BMW 7 Series Recall R/2016/176: Airbag May Not Function As Intended, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 21 Jul 2016
- Launched
- 587
- vehicles in the UK
- 0065900200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 7 Series vehicles built between 1 July 2015 and 11 December 2015. Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicle replace the airbag control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. This may reset the control module illuminating the airbag warning lamp and prevent the airbag(s) from acting as intended during a collision.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: AIRBAG MAY NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED Defect: Due to vibrations particles inside the airbag control unit may cause a short circuit. This may reset the control module illuminating the airbag warning lamp and prevent the airbag(s) from acting as intended during a collision. Remedy: On affected vehicle replace the airbag 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 cause a short circuit.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: on affected vehicle replace the airbag control unit.
Are You Affected?
7 Series built between 1 July 2015 and 11 December 2015 may be included. BMW estimates 587 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 0065900200 or the DVSA reference R/2016/176. 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 | |
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, M5Replace double universal joint (Steering) | Urgent | R/2024/409 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring and 10 moreIntegrated braking system | Urgent | R/2024/383 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2016/179 on 6 Jun 2016, for iSOFIX child restraint system may become insecure. The one launched after it was R/2016/224 on 4 Oct 2016, for possible loss of control. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/176, launched 21 July 2016. 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.