BMW has issued a brand new security recall for early-production E53 X5 fashions after figuring out that some autos could have obtained Takata PSDI-4 air bag inflators as substitute components. The marketing campaign, filed as NHTSA 25V748000, covers 5,361 models from the 2000 and 2001 mannequin years. All probably affected autos had been constructed between February 19, 1999 and March 31, 2000.
The recall applies to:
- 2000–2001 BMW X5 3.0i
- 2000–2001 BMW X5 4.4i
BMW’s documentation notes that these X5s didn’t initially depart the manufacturing unit with Takata inflators containing ammonium nitrate. As a substitute, the chance comes from substitute sport steering wheel air bag modules that will have been put in throughout service work greater than twenty years in the past. These modules may embody a PSDI-4 inflator, the identical sort utilized in most of the earlier Takata remembers.
The problem is acquainted by now. Over time, underneath situations of excessive humidity, warmth, and repeated temperature swings, the inflator’s propellant can degrade. If the air bag deploys, the housing can rupture and ship metallic fragments into the cabin. It’s the identical failure mode that led to the worldwide Takata disaster, and the identical concern applies right here: an inflator rupture could cause severe harm or loss of life.
Takata’s inside testing, referenced within the recall submitting, reveals age-related modifications within the inflator’s traits. Mixed with environmental publicity and regular manufacturing variability, the chance is excessive sufficient that BMW and NHTSA are increasing the earlier marketing campaign (19V015) to incorporate these extra autos.
BMW will examine the motive force’s air bag and substitute it if a PSDI-4 inflator is current. The restore is free. Proprietor notification letters are scheduled for December 23, 2025, and VINs might be searchable on NHTSA.gov the identical day. For questions, homeowners can contact BMW customer support at 1-800-525-7417.
For anybody driving an early X5—particularly one outfitted with a sport steering wheel—that is value listening to. Many of those autos have lengthy service histories, and never each substitute half put in within the early 2000s is well-documented. As soon as the VIN lookup goes reside, homeowners ought to verify whether or not their automobile is a part of the expanded recall.
