Recall 99V-063: 1997–1999 BMW M3
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on Nov 15, 1999, covering about 16,749 vehicles.
The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (Rear door air bags are optional), a central electronic sensor and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. This system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed.
The risk
This could cause the side air bag to deploy without an actual side crash. In addition, the battery safety terminal (Bst) could also activate, disconnecting the starter cable from the battery. In this case, the vehicle's electrical system could continue to operate and the engine would continue to run, but after stopping, could not be restarted.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Notes
Owner notification began february 7, 2000. 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 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
| Manufacturer | BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE |
|---|---|
| Component | Air Bags › Side/Window |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 99V063001 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 | 1997, 1998, 1999 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 99V-063?
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (Rear door air bags are optional), a central electronic sensor and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. This system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed.
How is recall 99V-063 fixed?
Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.