TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH METAL SHARDS AND A METAL ROD GOING THROUGH THE HAND OF THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS ON THE HAND AND FEET FROM THE GASES WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.