Recall 96V-110: driver airbag contact ring tab can break (1992)
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What causes "Recall 96V-110: driver airbag contact ring tab can break (1992)" on the BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999), and how is it fixed?
A locking tab on the steering-wheel contact ring can break, and the contact ring wiring can then fail, so the driver airbag would not deploy in a frontal crash. Fix: Dealers replaced the tab with a new design.
Symptoms
The SRS / airbag warning light comes on.
Cause
A locking tab on the steering-wheel contact ring can break, and the contact ring wiring can then fail, so the driver airbag would not deploy in a frontal crash.
Fix (summary)
Dealers replaced the tab with a new design. Check by VIN.
Related build entries
Other E36 problems
- Cooling system plastics fail with age (pump impeller, tanks, thermostat housing)
- Rear shock mounts crack and can tear the body
- Rear subframe bushings wear, then mounts crack
- Power window regulators wear and jam
- Recall 98V-178: heater core end piece can split if the engine overheats
- Recall 97V-131: throttle or cruise cable bushing can break and hold the throttle open
More for this car
- All BMW 3 Series (E36, 1992-1999) fitment answers · E36 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall 96V-110: airbag contact ring locking tab (1992 318i/325i) — NHTSA (received 1 Jul 1996) (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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