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2006 BMW 3 Series AIR BAGS Recalls

8 recalls Highest severity: High Priority

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service for AIR BAGS issues.

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AIR BAGS Safety Recalls

High Priority #24V513000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle may have a faulty steering wheel air bag that could explode in a crash, and you should get it fixed as soon as possible.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
You'll get a free replacement of the driver's air bag module from a BMW dealership, and you've already been notified by a letter mailed on August 30, 2024.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V018000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag in your passenger seat is designed to deploy in a crash to protect you. In some 2000-2006 BMW models, the old airbag inflator could fail catastrophically, causing it to explode.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal shards flying into the cabin, putting you at risk of serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #20V017000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driver's airbag in your vehicle has a part called an inflator that might explode due to long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or other passengers, potentially causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag at no cost to you. They'll also check the inflator in your vehicle, but only replace it if necessary. The repair is completely free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger-side air bag in your vehicle is the safety device that deploys in a frontal collision to protect you. In some older models, this air bag's inflator could burst and send sharp metal fragments into the passenger area.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag inflator ruptures in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into the passenger seat, causing serious injury to you or others in the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the passenger-side air bag with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. To ensure your safety, please don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired. Schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2018 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Original — Remedy
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 to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The front passenger air bag in your vehicle relies on a special mat under the seat to detect if someone is sitting there. Over time, this mat can wear out and develop cracks.
Risk if Unfixed
If the mat fails, the air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury to the front passenger.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the worn-out mat with a new one to prevent it from cracking, and this repair is free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #16V071000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. In some models, this inflator can fail and rupture, releasing sharp metal fragments.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens in a crash, metal shards could fly into you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag module or inflator, and this repair is completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to ensure your safety. This timing describes the original 2016 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V318000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that inflates to cushion you in a crash. In some 2002-2006 BMW models, the air bag module can be damaged by moisture over time, causing it to rupture.
Risk if Unfixed
If your air bag ruptures in a crash, sharp metal fragments could strike you or other passengers, leading to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a new one, free of charge. Please don't drive your vehicle until the repair is done.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V564000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The occupant classification module in your vehicle helps determine if and how the front passenger air bag deploys in a crash. It's a mat under the passenger seat that can fatigue and crack over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If this mat fails, the front passenger air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could leave you or your passenger more vulnerable to injury.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will repair or replace the occupant detection mat when parts become available, free of charge. You'll also get an extended warranty on the mat in certain models. You'll get a notification letter when the repair is available, and you should visit your dealer as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible. This timing describes the original 2013 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Other BMW 3 Series 2006 Recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall

Other BMW 3 Series Years

2025
1 recall
2024
3 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
15 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
6 recalls
2017
3 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
8 recalls
2014
12 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2012
8 recalls
2011
11 recalls
2010
9 recalls
2009
7 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2003
8 recalls
2002
8 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
7 recalls

Similar AIR BAGS Recalls in Other Vehicles

2010 HONDA CR-V
132 AIR BAGS recalls
2011 HONDA CR-V
132 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 HONDA Odyssey
132 AIR BAGS recalls
2004 HONDA Accord
121 AIR BAGS recalls
2005 HONDA Accord
121 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 ACURA MDX
110 AIR BAGS recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2006 BMW 3 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 8 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #24V513000)

Your vehicle may have a faulty steering wheel air bag that could explode in a crash, and you should get it fixed as soon as possible. If the air bag explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death. You'll get a free replacement of the driver's air bag module from a BMW dealership, and you've already been notified by a letter mailed on August 30, 2024.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #20V018000)

The airbag in your passenger seat is designed to deploy in a crash to protect you. In some 2000-2006 BMW models, the old airbag inflator could fail catastrophically, causing it to explode. If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal shards flying into the cabin, putting you at risk of serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #20V017000)

The driver's airbag in your vehicle has a part called an inflator that might explode due to long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes. If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you or other passengers, potentially causing serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag at no cost to you. They'll also check the inflator in your vehicle, but only replace it if necessary. The repair is completely free.

What is the AIR BAGS recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #14V428000)

The passenger-side air bag in your vehicle is the safety device that deploys in a frontal collision to protect you. In some older models, this air bag's inflator could burst and send sharp metal fragments into the passenger area. If the air bag inflator ruptures in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into the passenger seat, causing serious injury to you or others in the vehicle. Your BMW dealer will replace the passenger-side air bag with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. To ensure your safety, please don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired. Schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2018 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #17V428000)

The front passenger air bag in your vehicle relies on a special mat under the seat to detect if someone is sitting there. Over time, this mat can wear out and develop cracks. If the mat fails, the air bag won't deploy in a crash, which could lead to serious injury to the front passenger. Your BMW dealer will replace the worn-out mat with a new one to prevent it from cracking, and this repair is free of charge. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2017 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.