BMW recalls 200,000 vehicles for airbag fix

BMW will recall around 200,000 vehicles to remedy a possible defect that could keep the front passenger airbag from opening in a crash, the world's biggest premium carmaker said.
"BMW announced a voluntary recall regarding the front passenger airbag seat sensor mat involving approximately 200,000 model year 2004-06 vehicles," a statement posted on its U.S. website on Wednesday said.
It said models affected included certain 2006 3-Series, 2004-06 5-Series and 2004-06 X3 vehicles.
"BMW has found that the sensor mat may become damaged during vehicle usage depending upon the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit," it said.
It said it would start sending customer letters in late September and that affected owners could continue to drive their vehicles unless the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag 'on-off' lamp illuminated simultaneously.
"In this situation, BMW recommends customers not to use the front passenger seat and have the vehicle serviced immediately. At the present time, we are unaware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue," it added.
BMW was not immediately available for further comment.
Its shares had slipped 0.9% to 28.95 euros by 0721 GMT, while the DJ Stoxx European car sector index had edged up 0.1%.