Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The air bag inflator in your driver's side is the part that deploys the airbag to protect you in a crash. In some 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series models, this inflator can malfunction and explode, causing serious harm.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, metal fragments could hit you or other passengers, causing severe injury or even death. An underinflated air bag could also fail to protect you, making a crash even more dangerous.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty inflator with a safer, redesigned one at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, and it's free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. 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 →