Defective Takata airbag in BMW – how to check if I am at risk of explosion?

Modern cars have been equipped with airbags (AirBag) as standard since 1973. They are designed to protect the driver and passenger from the effects of a crash or collision. In subsequent years, side airbags, known as curtain airbags, were also introduced, and in premium plasa cars (such as BMW) even airbags for rear passengers.

What are Takata airbags (aka airbags) and what is their factory defect?

Airbags have become standard equipment on cars and, like seatbelts, are an essential component for protecting the driver and passengers. Takata is the name of a Japanese automotive manufacturer that specialized in creating components for many car brands between 1933 and 2018.

The problem with Takata’s airbags became notorious in the United States in 2013 after passengers began to suffer serious injuries after relatively harmless crashes. The defective airbags installed in them were firing with too much force. The gas generator was then ruptured, resulting in its shrapnel being fired in the direction of the passengers.

The reason for the malfunctions was in an attempt to reduce production costs, Takata used ammonium nitrate pads in the gas generators, while competitors used the more expensive sodium azide. The problem is that ammonium nitrate is a hygroscopic substance that can change its properties when exposed to high temperatures and moisture. To make matters worse, no chemical desiccant was used in production.

The defective airbags are estimated to have been installed in some 62 million cars worldwide, and replacement campaigns are underway by all manufacturers that used Takata. The Japanese company declared bankruptcy in 2018 and its plants were taken over by Key Safety Systems, among others.

What models and vintages are affected by this defect?

The problem affects about 100 million vehicles of various brands including BMW. In the case of BMW vehicles, the problem affects models:

• BMW 3 – E46
• BMW 5 – E39
• BMW X5 – E53

Am I in danger of exploding if my BMW has defective Takata airbags?

The problem with Takata airbags has mainly been related to impact injuries. There have been no reports of spontaneous airbag explosions without a vehicle collision.

What symptoms might suggest airbag problems?

There are no initial symptoms that would inform the driver of this particular defect.

How to find out if my BMW has defective Takata airbags?

Based on the VIN number, you can verify if your vehicle is covered by a Technical Action for airbag repair and if the repair has already been done.

Will an Authorized BMW Service repair the airbags on my car for free?

Yes, all Technical Actions are performed at BMW AG’s expense.

What if I can’t get my airbags repaired at a BMW Authorized Service Center?

If your vehicle is not covered by BMW Technical Action, you can schedule an appointment at our BM Cars service center and carefully verify the condition of the airbags.

I’m too far away from BM Cars. What should I do?

BM Cars, as a specialized BMW service center, has access to an official database where it can check any car by VIN number. This database is maintained by BMW AG and covers all technical stocks.

The generated extract – a PDF file will allow you to:

• reliably verify whether there is a defective airbag (airbag) in your car,
• showing the defective component, in case of purchase/sale of the car,
• possibly arranging a repair at the ASO.