BMW Issues Stop Drive Warning on 90,000 Cars from 2000–2006

BMW issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006, that fall under a recall for defective Takata air bags.The recall affects the 3-series and 5-series, including the M3 and M5, as well as the first-generation X5.Drivers are urged not to use affected vehicles until a fix is implemented, as the airbags can become dangerous even in minor crashes.

BMW has issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for owners of roughly 90,000 vehicles built between 2000 and 2006. The affected vehicles are outfitted with defective Takata airbags, which have a high likelihood of failure in the event of a crash.

The recall affects 3-series models built from 2000-2006, including the E46-generation M3, and 5-series sedans built from 2000-2003, including the E39 M5, as well as X5 SUVs built from 2000-2004.

In the event of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the airbags have “an extremely high probability of failure.” If the inflators rupture, metal fragments may eject towards the driver and cause serious harm.

“These inflators are two decades old now and, with every day that passes, they become even more dangerous as they can rupture even in a minor crash,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman.

BMW is asking owners to immediately check if their vehicle has an open Takata recall, (which they can do here) and to stop driving their vehicle if it does. The replacement parts are available, and owners of defective vehicles are being urged to contact their dealership immediately for a free repair, and free towing or mobile repair.

Associate News Editor

Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.