We have just learned that BMW issued a recall of some 2009 BMW Z4 models, both variants: sDrive35i and sDrive30i. The recall notice doesn’t specify how many vehicles have been recalled, but it mentions the reason: a defective crimp connected in a belt tensioner wiring plug.

The defective connector may lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection which could cause the seat belt tensioner to fail deploying in a crash.

A similar recall was issued last month for some 2008 1 Series and 3 Series models. For more information on the recall and contact phone numbers, please see the text below:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

BMW / Z4 2009

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: AUG 11, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V327000

N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Potential Number of Units Affected:

Summary:

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Consequence:

INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN THAT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy:

THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO 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