BMW 5 Series Recall R/2003/169: Unintentional Deployment Of Airbag, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 1 Nov 2003
- Launched
- 8,176
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2003/169
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 5 Series vehicles built between 1 January 2001 and 31 August 2001. 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. The dealer will replace and code the air bag control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s 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.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: UNINTENTIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG Defect: 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. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace and code the air bag control unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to an uncontrolled setting of the output signals from the control unit immediately after switching on the ignition.
The Fix
The dealer will replace and code the air bag control unit.
Are You Affected?
5 Series built between 1 January 2001 and 31 August 2001 may be included. BMW estimates 8,176 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2003/169. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, 7 Series - High Security and 2 moreChecking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness | Urgent | R/2026/092 | |
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 5 SeriesProgram control units (CoC documents) | Low | R/2026/075 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2003/043 on 28 Feb 2003, for possible fluid leak from power steering. The one launched after it was R/2004/056 on 22 Mar 2004, for possibile fault in the dsc yaw rate sensor. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/169, launched 1 November 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.