BMW recalls 7,200 units of 5 Series for child seat anchors

Tue, Nov 17 2015

BMW will recall 7,162 examples of the 2016 5 Series sedan in the US because of a potential danger for involving child seat anchors. The campaign covers much of the model range including the 528i, 528i xDrive, 535d, 535d xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and M5.

During a vehicle audit at the factory, BMW discovered a downward bend in the inboard lower anchor for child seats on the left rear seat, according to a chronology from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF). The issue made it very difficult or in some cases impossible for the seat to latch correctly, and the fault also ran afoul of federal rules in the US. However, the company says that it has no reports of accidents or injuries from this problem.

The campaign to fix the issue will begin December 24. Dealers will inspect the anchor on these models and will repair any bent examples.

RECALL Subject : Bent Left Rear Seat Inboard Anchor/FMVSS 225
Report Receipt Date: OCT 30, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V718000
Component(s): CHILD SEAT , SEATS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,162

All Products Associated with this Recall

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
BMW 528I 2016
BMW 535D 2016
BMW 535I 2016
BMW 550I 2016
BMW M5 2016

Details

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535d xDrive, M5, 550i, 550i xDrive, and 535d sedans. The affected vehicles have an inboard lower anchor for child restraints on the left rear seat that may have been bent downwards, preventing the child seat from fully engaging both lower anchors. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

CONSEQUENCE:
If the child seat is not properly attached to the lower anchors, it can increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.

REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the inboard lower anchor on the left rear seat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 24, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce