550isport

My car is a few weeks old with 1200 miles on it and is today at the dealer waiting for a passenger side head airbag, part no. 72-12-9-130-164 - and nothing else. There are 100+ such air bags for production through 6/06 in the NJ warehouse, but BMW parts NA 'advises' against using this part. That tells me it probably fits (otherwise they would say it is incompatible), but the dealer isn't authorized to install it.

The correct part is unavailable on all continents and is scheduled to be produced in Europe later this month with a U.S. arrival date in January 07'.

Three questions: 1) does anyone know of a dealer who may have a passenger side head airbag for any 5 series made from 7/06 - present?; 2) Has anyone requested that a dealer install an OEM part when it is "not advised" - if so to what success?; and 3) Does anyone have any experience/advice as to how to approach BMW NA with this problem - request a waiver of the payment for the month the car wll be at the dealer...request that the part be flown in by courier instead of shipped by boat?

BTW - the airbag deployed after I made contact with a granite curb swerving to avoid a woman who failed to yield the right of way. Nobody was hurt. Just a wheel and an airbag. No body damage, no suspension damage.

This is aggravating. I could more easily understand the part being unavailable if it were a brand new model, but as far as I know, all E60s use the same head airbags (HPS II) and even my exact car, the 07' 550i has been out for 7 months!


Thanks for any help.
Happy Holidays,
DRP

jsal

That is a bummer, but I would hate to have the wrong part for this.

Since the car is so new and BMW can not get the part for you, I would request a comparible loaner (another 550i).

Good Luck.

550isport

My dealer loans out only Camrys! I know what you mean about the part. Do it once, do it right.

Thanks,
DRP

SpEeDfReAk162

I know how u feel man, cuz im usually the tech that gets the cars that have parts on "intergalatic back order". I can tell u though that not all e60s have the same airbag system. ive seen 2 gens of aiirbag on the e60 and also a possible 3rd for everything produced after october. but BMW has its reasons i supose. hang in there dude ull have it back before u no it....

arcleid

Wow, I feel sorry for you man. I've had my car in the body shop for a week, but it's not as bad as how it's going to be for you.

550isport

My dealer gave me a 06' 325i loaner. I paired up my phone and plugged in my ipod. A few weeks doesn't seem so bad now. If I weren't 6'6" I would get a 335xi and that would be that. The car is fantastic. Pure BMW.

allenman

Yeah, I would call NJ and bitch. You don't have parts for cars that you've been selling for months? I would hope for a little compensation, probably not financial. Start with a courteous attitude, not the militant one, and see where it leads. It's not like BMW is a micro size importer, or that the E60 is a limited production car. Obviously, their concern is in the liability area. As a PI lawyer, I understand...but it doesn't mean I wouldn't bitch......

550isport

You'll appreciate this allenman: I provided my dealer with 1) documentation to establish that there are no federal regs re: side air bags at all; 2) a General Release and 3) an Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement along with a request that they release my car pending receipt of the new part. Their counsel in NY rejected the proposal even after BMW NA had agreed to the arrangement!

Oh well.......
I am admitted in NY and CT. My practice is in CT. 60-70% of my caseload is PI as well.

Regards,
Happy Holidays,
DRP