The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·13V172000·Announced 2013-05-02

BMW Recalls 2002-2003 Models Due to Passenger Air Bag Defect

BMW is recalling 2002-2003 models because the passenger air bag inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments into the cabin during a crash.

NHTSA safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle

NHTSA advises owners to stop driving this vehicle until the recall repair has been completed.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (air bag inflator rupture) that poses a risk of serious injury from metal fragments, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 vehicles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag. The affected models include 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles. The defect involves the air bag inflator, which may produce excessive internal pressure, causing it to rupture upon deployment.

In the event of a crash that necessitates the deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture. This rupture may cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the passenger seat occupant or other occupants in the vehicle.

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers to schedule a free replacement of the passenger air bag. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email [email protected] for more information.

The recalled product

Product
BMW 325XI, 325IT, M3, 325XIT
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Passenger Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
43,204

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (9)

  • 325XI
  • 325IT
  • M3
  • 325XIT
  • 325I
  • 330XI
  • 330CI
  • 330I
  • 325CI

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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