The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·14V428000·Announced 2018-06-11

BMW Recalls 2000-2006 Models for Passenger Air Bag Inflator Rupture Risk

BMW is recalling specific 2000-2006 models because the passenger air bag inflator may rupture during deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin.

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) with a potential for 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 2000-2006 3 Series and M3 vehicles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag. The affected models include 323i, 328i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, and M3 sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 13V-172.

The defect involves the passenger side frontal air bag, which may produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment, this pressure could cause the air bag inflator to rupture. Rupturing could result in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag free of charge. An interim notice was mailed in September 2014, and a second notice was mailed on December 1, 2014, when an adequate supply of parts became available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email [email protected].

The recalled product

Product
BMW M3, 330XI, 330I, 325XI
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
574,007

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 (7)

  • M3
  • 330XI
  • 330I
  • 325XI
  • 325I
  • 328I
  • 323I

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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