BMW/Mini Passenger Airbag Recall
 

Can't find much info on this new recall, just announced today. But based on the number of cars affected, only some Mini's are part of the recall. I wish I knew because I'm usually the passenger in our Mini.. :lol:

"BMW is replacing the passenger's side front airbag module on 6,073 vehicles in the US because of a supplier's manufacturing issue with the part. The affected models include the: 2014-2015 i3; 2014-2016 Mini Hardtop 2 Door Cooper and Cooper S; 2015-2016 Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works; and 2015-2016 Hardtop 4 Door Cooper and Cooper S.

Because the airbag components aren't made correctly, they might not deploy with enough restraint in a low-speed collision. BMW isn't aware of any accidents or injuries from the problem, but this is still obviously a safety concern. According to company spokesperson David Buchko to Autoblog, customers will be notified about the issue by mail in November. As always, dealers will perform the replacements at no cost to owners."

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/10/20/b...eplace-airbag/

Checked our 2015 Cooper with her VIN. Not recalled.

Do you think it would be in the database yet with VIN checking on their site.


and note. I think this is a total dash tear out to replace the bag...

anyone add to this. CRAP...rattles here we come.

PS, I just saw a video of a CM passenger AB removal.

If that is the case, forget it. You will have rattles, cause most MINI techs are dingos and don't take care to do it right. Its a major job..

Paintin' with a rather broad brush there, aren't you? :eek:

The passenger side air bag does not require dash removal. At most, they will remove the glove box to gain access to the four nuts that hold the airbag to the underside of the dash for replacement. It's pretty straight forward and most cars built today have this same exact setup for serviceability.

Hey, thanks.

POST the video Benny.

I have trying to find it again, but there are some on youtube with similar dash work and you can see the bag.

I hope as hell it from under the dash..

According to the official repair instructions from MINI to perform this repair, it does require the removal of the entire dash, steering wheel and center console.

Surprising. Let's see the bulletin. I'm curious now.

Here you go, unless they can remove the airbag without removing the dash, by trying to go under the glove box. What a hassle to replace just an airbag.

BTW @ MINIDean you located in SOCAL?

I was told by a very reliable source, it a PITA. I was right, it will be butchery to remove and replace. Not meant to be removed so it was designed accordingly.

I wonder if we can just skip the recall. It is voluntary, right? I don't fancy them tearing out my dash either.

I would think youd want to find out if your car is even on the recall list before you start worrying over it............................... Theres only 6,073 being recalled.

Ours is on the list and we are NOT doing it.

It a proven fact that most get hurt from the air bag than the accident. Guaranteed a tech will break clips and lose screws in the interim and not say a word until you go down a bumpy road.

http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...rt/recall.html
I already checked, unfortunately my car is one of the recalled ones. Build date 03/2014

I'm with BennyF on this one, I had my fuel tank replaced per a service bulletin, because when I would fill up the car the gas nozzle would click repeatedly, well when they installed the fuel pump back onto the tank the tech didn't seat the o-ring correctly so fuel was leaking when I filled up my car, which would have been a fire hazard ! I mean you take it back and they will fix it but its just the hassle and taking apart the whole dash seems like a big task , and I'm not really confident when they can't even seat a gasket correctly :( let alone disassemble the whole dash.

Luckily our car is not on the list. That repair looks ridiculous.

Ah, ya. OK. In an earlier post Benny had asked if the recall list was even out and I hadnt seen an answer to that, so I was going on that.
Thats a tuff one, I wonder how insurance will view not making the repair?

Recall link
 

Thanks for the link. My car was built in September, 2014( a '15S ). Fortunately, my only recall is the rear passenger upgrade.

If you choose NOT to have it repaired, how would this likely effect an insurance claim based on a recall ignored? The insurance company would have the advantage here.........

My brother is an attorney. He said that when something like this gets replaced, the tech must sign a small sticker on the Air Bag. Also, the tech must be certified to do this 100%, SRS certified. You can even ask to see their certificate. Service manager has to do a final inspection before he closes up the dash. I have made up my mind. OK lets say you get a incompetent tech, and installed it incorrectly. It does not go off, are you square one as if you did not do the recall. I looked at my car today, and you would think it would go in by the hidden glove or bottom one.

Also, answer me this, why does the tach have to be removed and all the HVAC controls as well. like I said, they were not meant to be removed cleanly and replaced.

Looking at the procedure, why cant just the top of the dash be removed only. That to me would be an easy fix, but the procedure calls for 3 hours...3 hours...wow

They cant make you do it. I had that check into.

Right, they cant make you do it, but ask your brother what your liability is if your passenger is injured or killed in an accident if you dont.