BMW 5 Series, 8 Series +2 more: Airbag

Affects BMW 5 Series, 8 Series, 7 Series, 3 Series · 1991–1992 — about 3K vehicles.

The hazard

On certain 318I, 318IS, 325I, 325IS, 525I, 525IT, 535I, 735I, 735IL, 750IL, 850I and M5, the locking tab for the airbag contact ring in the steering wheel assembly could break without warning. If this happens it is possible that the contact ring wiring could break. This would cause the readiness indicator lamp ("SRS" or "AIRBAG") to illuminate and in such a case the airbag would not be available for deployment in a frontal impact. Correction: Locking tab will be replaced with one of a different design.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational