The BMW dealer did not give you the correct information, the recall covers the E70 X5, the original X3, the X1, the E90 3 series, the 1 series and probably some other models.

By my VIN....

Year: 2013
Make and Model: BMW X5 XDRIVE35I US
February 5, 2016 | Recall Campaign No. 16V-071
DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG
Status:
Remedy not yet available
Last Updated: February 12, 2015
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM
During air bag deployment in an accident, the driver's front air bag module may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the inflator to rupture.
SAFETY RISK
Inflator rupture could result in metal fragments striking the driver or other passengers, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
DESCRIPTION OF REPAIR
Your BMW center will replace the driver's front air bag module. However, due to the large volume of new inflators needed to repair vehicles, the necessary parts will not be immediately available. As a result, owners of affected vehicles will be informed of the recall in an initial notification letter. Once replacement parts become available BMW will send another notification letter to owners, beginning with older model year vehicles located in BMW's previously defined HAH (High Absolute Humidity) region and expanding accordingly as more parts become available.
For additional information or assistance, please contact Customer Relations and Services at [email protected], or at 1-800-525-7417.


View PDF
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Recal...Number=16V-071

My e46 is affected by the same recall. For both front airbags. They have the parts for the passenger side, but a year on and there's still no driver side parts as far as I know. (At least I never got a followup letter.)

Buy a loaded Tahoe :)
I'll be getting one when the wife takes the diesel this year.

Posters above are correct. E70 X5 is included in the recall. Recently went to a few BMW dealers to trade in my E70. One dealer flat out refused to buy it in trade due to the recall. BMW doesn't seem to have a fix yet, so the dealer would have to bear all the carrying costs of keeping the vehicle til it can be fixed. Strangely two other BMW dealers had no problem with it.

Buying from a dealer is probably out as they likely won't sell them until there is a fix. But, you might be able to use the recall issue to negotiate a good deal on a private party sale. Definitely take it to a good independent for a pre purchase inspection.

BMW dealers have been instructed not to sell affected vehicles until further notice. They are receiving help with the carrying cost, but it does not appear they are receiving help with depreciation. Thus, low trade offers, if any. The expectation is it will take up to two years to have enough replacement airbags to complete the recall; they will be prioritized into high humidity climates first.

So I will not be trading my e70; as soon as it stops raining I'll take pics and put it in the for sale forum, and on Autotrader.

+1 on the pre purchase inspection.

We just got 2 letters from BMW NA today for the 135 and X5 (Of course mine) We were told that we would be contacted when parts were available.

Kind of a scary that the part of your car that is supposed to help save your life could actually shoot shrapnel at you if it fails. Sounds like they're doing what they can, but just so many airbags to replace that it's probably a logistical nightmare.

+1 I got a letter for the e70/e90 about the airbag recall...notified when parts are avail.