2000–2006 BMW 323IT, M3, 323I and more recall: Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V-018 · January 15, 2020 · 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: 20V018000
Reported: January 15, 2020
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Part: Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
Vehicles affected: About 292,948

What is wrong

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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix

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.

Affected models

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

BMW 320I: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 323CI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
BMW 323I: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 323IT: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 325CI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
BMW 325I: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 325IT: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 325XI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 325XIT: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 328CI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
BMW 328I: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 330CI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
BMW 330I: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW 330XI: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
BMW M3: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

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 320I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005); BMW 323CI (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006); BMW 323I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005); BMW 323IT (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005); BMW 325CI (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006); BMW 325I (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005); and more. Check your VIN to confirm.

What is the safety risk?

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

What is the fix?

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.

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.