BMW to recall 1.6 million cars worldwide

German top-of-the-range car maker BMW said Wednesday it will recall around 1.6 million cars worldwide due to a potential airbag problem.

The recall affected the BMW 3 series model built between May 1999 and August 2006, BMW said in a statement, adding that it was a "precautionary voluntary measure to minimise the risk of the passenger airbag not opening properly."

The 1.6 million cars affected include 240,000 cars being recalled due to problems with an airbag made by a third-party supplier.

These cars would not need an additional change of airbag, BMW said.