Vehicle recall R/2003/169

BMW 5 Series recall: Unintentional deployment of airbag

DVSA recall R/2003/169 names the BMW 5 Series. It was launched 1 November 2003. It covers vehicles built 1 January 2001 to 31 August 2001.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2003/169
Launched: 1 November 2003
Issued by: BMW
Vehicles: 8,176 across the lines below

What can go wrong

A possible fault in the microprocessor in the air bag control unit could lead to an uncontrolled setting of the output signals from the control unit immediately after switching on the ignition. In unfavourable conditions this may lead to components of the safety and restraint system being triggered. This fault does not affect the vehicle while the car is being driven.

The fix

Recall affected vehicles and replace and code the air bag control unit.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
BMW 5 Series	1 January 2001 to 31 August 2001	8,176

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2004/056 Possibile fault in the dsc yaw rate sensor 22 March 2004, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series
R/2004/084 Possibility of inability to engage gear or declutch 6 May 2004, BMW 5 Series
R/2004/131 Possibility of inadvertnent loss of engine power 14 July 2004, BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series and others
R/2005/001 Front seat back-rest heater may overheat 23 December 2004, BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series
R/2005/022 The bearings of the fuel injection pump may fail 8 February 2005, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X5 and others
R/2002/025 Possible detachment of ball bearing from front suspension strut top mounting 22 February 2002, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources