Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module (07V178000)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Model(s): 2007 BMW 6-SERIES

Campaign No: 07V178000

Number of Affected Vehicles: 225

Beginning Date of Manufacture: 2006 SEP

Ending Date of Manufacture: 2007 JAN

SYSTEM

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAS A SENSING SYSTEM TO DETECT IF THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THIS SENSING IS PROGRAMMED TO DETECT IF THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A SMALL ADULT OR CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT SEATS. PLACING CERTAIN CHILD SEATS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS DESIGNED TO RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC DEACTIVATION OF THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S AIR BAG.

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT

IN SOME CASES, THE SENSING SYSTEM MAY MISINTERPRET A PROPERLY SEATED SMALL ADULT AS ONE OF THESE SPECIFIC CHILD SEATS, RESULTING IN DEACTIVATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WHEN THE AIR BAG MIGHT BE BENEFICIAL FOR THE ADULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Eastern Time. For more information call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-0123. For the hearing impaired, call (800) 424-9153.