The 2001 BMW 3 Series has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect where the inflator can explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially leaving the driver without adequate protection in a crash.
A related airbag recall covers vehicles where an earlier inflator replacement was performed as part of a prior repair attempt that did not fully resolve the issue. BMW has issued a do-not-drive advisory for any of these vehicles that have not yet received the final repair. On the suspension side, certain 325i and 330i models may have wheel rims with damage to the inner rim flange, which can cause a sudden and complete loss of tire pressure while driving and make the vehicle difficult or impossible to control. The remaining recall affects M3 models only: two screws securing the parking brake cable bracket were not fully tightened at the factory, and over time they can work loose and fall into the parking brake drum, interfering with the brake's ability to hold the 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.
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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.
