BMW issues a recall notice for 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles

First, let me tell you that I think the 3-series BMW is one of the best cars ever designed.  I am speaking from over 15 years of experience in driving two 3-series convertibles.  I love them.  My current car is a 2005 330ic, which I have owned since it popped out of the factory.   

I was a little concerned to receive a notice from BMW that my car might have a defect in the front passenger air bag.   I am “the owner of a potentially affected vehicle,” according to BMW.  Unfortunately, BMW does not have the parts to fix the vehicle, but it will let me know as soon as they become available and I can then make an appointment to fix this “potential” problem.  In describing the problem, BMW wrote, “Our air bag supplier has advised BMW that in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front passenger’s air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the air bag inflator, resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the front  passenger or other passengers.”   Does that mean the metal fragments have the “potential” to strike passengers in the back seat?   

The notice then indicates, “If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information.”  

What?  The notice provides no guidance in conducting such a conversation.  I can only imagine.  Maybe on the way to a luncheon reservation I might advise my passenger that he or she should push the seat back as far as possible because if we have a collision, metal shards will shower the passenger, possibly embedding themselves in my guest, or even a possible guest in back of the front seat passenger.  Do I tell them before and suggest we drive another vehicle?  I can only imagine how comfortable that will make my guest feel.   My guest might even harbor a suspicion that I am merely seeking to avoid spending gas and want the guest to spend it instead.  

This week I am taking my 89-year-old mother to a doctor’s appointment.  She has asked me to bring the BMW instead of my other car, because she tells me it is easier to get out of the BMW.  In both cars, I either have to give her a big push from the driver’s side or go around to her side and yank her out.  How do I tell my mother about this?  She has survived on the earth for a long time but she worries.  My mother worries that I am going to get West Nile disease from mosquitoes or die a horrible death from Lyme Disease after being bitten by a tick.  How does BMW think my mother will respond when I advise her that my car may produce injuries that one normally associates with exploding bombs? 

 Any suggestions?