The 2000 BMW 3 Series has 5 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, and BMW has issued a do-not-drive advisory for any vehicle that has not yet been repaired.
Both the driver and passenger front airbags are affected. The driver-side inflator can explode during deployment, and moisture exposure over time can cause it to either under-inflate or deploy with excessive force. The passenger-side inflator carries a similar risk of over-pressurization and rupture. One of these recalls specifically covers vehicles where an earlier inflator replacement was performed as part of a prior recall, and that prior repair is now considered insufficient, requiring a final remedy. Because unrepaired vehicles carry a do-not-drive advisory, checking your VIN against open recall status is the most important step for any owner of this vehicle.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity exposure may degrade propellant in the passenger-front airbag inflator, causing it to deploy with excessive force. A ruptured inflator could send fragments toward occupants or damage the airbag assembly, reducing its protective function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the passenger-front airbag module as needed to prevent potential future degradation of the inflator propellant.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture exposure can cause the driver-side front airbag inflator to malfunction, potentially failing to inflate, inflating with excessive force, or rupturing. A rupture could scatter metal fragments toward occupants.
What the fix does
BMW will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace your driver-front airbag inflator.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Takata airbag in the replacement sport steering wheel may degrade from heat and humidity exposure, causing the driver-front airbag to deploy with excessive force. A ruptured inflator could send fragments toward occupants or damage the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver-front airbag module or inflator as needed after inspection at a dealer.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag inflator may build up excessive pressure during deployment, causing it to rupture and send fragments toward occupants, or damage the airbag module and prevent deployment when needed.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
