The Recall Desk
CriticalNHTSA·20V018000·Announced 2020-01-15

BMW Recalls 2000-2006 Models for Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk

BMW is recalling 2000-2006 3-Series and M3 vehicles because front passenger airbag inflators may explode, 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

Highest-severity recall. Risk of serious injury or death is documented or strongly suspected. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that an inflator explosion may result in serious injury or death, which meets the rubric criteria for a Critical severity score.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling approximately 292,948 vehicles, including 2000-2005 320i, 323i, 323iT, 325i, 325iT, 325xi, 325xiT, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible models. The recall addresses non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators that contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These specific inflators were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls.

The defect involves propellant degradation that can occur after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. This degradation may cause the inflators to explode. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, which can result in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag free of charge. The recall began on February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BMW 323IT, M3, 323I, 330CI
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Airbag Inflator
Hazard
Affected units
292,948

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 (15)

  • 323IT
  • M3
  • 323I
  • 330CI
  • 325CI
  • 323CI
  • 330XI
  • 330I
  • 325XI
  • 328I
  • 325I
  • 320I
  • 325XIT
  • 325IT
  • 328CI

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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