, plugged in the MZ4 Coupe's VIN and did not trigger any messages about recalls.

Odd.

[XMetal]

I did the same for my '04 X5 and MC, but neither triggered a recall either

[antennahead]

It's like the Takata passenger airbag occupancy sensor mat failure .... they ALL eventually fail. BMW is fixing 2006 Z4s under warranty for mat failure, but my 2007 is not eligible for warranty repair.

[Dalecan]

Both my 2009 328i and 2012 X5d are on the list.

[pokeybritches]

I've wondered if it has anything to do with the Z4 being low volume, so there isn't as much data on failure.

[Huz-Z]

I would expect recalls to be targeted at specific types of airbags that are at risk of malfunction and all cars in which they were installed, regardless of whether that car was sold in high or low numbers.

[rockstar93]

With the size of the recall I wouldn't be surprised if Z4's are affected but just not announced yet. I'd think by now they'd have an idea of what parts are affected or not but every couple months they just add to the list.

It's been a couple years since the E46 recall was sent out (I had my M3 fixed in Oct. '14) but only recently announced the rest of the E90/X5 lines were also affected. I know they have massive issues with replacement airbag supply so maybe they're controlling the demand by breaking up when the recalls are announced...which doesn't seem right if they know there's a defect.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

With the size of the recall I wouldn't be surprised if Z4's are affected but just not announced yet. I'd think by now they'd have an idea of what parts are affected or not but every couple months they just add to the list.

It's been a couple years since the E46 recall was sent out (I had my M3 fixed in Oct. '14) but only recently announced the rest of the E90/X5 lines were also affected. I know they have massive issues with replacement airbag supply so maybe they're controlling the demand by breaking up when the recalls are announced...which doesn't seem right if they know there's a defect.

Agreed - if my airbag can injure me or a passenger, I want it OUT of my car immediately. While that may not be practical, I should at least be informed of potential safety concerns immediately so I can decide if I need to park the car until the faulty airbag(s) are replaced.

[David70]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

With the size of the recall I wouldn't be surprised if Z4's are affected but just not announced yet. I'd think by now they'd have an idea of what parts are affected or not but every couple months they just add to the list.

It's been a couple years since the E46 recall was sent out (I had my M3 fixed in Oct. '14) but only recently announced the rest of the E90/X5 lines were also affected. I know they have massive issues with replacement airbag supply so maybe they're controlling the demand by breaking up when the recalls are announced...which doesn't seem right if they know there's a defect.

NHTSA has determined the root cause of the problem: airbags that use ammonium nitrate-based propellent without a chemical drying agent. As postulated early on, environmental moisture, high temperatures, and age as associated with the defect that can improperly inflate the airbags and even send shrapnel into the occupant. To date, there have been 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries due to this problem in the U.S.

If they were trying to control demand no newer cars should have been on the list (and they are). Regardless, 10 deaths and 100 injuries in close to 100 million cars isn't enough to have me worried.