The 1999 BMW 3 Series has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's front airbag inflator, which can rupture or explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin.
Multiple recalls address this airbag inflator issue, including a follow-up campaign for vehicles where an earlier inspection was completed but the inflator was not replaced. Moisture exposure over time can also cause the same airbag to either underinflate or deploy with excessive force, leaving the driver without adequate protection in a crash. These airbag concerns apply broadly, though some are specific to 323i and 328i trims. On the 323i and 328i, there is also a separate side airbag concern: the curtain airbags can deploy without a crash, and when they do, the battery safety terminal activates and disconnects the starter cable from the battery. On the brake side, also limited to 323i and 328i models, a retaining clip that connects the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm can be incompletely seated and detach during repeated anti-lock brake activation, which can reduce braking effectiveness.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag inflator may absorb moisture, causing it to explode or fail to properly inflate the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Moisture exposure can damage the driver-front airbag inflator, preventing proper inflation during a crash, causing it to deploy with excessive force, or causing it to rupture and scatter metal fragments.
What the fix does
Replace the driver-front airbag inflator with a new one at an authorized dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture exposure can damage the driver-front airbag inflator, causing it to fail to inflate properly, inflate with excess force, or rupture during a crash. A ruptured inflator can scatter metal fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver-front airbag inflator. Owners will receive a mailed notification with instructions to visit a dealer for the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture exposure can damage the driver-front airbag inflator, causing it to inflate too little, too much, or rupture. A ruptured inflator may spray metal fragments at occupants.
What the fix does
BMW will mail you instructions to bring your car to a dealer for a driver-front airbag inflator replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Side airbags may deploy unexpectedly without a crash, and the Battery Safety Terminal may disconnect the starter cable, preventing engine restart after shutdown.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the side airbag system to prevent unintended deployments.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The clip holding the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm may not be fully seated. During repeated ABS activation and brake pedal pulsing, the clip can detach, separating the pushrod from the pedal arm and eliminating braking.
What the fix does
The clip will be inspected for proper installation and replaced if it is loose.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
