[HotIce]

BMW is recalling certain 2012 3 Series models for head restraints that can be raised beyond the federal limit. As a result, in a collision, the head rest could move down slightly, increasing the risk of a neck injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers 7,600 vehicles manufactured between October 18, 2011 and March 18, 2012.

BMW plans to notify owners this month, and dealers will address the problem by installing a small clip to limit the head rest's travel. The work will, of course, be done for free. For more information, head over to the NHTSA website or scroll down or the full recall bulletin.

NHTSA Bulletin:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / 3-SERIES 2012

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: APR 19, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V176000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,600

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."

Consequence:
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/b...ad-restraints/

[gatoman39]

You knew it was coming it was just a question of what and how bad. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being car exploding, this is a 2.

[E90Fleet]

This is the modification I mentioned a while ago.
They open the seatback and place a clip that prevents the headrest from going higher than allowed by the US NHTSA.

Euro regulations are different, so those cars are not affected.

Your max headrest upwards travel will decrease about half a inch after this.
Mid March 2012 onward cars are not affected as the design was changed.

[ric124]

I doubt anyone is going to take their cars in for this recall.

[Can258]

Mine is euro spec and the problem is the headrest doesnt go all the way down is there any solution to this yet for euro specs ?

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by Can I.

Mine is euro spec and the problem is the headrest doesnt go all the way down is there any solution to this yet for euro specs ?

No, thats something totally different

[Can258]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

No, thats something totally different

Thanks Fleet So I guess there is no solution to that yet ?

[ric124]

Originally Posted by MERCSUk153

Then you will be putting yourself in high risk of whiplash if you ever get into an accident. NHTSA won't issue recalls unless it is a safety issue so it would be smart to get it fixed.

I usually keep it lowest setting anyway.

I dont see it to be a big issue especially since the recall is US only.

[justinnum1]

im not letting them touch my car for this...my car goes in for this and comes out with more problems. Plus i dont want anyone touching my seat lol

[SCBimmerKid]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

im not letting them touch my car for this...my car goes in for this and comes out with more problems. Plus i dont want anyone touching my seat lol

haha yea, i think people messing with my settings and positioning would be my biggest issue.

[BMWrules7]

Originally Posted by MERCSUk153

Then you will be putting yourself in high risk of whiplash if you ever get into an accident. NHTSA won't issue recalls unless it is a safety issue so it would be smart to get it fixed.

I think he means no one will actually take the time to schedule a service visit to have the clip installed. However, BMW will fix the problem whether you like it or not when you bring the car in for its first service.

One of the first things they check during any service visit is to see if there are any recalls.

[npgatech]

Originally Posted by Can I.

Mine is euro spec and the problem is the headrest doesnt go all the way down is there any solution to this yet for euro specs ?

Yes! here it is: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=25

You need a small screwdriver and that's all. It is a bit tricky, but not impossible.

[svache]

Just wondering if anyone else received their recall notification yet? I received mine today.

[yerffejleahcim]

Originally Posted by svache

Just wondering if anyone else received their recall notification yet? I received mine today.

Nothing for me...

[Awperator]

Originally Posted by svache

Just wondering if anyone else received their recall notification yet? I received mine today.

I got mine yesterday

[Weaselboy]

Originally Posted by Awperator

I got mine yesterday

Same here. I don't plan to take it in until service or something else is required, then will get it done at the same time.

[svache]

I agree, I don't think there's such a rush to actually do something about it right away. It's nothing too serious, thankfully

[nexusonemeover]

I got mine yesterday. Not going to make a trip just for that though.