BMW has asked 12,663 owners of its 3 Series models made from 1997 to 2000 to stop driving immediately because of the risk of faulty airbags.

Owners are being urged to contact their local BMW dealership or call BMW Australia’s Takata hotline directly on 1800 243 675 to organise a free vehicle inspection.

ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard tells Ross Greenwood there is a potential critical risk level.

“If they mis-deploy you can get metal shrapnel sprayed through the car with the potential to seriously injure or kill somebody.

“Please stop driving it… it’s just not worth the risk.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Click HERE to check if your car is affected 

Image: Getty/Lennart Preiss