BMW has put a “Do Not Drive” sign on 90,000 cars made between 2000 and 2006 that are being recalled because their Taketa airbags aren’t working correctly. The 3-series, 5-series, M3, and M5 models and the first-generation X5 are all part of the recall. Drivers are told only to use affected cars once a fix is implemented because the airbags could be dangerous in even minor accidents. BMW has sent an urgent “Do Not Drive” message to the owners of more than 90,000 cars made between 2000 and 2006. The Taketa airbags installed in the affected vehicles are flawed and likely to fail in a crash. The recall includes the E46-generation M3, 3-series cars from 2000 to 2006, 5-series sedans from 2000 to 2003, including the E39 M5, and X5 SUVs from 2000 to 2004. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says there is a “very high chance” that the airbags will not work in a crash. If the inflators fail, small pieces of metal could fly out and hurt the driver. Sophie Shulman, the deputy administrator of the NHTSA, says, “These inflators are now 20 years old, and every day that goes by makes them even more dangerous because they can burst in even a small crash.” BMW tells owners to check this page to see if their car is now part of a Taketa recall, and if it is, they shouldn’t drive it. Since replacement parts are available, owners of damaged cars are encouraged to call their dealership as soon as possible to get a free fix, free towing, or a mobile repair.
