The 2009 BMW 135i has 3 recalls, the most serious being a defective driver's frontal airbag inflator that can rupture in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, with potentially fatal results.
The airbag inflator issue has been filed across multiple campaigns, but both describe the same hazard: in a crash that triggers the driver's airbag, the inflator can explode rather than deploy normally, scattering sharp metal shards toward the driver and anyone nearby. This is part of the broader Takata airbag defect that affected a wide range of vehicles across many manufacturers.
On the electrical side, the blower-regulator wiring harness can overheat and melt its connectors, creating a fire risk even when the car is parked and the engine is off. Because this can happen while the vehicle is unattended, there is no warning for the driver before a fire starts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the blower-regulator wiring harness with a new part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
