IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE EPS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 02/26/16*LJ UPDATED 02/29/16.*JB
2004 BMW Z4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Z4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
680–25K
12925–50K
10550–75K
4275–100K
26100–150K
2150K+
372 reports with mileage · 39 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 378 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports2 fire reports0 injury reports
Steering complaints
378 reportsTHE CAR HAS A DANGEROUS STICKY STEERING PROBLEM. VERY NOTCHY STEERING, DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE ROAD. MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED.
FOR ABOUT THE LAST FIVE THOUSAND MILES, MY STEERING HAS DEVELOPED THE DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION( DESCRIBED BY LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF OWNERS IN BLOGS AND VARIOUS POSTINGS-JUST DO A SEARCH FOR "Z4 STEERING PROBLEM") THAT EXISTS IN 2003-2005 BMW Z4 ROADSTERS. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ONLY ON VERY HOT DAYS (AS DESCRIBED MY M…
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FOR ABOUT THE LAST FIVE THOUSAND MILES, MY STEERING HAS DEVELOPED THE DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION( DESCRIBED BY LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF OWNERS IN BLOGS AND VARIOUS POSTINGS-JUST DO A SEARCH FOR "Z4 STEERING PROBLEM") THAT EXISTS IN 2003-2005 BMW Z4 ROADSTERS. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ONLY ON VERY HOT DAYS (AS DESCRIBED MY MANY OTHERS). NOW, IT AFFECTS ALL ASPECTS OF DRIVING, MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER. I HAVE REPLACED TIRES TWICE AND HAD SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS WITH NO EFFECT. IF EVER THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD WARRANT A RECALL THIS IS IT. THE DEAD STEERING DESCRIBED IS MOST EVIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50-70MPH)
REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO YOU IN 2006--ODI 10496814- STICKY STEERING-WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO JERK THE WHEEL HARD AND LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE- I HAVE READ THERE ARE WELL OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM- BMW HAS, SOME AT MY COST, REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE AND NOW WHAT TO DO THE 3RD TIME, AT MY COST. THIS WOUL…
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REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO YOU IN 2006--ODI 10496814- STICKY STEERING-WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO JERK THE WHEEL HARD AND LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE- I HAVE READ THERE ARE WELL OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM- BMW HAS, SOME AT MY COST, REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE AND NOW WHAT TO DO THE 3RD TIME, AT MY COST. THIS WOULD MAKE FOUR COLUMNS, COUNTING THE ORIGINAL ONE, AND THIS CAR ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES. THERE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THERE ENGINEERING ON THIS PROBLEM. MY UNDERSTANDING, THERE IS A UNSEALED BEARING INSIDE THE COLUMN THAT FAILS. YOU CANNOT REPLACE THE BEARING-BMW DOES NOT LIST THIS AS A PART. IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT NHTSA FIND A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY IS HURT OR KILLED. IN 2010 THE USA REPORTED OVER 107 COMPLAINTS AND ONE CRASH.
THE STEERING SYSTEM (EPS) IS MAKING THE STEERING VERY "NOTCHY" "STICKING" AND MAKES THE CAR VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I'VE READ FORUMS THAT SAY THE PROBLEM YEARS ARE FROM 2003 - 2005 BUT BMW WILL NOT ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM THEREFORE NO RECALLS WERE MADE. NOW I CAN'T EVEN SELL THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM
STEERING STICKS AND ALMOST CAUSE ACCIDENT. CAR IS LIKE NEW AND IT A SHAME I CANT ENJOY CAR BECAUSE STEERING ISSUE WITH BMW Z4 STEERING. I CANT AFFORD THE DEALER PRICE TO FIX A CAR DEFECT.
THE STEERING HAS BECOME STICKY OR NOTCHY AND OVER TIME HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND AS A RESULT I WAS FORCED TO EITHER SELL THE CAR ON TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER, OR FIX IT. I CHOSE THE LATER AS I DIDN'T WANT TO PUT SOMEBODY ELSE'S FAMILY IN DANGER. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE IN HEAT OVER 80 DEGREE'S AS THE ST…
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THE STEERING HAS BECOME STICKY OR NOTCHY AND OVER TIME HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND AS A RESULT I WAS FORCED TO EITHER SELL THE CAR ON TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER, OR FIX IT. I CHOSE THE LATER AS I DIDN'T WANT TO PUT SOMEBODY ELSE'S FAMILY IN DANGER. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE IN HEAT OVER 80 DEGREE'S AS THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND WOULD STICK IN POSITION CAUSING EXCESS FORCE TO MOVE IT, AND CAUSE SEVERE OVERSTEER SITUATIONS. AFTER HAVING TO COMPLAIN TO BMW FOR WEEKS, THEY DIRECTED ME TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (FOR $180) AND THEN DECIDED THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE COST TO REPAIR THEIR ENGINEERING ISSUE. WHILE I FOUND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO ADMIT A MISTAKE AND COVER HALF THE REPAIR A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, I JUST DON'T THINK ITS ENOUGH. A NEW STEERING COLUMN WAS QUOTED AT $3750, AND I PAID ALMOST $1800 PLUS DIAGNOSTICS FEES. I WASN'T GOING TO BOTHER WITH THIS COMPLAINT, AS THE NHTSA HAS SHOWN IT IS NOT INTERESTED IN HOLDING BMW ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS WIDE SPREAD ISSUE (UNLIKE TOYOTAS STICKY GAS PEDALS), BUT AN INCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY THIS WEEK CHANGED MY MIND. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE CROSSING A MAJOR RIVER, AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY SWERVED TOWARD THE GUARD BARRIER. I HAD MILLISECONDS TO REACT TO THE STEEL GARBAGE CAN SET IN THE CENTER OF THE LEFT LANE, WITH A 18 WHEELER TO MY RIGHT. I SWERVED AS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DID, TOWARD THE GUARD BARRIER INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND SAFELY NEGOTIATED THE CAN. THANK GOD I HAD THE STEERING FIXED, AS IT STUCK WORSE TURNING RIGHT, AND I AM CERTAIN MY LIFE WOULD HAVE ENDED ON THE BRIDGE AS I WOULD HAVE OVERSTEERED, LOST CONTROL, AND WENT UNDER THE 18 WHEELER. FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE FOR US CITIZENS WHO ARE STUCK RIDING IN, AND AROUND THESE VEHICLES. I CERTAINLY HOPE IF YOU DO, PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PAY FOR BMW'S MISTAKES HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE REIMBURSED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STICKY STEERING PROBLEMS FOR AWHILE NOW. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS SUMMER . WHEN THE WEATHER IS ABOVE 70 OR THE LONGER I DRIVE THE WORSE IT GETS. PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANY LONGER. STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE A FLAT SPOT IN THE MIDDLE AND CAUSES YOU TO OVER STEER WHEN THIS HAPP…
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CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STICKY STEERING PROBLEMS FOR AWHILE NOW. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS SUMMER . WHEN THE WEATHER IS ABOVE 70 OR THE LONGER I DRIVE THE WORSE IT GETS. PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANY LONGER. STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE A FLAT SPOT IN THE MIDDLE AND CAUSES YOU TO OVER STEER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. VERY DANGEROUS. WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AROUND 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX?? IT IS A GREAT CAR BESIDES THAT!! TO BAD IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME. JUST SITTING IN GARAGE. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF A NEW STEERING COLUMN.
THE STEERING COLUMN FREEZES IN POSITION AND HOLDING THE STEERING IT WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S BEING HELD BY A MAGNET MUCH LIKE A DC MOTOR FEELS IF YOU TRY TO ROTATE IT. FOR EXAMPLE AFTER ROUNDING THE BEND OR TAKING THE CORNER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN POSITION AND YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER…
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THE STEERING COLUMN FREEZES IN POSITION AND HOLDING THE STEERING IT WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S BEING HELD BY A MAGNET MUCH LIKE A DC MOTOR FEELS IF YOU TRY TO ROTATE IT. FOR EXAMPLE AFTER ROUNDING THE BEND OR TAKING THE CORNER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN POSITION AND YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER IT'S LIKE IT'S STUCK THERE BY MAGNETIC FORCE. I CALLED MY BMW DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT THEN HE ASKED THE SERVICE FORMAN AND WAS TOLD IT'S A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT $3600-4000. IF THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM THEN WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. AND WHY ISN'T BMW TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DESIGN FLAW.
Official recalls
104V182000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Apr 12, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, A VAPOR LOCK IN THE FUEL PUMP COULD OCCUR CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL LINE POWERING THE FUEL PUMP IN ORDER TO PREVENT AN OCCURRENCE OF VAPOR LOCK. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE10020 · Sticky Steering
Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Jun 28, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Steering
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Steering:column
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
EA08001 · BMW Airbag Light Illumination
Opened Jan 4, 2008 · Closed Dec 31, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.