BMW are supposed to make contact but I'd say a call to the Customer Service no. for BMW Ireland with the VIN number would be the better way to check.

To my knowledge the airbag recall that was done (following Takata scandal) for my e46 330Ci a few years ago was extended to include the drivers bag and I've heard that e39's may also be affected. I've heard nothing since the first recall, so I'd be inclined not to wait on this latest recall since its a safety issue. Now that I've roused the e39 for a while I'll be checking that one further.