BMW X5 Recall R/2008/179: Airbag May Deploy Inadvertently, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 25 Nov 2008
- Launched
- 6,240
- vehicles in the UK
- 0065120200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled X5 vehicles built between 1 March 2001 and 28 February 2002. The front air bags may trigger unnecessarily and the possibility of occupant injury cannot be excluded. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to recode the air bag control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The front air bags may trigger unnecessarily and the possibility of occupant injury cannot be excluded.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY INADVERTENTLY Defect: The front air bags may trigger unnecessarily and the possibility of occupant injury cannot be excluded. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to recode the air bag control unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: airbag may deploy inadvertently.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to recode the air bag control unit.
Are You Affected?
X5 built between 1 March 2001 and 28 February 2002 may be included. BMW estimates 6,240 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 campaign code 0065120200 or the DVSA reference R/2008/179. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| X5Replace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/406 | |
| X5Check Windscreen Bonding reworking if necessary | Book soon | R/2025/360 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2008/141 on 6 Oct 2008, for engine may cut out. The one launched after it was R/2009/065 on 30 Jun 2009, for front side airbag or seat belt tensioner may not operate correctly. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2008 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2008/179, launched 25 November 2008. 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.