2014 BMW I3

I am writing regarding an ongoing issue I am having with BMW North America and their dealerships concerning a faulty airbag in my 2014 BMW i3 electric vehicle (VIN #: [XXX] ). On multiple occasions in October 2023, BMW North America informed me that the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving through a parking lot at slow speeds on 6/24/2023 around 6:30 pm in Phoenix AZ, I noticed the steering felt very heavy and the car pulled hard to the left. While driving slowly down a driveway, I checked the air pressure data and found all 4 tires at recommended levels. I drove 15 miles to my home below the speed limit while wrestling with the steering wheel, thinking that the power to the steering system had somehow failed. Some quick online research upon my return revealed that this problem is not unusual, but can be resolved by turning the car off and then back on again. Following this procedure solved the issue, but leaves me with uncertainty as to when it may happen again.

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not starting and we thought it could have caused the issue. They also noted at that time that the engine mount screws are now split and need to be replaced. I then discovered it was part of an open recall but when I asked about this, they said the recall closed in 2016 and I would now be responsible to replace this part for $3400+ even though it was a known defective BMW part. Upon further research, the initial part replaced was deemed not good enough and the part was upgraded to aluminum (it is currently a plastic mount bracket). I have tried requesting again for them to complete the recall work but they said they told me: " Yes, there was a recall but it was completed in 2016 in san fran by the looks of it. (<--I don't think it was actually completed) "I can't claim it since its done unfortunately... there is no way for me to claim this to you either as the repairs done more than 2 years ago and the car is out of warrant for 4 years. So BMW will just see it as just wear and tear. I tried to see of any ways I could assist you but there isn't a way for me to claim this with BMW" So my issue, and why I am writing you is that they claim the part has been completed but it has not, it is still the original bracket and screw mount. Plus they admitted they still needed to replace the charging electronics when this was apparently also marked as completed. I suspect someone lied about the recall work being done in San Francisco.

Car had all warning light came on one day. We brought to a local dealer and they told me it was due to 12V battery was not charging. 1. I asked to a service rep if 12V battery could be issue w/o full diagnostic which they charged me extra. He said they needed to do it to figure out. 2. After replacing the battery, it still had error message. After a few days, I was told car needs software update to clear error message related 12V battery. I requested this should be repaired by BMW or their dealers without any cost to me, but rep told me it was not free. I don't simply understand why consumer is responsible for paying to repair software defect.