Recall Radar

2002–2003 BMW 325XI, 325IT, M3 and more recall: Air bags

NHTSA campaign 13V-172 · May 2, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC Do not drive

Safety flagNHTSA marked this recall “do not drive”. Check your VIN and follow the manufacturer’s notice.
Check your own car by VIN. A recall applies only to certain vehicles, built in certain periods. NHTSA’s recall lookup checks your 17-character VIN against open recalls and is free.

Recall at a glance

Campaign number
13V172000
Reported
May 2, 2013
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Part
Air bags
Vehicles affected
About 43,204

What is wrong

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

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

The fix

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Affected models

Model years listed by NHTSA for this campaign. Only vehicles within the build range in the notice are affected.

Notes from the notice

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles are affected by this recall?

BMW 325CI (2002, 2003); BMW 325I (2002, 2003); BMW 325IT (2002, 2003); BMW 325XI (2002, 2003); BMW 325XIT (2002, 2003); BMW 330CI (2002, 2003); and more. Check your VIN to confirm.

What is the safety risk?

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

What is the fix?

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at…

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.