BMW is recalling model year 2008 BMW 1-series and BMW 3- series passenger cars. Incorrect crimp connectors may have been used on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. As a result, sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug may not occur, which could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of that connection.
If that happens, it is possible for the side air bag and/or the safety belt tensioner not to deploy and not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries. 09V-257.
my 2007 328 xi is doing the same thing. Any chance for a recall on that year model?
In my experience, there are frequently occasions where the initial scope of the recall announced by the car company does not completely cover all affected vehicles. The best way to try to prompt an expansion of the recall is to let BMW and the government both know that the same problem exists in vehicles not yet subject to the recall. Therefore, you can contact BMW to advise them of the problem. I would also contact the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and file a consumer complaint. On occasion, they have re-opened defect investigations and prompted the car company to expand their recalls to include other model years or other vehicles. I suggest you file such a consumer complaint on-line; you can reach the site through the following page: http://www.carsafetylawyer.com/resources/useful-links
Just click on the third bullet down, which is “Complaint Filing for Your Vehicle”. That will take you directly to the correct page of the government’s website. You can also call them or mail them the complaint, if you prefer.
In fact, right after I posted the above response earlier today, the government updated its website to show that BMW was conducting another recall for certain 2009 BMW models also having a defective crimp connector for a safety belt tensioner. BMW’s problems with crimp connectors may indeed be wider than initially thought.
Same issue with my 2007 525i. Thanks for the direction.