The 2001 BMW 3 Series has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, and a do-not-drive advisory applies to any vehicle where a prior inflator replacement has not yet been completed.
On the suspension side, certain 325i and 330i models have wheel rims that may have been damaged when tires were fitted at the factory, which can cause a sudden loss of tire pressure and loss of vehicle control. For M3 models specifically, two screws securing the parking brake cable bracket were not properly tightened and can work loose over time, eventually falling into the parking brake drum and interfering with brake function.
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
The driver-front airbag inflator propellant can degrade from prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature cycling. A degraded inflator may deploy with excessive force, rupture, and send fragments toward occupants or damage the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the driver-front airbag module or inflator. Contact your BMW dealer, visit bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html, or call 1-855-217-3002 to schedule service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Two screws securing the parking brake cable bracket to the backing plate may not be tight. They could loosen and fall into the brake drum, causing the bracket to detach and the parking brake to fail on that side, or lodge in the drum and cause noise or brake lockup while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the parking brake cable screws and tighten them to the correct torque specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inner rim flange may be damaged during tire installation. Severe damage could cause sudden tire pressure loss and loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
All five wheels will be inspected for damage. Any damaged wheels will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
