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.

2009 BMW X3 xDrive: New Special Editions & Minor Revisions

BMW’s model update rampage continues with the presentation of the 2009 X3 that obtains the company’s new SUV/Crossover designations that were first introduced in the X6. As an example, the 2.0-litre gasoline entry-level model will now be designated “X3 xDrive20i”, and the most powerful diesel model will now bear the name “X3 xDrive35d”. Unduly complicated in our opinion –what’s wrong with using a simple name like X320i or X3 20i?

Name change aside, the 2009 model year X3 that goes on sale this fall features an updated interior with upgraded materials, new rotary knobs for the radio and the optional navigation system and a chromed handbrake button. Furthermore, BMW introduced two new special edition models of the X3 xDrive dubbed Lifestyle and Exclusive as well as adding new options in terms of paintwork colours, interior trim, alloy rims, and storage boxes. -Continued

In concern of the special edition models, the X3 Lifestyle gets 18-inch light-alloy rims in double-spoke design on the xDrive35d and, respectively, 17-inch V-spoke wheels on all other model variants. Inside, the Lifestyle edition features a leather steering wheel, seat upholstery in Pearlpoint/Pearl cloth/leather as well as the gearshift and handbrake lever gaiters finished in black.

This particular package is completed with interior trim in Space Grey metallic, with an alternative choice of four other trim variants. The X3 xDrive Lifestyle is offered with a new Space Grey metallic along with eight more colours

As for the X3 Edition Exclusive, it receives 18-inc alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design. In the cabin, among other things, the Exclusive features standard, sports and, respectively, comfort seats in Nevada leather, a leather steering wheel, armrests at the front, as well as interior trim in light burr walnut. Furthermore, the Edition Exclusive comes with xenon headlights, a headlight washing system, a rain sensor, and a lights package. Outside, the new colour Mineral Green metallic is exclusive to this Edition with an alternative choice of nine other paintwork colours.

Both Edition Models of the four-cylinder versions of the X3 are finished with kidney grille bars in Graphite metallic and feature an oval chrome tailpipe on the exhaust. In addition, both Edition Models may be further upgraded by BMW Individual features in the interior.

And if that isn’t enough, BMW also offers a new Comfort Package Plus as an individual option on both Edition versions of the 2009 X3. The package includes Servotronic steering assistance, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning and a climate comfort windscreen, an interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function, the BMW Business audio system including HiFi loudspeakers, an additional storage package, and a ski-bag.

Depending on the model variant, the Comfort Package Plus starts at a price of €1,950 –don’t ask why… The prices of the new Edition Models range in Germany from €36,700 for the X3 xDrive20i Edition Lifestyle to €53,950 for the X3 xDrive35d Edition Lifestyle, and €39,650 for the X3 xDrive20i Edition Exclusive up to €56,050 for the X3 xDrive35d Edition Exclusive.