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BMW Airbags

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Charles of Bayside, NY June 9, 2009

Drove 2003 BMW 330xi, hit pothole on left side of car, side passenger airbag shortly after suddenly deployed. Passenger burned arm through incident, top part of air bag did not even inflate but had a huge hole in fabric. White dust filled car, burned both driver and passenger eyes, and made it impossible to see. Had to quickly pull over all the way from left lane while driving blindly and eject out of car.

As a result of faulty airbag, the car would not start and had to physically move the car out of road to prevent collisions. Keep in mind I am now located a few feet after a highway exit and am putting myself in a dangerous position to prevent collision.

I am charged from BMW roadside assistance and was quoted 5300.00 for airbag replacement. No mention from mechanic, dealership or any BMW representative of issue when asked. Been tossed to different departments ever since and clarity is not provided nor any quotes or estimates put in writing.

Charles of Bayside, NY June 9, 2009

Drove 2003 BMW 330xi, hit pothole on left side of car, side passenger airbag shortly after suddenly deployed. Passenger burned arm through incident, top part of air bag did not even inflate but had a huge hole in fabric. White dust filled car, burned both driver and passenger eyes, and made it impossible to see. Had to quickly pull over all the way from left lane while driving blindly and eject out of car. As a result of faulty airbag, the car would not start and had to physically move the car out of road to prevent collisions. Keep in mind I am now located a few feet after a highway exit and am putting myself in a dangerous position to prevent collision.

The car is fine with the exception of the airbag. My friend had his arm burned, I am charged from BMW roadside assistance and was quoted 5300.00 for airbag replacement. No mention from mechanic, dealership or any BMW representative of issue when asked. Spoke with Bill Skorvanek, director of BMW parts and services and says he is not aware of defects, "not my money" and this has to go to BMW CS. Been tossed to different departments ever since and clarity is not provided nor any quotes or estimates put in writing.

Ming of Brooklyn, NY April 22, 2009

I own a 2004 BMW 545i Sedan and the passenger airbag light came on for a while already, and I read about the recall on your website and called BMW NA and they told me that my car was not under the RECALL? And told me to bring it to one of the BMW dealers to get it fix which I will have to pay for. I checked at one of the BMW dealerships and they told me it will cost me more than 1000.00 to fix the passenger's seat airbag sensor. I just don't understand why my car is not under their recall list when my car matches the exact description of the recall they are having?! Please help. Thank you!

Jason of San Francisco, CA February 22, 2009

Last night I was driving home from San Jose to San Francisco when my 2005 330ci, meticulously maintained, had its drivers side, side curtain airbags deploy for no reason! I was so scared I was able to pull over right away. I got out to assess my car for damage as I didnt know what happened, it it was completely fine! I will be taking it in on Monday and BMW better be covering it, or I will file a lawsuit!

Sudden blow to the left side of my head, hurting my eardrum as well as making my neck stiff. I could have severely hurt someone almost losing control of my car for no reason. I can't see out of my drivers side window now at all! basically now I dont have a car until its fixed! We will see if BMW wants to cover it, which they better!

Ashley of Colleyville, TX January 19, 2009

In an accident that caused a concusion because the airbag failed to deploy. There must be some legal recourse on this matter as per the forum there are alot of incidents similiar to mine.

Neck swollen and bruised, Head concusion per the Dr.

Liz of Christchurch, OTHER December 16, 2008

Car accident - my fault by law. Airbag did not deploy and top right side of seatbelt did not lock. BMW told me to go to my insurers and Tesco insurance said that even though the car was mechanically faulty because by law I am guilty they were not prepared to pursue it.

The other driver was going so fast that it swung my car facing the way I came from + and because the air bag did not deploy and the seatbelt did not lock I was flung against the steering wheel injuring the left side of my body, neck and back. I would not have been injured if the equipment was not faulty.

Albert of Philadelphia, PA December 2, 2008

BMW issued a mandatory recall of certain bmw models concerning the passenger seat airbag sensor mat. My 2005 330i has such sensor problem and i brought it to a licensed bmw dealership and they confirmed that this issue is under recall and they will be sending out recall letters around september. I have not received such letter and i called to find out what the issue was.

now they are telling me that this only applies to cars under warranty. however, there is no claim in their recall postings that this only applies to cars under warranty. this is a mandatory recall and my car, myself and my loved ones are the ones inside the car when the sensor light turns on. it is our safety and well-being that is affected. this is not a wear and tear issue but a mechanical/factory defect on their product. this issue has to be addressed.

Cantrice of Jamaica, NY September 5, 2008

Well, overall I was very satified with my 2 door 2000, 323 CI, until August 08. On Sunday, August 31, 2008, at approximately 7:22 am, while driving to work on a nice sunny day, I drove over a small pothole on the passenger side of the vehicle. Suddenly, the driver side airbags both top and side door airbags deployed. The sudden impact of the airbags almost made me loose control and run off the road or into another vehicle. Also the impact of the airbags when they deploy burn. But, I do not have any marks or injuries (Luckly). But, after doing research of course after the fact, I came across recalls for this same defect that were released in oct. 2002 for the 4 door 323's vehicles. I will definitely report this issue with NHTSA. Stay posted..

Due to this defect I no longer have a vehicle due to the fact that my insurance considered my vehicle a TOTAL LOST. I'am now out of a vehicle, and will not be condsidering a BMW again. I would definitely like legal advise in regards to this issue. I also have pictures of my vehicle as well after the incident. I will continue to update with further actions..

Lisa of Chicago, IL July 14, 2008

2007 328i coupe in severe frontal collision, doing over 15,000 in damage (only 7,000 miles on the car), all airbags failed to deploy

A of Glendale, CA May 13, 2008

I own a 2000 BMW 323i (bought new in July of 1999) and since the 3rd week of owning the car, have been living with the stupid red airbag light on. This gorgeous driving machine has been to the dealer at least 6-7 times to remedy the problem, and it seems like they have fixed it, the next day, light's back on. PLUS, the best part: in 2004, I was driving the car on a warm sunny day, went over a pothole (oops) and the ENTIRE side impact airbag system on the passenger side deployed, smoke, debris flying n' all! Lucky me. Then of course, the car wouldn't accelerate, so I had to slow down and pull over. I called the dealer, (you're gonna love this:) who had just the Friday prior serviced the car for a 'voluntary airbag blah blah blah recall'... Needless to say, with some strong words I had the car towed to them, got a BMW loaner (the ONLY loaner ever given to me by BMW for having my car serviced by them) and my 323 was out of service for an ENTIRE WEEK! woo hoo! Let's NOT even get into the 1.5 inch thick binder full of service documents for other faulty problems.... I called BMW of North America the following day and they were the most apathetic bunch of a-holes I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. For financial reasons I still own the car and am anticipating the next disaster... to whom it may concern, if you are considering a luxury brand, PLEASE consider a Japanese bran.. the one with the L in the oval; you won't be disappointed! trust me!

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