Recall Alert: 2010 BMW X5, X6

BMW has issued a recall for 2010 X5 and X6 vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall is only for the SUVs manufactured between Dec. 14, 2009, and Dec. 16, 2009, because the bonding in the upper right part of the windshield may be insufficient. In a rollover accident, this could negatively impact the stability of the roof and increase the risk of injury to passengers.

BMW has not provided a fix or an owner notification schedule for this recall, though it likely affects only a small number of vehicles. Owners may contact BMW at 800-831-1117 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.

Comments

The root of the problem is that SUVs are prone to rolling over, even if you are clever and call it an SAV or Crossover. If you lower the center of gravity to a similar level compared to that of a car, you get -- that's right! -- a wagon.

People are willing to risk to life and limb just so they don't drive a wagon or even a van ... sad.

DL, I take it you drive a smaller car and don't live in a state where snow is an issue?

If you've ever driven an X5 or X6 the things are so heavy, and so well planted I don't think rollover is especially high in terms of worry, it's just the root of the fault for this limited issue.

Peppy,

I drive a G37x in NH. But I live near a city so the streets never have more than a few inches of snow before they get plowed. I also drive an '04 Mazda6 and throw on snow tires for the winter. I have only had problems getting up a steep driveway in wet snow. Traction for stopping and cornering on snow, as you probably know, is all about the tires (AWD/4WD only provide better forward traction, when using equal tire types). My in-law's Lexus RX recently slid helplessly down her driveway and into the bank of snow. I came down the same driveway with the FWD Mazda6 without a hint of slip. Sometimes I have to be on the road at 3 or 4 in the morning and have not had a problem. So ground clearance is never an issue. I see a disproportionate number of SUV's in ditches when the weather gets bad. I think some people become overly confident and probably do not realize that driving habits matter more than what kind of car you drive when it comes to safety.

Dave,

I admit, the X6 is especially impressive. However, they are still taller (from cars.com, the X6 is almost 8 inches taller than the 535 wagon). BTW, the Audi A6 Avant has more luggage space than the X6 and is even lower than the 535 wagon. If people are happily spending thousands on safety features (some of which only work theoretically), I think the tiny bit of advantage of a slightly lower center of gravity can be considered a safety advantage.

Okay, so I admit that there are some crappy cars that also have a high risk of rolling over, and I am biased.

I'm off topic now, but when I compare the X5 or X6 against the A6 Avant, I see that

1. The wagon has more luggage capacity than either X models.

2. It gets significantly better gas mileage than any of the X's gas-powered models (and almost the same as the X5 diesel).

3. It is pretty darn fast (0-60 quoted at 6.1 sec by Audi, 6.3 sec by BMW on the 4.8L V8).

I know where my money is going in a few months.

Yeah, I just can't see how someone not going insanely fast can flip one over. Maybe if they're broadsided?

The Smart Fortwo has a higher rollover rate ;)
3 versus 4 star.

Dave,

Agreed. No offense to owners of those little things, but as far as driving dynamics or technologic advancement goes, I group the Fortwo among "crappy cars". I am pretty sure I would flip one regularly, the way I like to take corners and on/off ramps. The X6 would probably be quite fun, on the other hand. ;)

DL, wagons just don't sell in the USA. BMW has decided not to bring their new 2011 5er wagon to the US market due to poor sales in 2009. I don't know why we don't get more wagon options here to be honest.

On SUVs, keep in mind that many people have a legitimate need for an SUV over a wagon - e.g. I tow a 4700lb trailer and the X5 is an excellent tow vehicle (self leveling suspension helps).

Though the X5 2010 is spacious but due to the safety issues in the 2009 model regarding the windshield..... I am very much concerned to know about the importance of windshield....