Sport steering wheel for E53

[dabenthusiast]

[QUOTE=TiAgX5;1063835]Takata used ammonium nitrate as the propellant to inflate the bag. This substance becomes more energetic after years of exposure to high humidity (this is why vehicles registered/operated in high humidity areas are getting new bags first).



I'd say I live in high humidity...
How do I get on this list that gets notified of possible recalls or problems???

[TiAgX5]

If you purchased the vehicle outside the dealer network, and have never brought the vehicle to BMW for repair/service, BMW will not have your info as owner in their system.

Contact BMW NA or go to a BMW dealer, have your contact info entered into their system.

If you are in their system already, and the vehicle didn't leave the factory with a 3 spoke sport wheel, there is no notification needed.

Those who installed sport wheel in their vehicles will need to replace the bags at their own cost (non-vehicle specific items are exempt from BMW recall liability).

[bcredliner]

Is it correct that if a recall airbag deploys it does not inflict serious injury?

[TiAgX5]

If the ammonium nitrate has become unstable due to age/humidity, it COULD detonate with sufficient force that results in fragmentation of metal components near the charge. Shrapnel!

[jauloz]

Thank you for all the replies.

This still doesn't answer my question tho

HOW could I tell if the airbag I'm looking to purchase has been or hasn't been recalled?

Also, QS, facelift heated 3 spoke with airbag (the last pic you replied), is a direct fit to pre-facelift like mine? Thanks again mate!

[tecboy99]

Originally Posted by jauloz

Also, QS, facelift heated 3 spoke with airbag (the last pic you replied), is a direct fit to pre-facelift like mine? Thanks again mate!

Yes, they are compatible. If you don't already have heat, you would need to check if you are prewired or not. I did this last fall. It's a really nice upgrade...The chunky wheel feels awesome in your hands.

[NYCSterling]

so i pulled the trigger on a 3 spoke sport...

now i need to go airbag shopping and i appreciate the input here regarding the airbag recall. Never thought of that.

after the winter I will remove the 4 spoke heated wheel and install the 3 spoke sport one i just purchased. its very thick and looks to be in good condition.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by jauloz

Thank you for all the replies.

This still doesn't answer my question tho

HOW could I tell if the airbag I'm looking to purchase has been or hasn't been recalled?

Also, QS, facelift heated 3 spoke with airbag (the last pic you replied), is a direct fit to pre-facelift like mine? Thanks again mate!

From what I have see, ALL the 3 spoke/round bag wheels are in the recall.

I have no idea how you can verify if the bag has been replaced without the VIN from the vehicle the wheel came from.

[tecboy99]

The newer 3 spoke wheels are not apart of the recall. The bags are different between the older three spoke with the fork at the bottom and the newer three spoke wheel. See QS's 2nd picture.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by tecboy99

The newer 3 spoke wheels are not apart of the recall. The bags are different between the older three spoke with the fork at the bottom and the newer three spoke wheel. See QS's 2nd picture.

Correct.

That's why I specified "round bag" wheels.

The newer wheels don't have the round bag.