The problem
The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
The risk
If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (srs or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
The fix
Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
Contacts
System: interior; passive restraint; air bag; driver. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin august 5, 1996. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized BMW dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V110000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.