BMW Recalling 200,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Over Airbag Problem

Today, NHSTA announced that BMW is recalling 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. over concerns that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in the even of a crash due to a sensor problem. The models affected from the recall include the 2006 MY 3-Series, the 2004-2005 MY 5-Series and the 2004-2006 MY X3 SUV. According to NHTSA, depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks could develop in a seat detection mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags (with the exception of the head protection system) will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated. -Continued

BMW said that its dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall is expected to begin during late September 2008. The German carmaker also announced that it will extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit.

2010 BMW PAS Crossover Caught Taking a Siesta

The so-called BMW V-Series or as the Bavarian carmaker likes to call it the PAS, which is short for Progressive Activity Sedan, has been caught by the fanboys over at Autogespot taking a nap somewhere in Germany. The PAS is based on the architecture of the next-generation 5-Series but it will feature a higher roofline, a coupe-like fastback rear-end and slightly raised road clearance. To top it all, BMW insiders have told CarScoop that it will also be more practical. -Continued

Confused? Join the club. It’s not a sedan, it’s not a station-wagon, it’s not a SUV nor a MPV, so what the heck is it? Guess we’ll have to wait until the third quarter of 2009 when BMW officially takes the covers off the PAS to find out.

Via: Autogespot