Airbags May Fail in Some BMW Models

BMW has announced a voluntary recall of about 200,000 vehicles because a damaged sensor in the passenger seat may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying.

Affected models include some 2006 3-series and 2004-06 5-series and X3 vehicles.

BMW says owners can continue to drive the vehicles, but they should notify their local BMW dealer and stop using the passenger seat if the air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag ”on-off” lamp light up simultaneously. Owners of affected models will begin receiving notices in early September with further information.

Bimmers Confirmed to go Diesel

3-SERIES: A diesel-powered version of the 3 called the 335d will join the 3-series lineup for 2009. The 335d is powered by a 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. BMW estimates a 0-62 MPH time of 6.2 seconds. The engine will use AdBlue urea injection and will be 50-state emissions compliant.

X5: The same 3-liter turbodiesel found in the 335 will be available in a version of the 2009 X5 SUV called the X5 xDrive35d. Power output is the same as in the 335d, with 0-62 acceleration estimated at 7.2 seconds and fuel economy predicted to be 19 MPG city/25 MPG highway or better.

X6: BMW is calling the 2009 X6 a Sports Activity Coupe, and calling it the first vehicle of its kind. (Some might argue that the X6 is a four-door sedan, and that it looks an awful lot like now-defunct Subaru’s Outback SUS (Sport Utility Sedan)). Semantics aside, the X6 will be available in two versions, the X6 xDrive35i (3.0 liter twin-turbo inline six, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft) and the X6 xDrive50i (4.4 liter V8, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft), both with a six-speed automatic and all wheel drive.