BMW is recalling older 3 Series models to fix an airbag mechanism supplied by a third party following recalls by other manufacturers.

It will involve 1.6 million models produced between 2000 and 2006 across the world.

Airbag inflators in products made by Takata can rupture which could lead to unsafe airbag deployment.

The component has resulted in recalls for millions of vehicles by many car manufacturers, mostly in places with hot or humid climates.

BMW says it is not aware of any problems with vehicles but wants to carry out the recall as a precaution. It is separate from a recall of BMWs in May 2013 for a similar fault.

Last month the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated airbags made by Takata after reports of airbags rupturing in Florida and Puerto Rico.