Recall 15V148 affects 2,067 2015 BMW 428I and 435I vehicles for incorrect driver air bag deployment timing. Free software repair at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 2,067 2015 428I and 435I convertibles because a programming error can set the driver's front air bag deployment timing incorrectly. Incorrect timing raises the risk of personal injury in a crash, and the BMW dealer repair will be free once BMW releases the remedy.
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What's wrong?
The driver's front air bag in the 2015 BMW 428I and 435I is part of the restraint system that protects the driver in a crash. The air bag control module is the computer that tells the air bag when to deploy. Its timing has to match the air bag design and crash conditions for the restraint system to work as tested.
On affected BMW vehicles, that module was loaded with incorrect software. The settings do not match the control parameters BMW established for the updated driver air bag. That programming error changes the deployment timing, which means the driver air bag restraint effect is impaired during the crash condition covered by the recall.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is in the control software, so the vehicle does not give the driver a sound, warning light, or change in normal driving feel that confirms the air bag timing is wrong.
Who's affected?
Covers the 428I and 435I from the same model year, both tied to the air bag system.
| 2015 BMW 428I | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW 435I | air bag system |
| Units affected | 2,067 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect driver's front air bag deployment timing can increase injury risk during a crash. Until the repair is done, keep normal seat belt use and schedule service soon. The dealer reprograms the air bag control module with corrected software. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 BMW 428I or 435I is included in this recall.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to confirm the repair status for your VIN before visiting a dealer.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer once the free air bag control module software reprogramming is available for your VIN.
- Bring the BMW owner notice if you received one, and reference recall number 15V148 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since incorrect driver's front air bag timing increases injury risk in a crash.
What happens at the repair
BMW has identified the repair as corrected software for the air bag control module. Once the remedy is available, a BMW technician will reprogram that module so the driver's front air bag uses the corrected deployment timing. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you paid for this related software repair before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan applies. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 12, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 31, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 11, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V148?
Recall 15V148 covers 2,067 2015 BMW 428I and 435I convertibles with driver front air bag control module software that sets incorrect deployment timing. If the timing is wrong in a crash, injury risk increases. BMW dealers reprogram the air bag control module for free.
What should I do if my 2015 BMW 428I or 435I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific convertible is included in recall 15V148. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the air bag control module software reprogramming. Reference recall 15V148 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform safety recall repairs at no cost. BMW dealers will reprogram the air bag control module with corrected software free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a 2015 BMW 428I or 435I with recall 15V148?
BMW did not issue a do-not-drive instruction for recall 15V148. The risk is tied to incorrect driver front air bag deployment timing in a crash, which increases injury risk. Check your VIN, then schedule the free software reprogramming with a franchised BMW dealer.
When did BMW start this recall?
BMW began recall 15V148 on May 11, 2015. If you bought the convertible used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free repair applies. BMW customer service is listed at 1-800-525-7417.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V148000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V148 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V148000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →