The 2002 BMW 3 Series has 3 recalls, the most serious being a brake rotor defect on 325xi models and a passenger airbag inflator that can rupture and send fragments into the cabin during deployment.
On 325xi models, a crack can form where the rear brake disc meets the parking brake drum. Repeated braking can extend that crack until the drum separates entirely from the disc, which compromises rear braking and can cause the drum to detach from the wheel hub. The airbag concern affects the passenger-side frontal inflator, which can generate excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys, causing the inflator housing to rupture and scatter metal fragments toward whoever is seated in the front passenger seat. There is also a lighting issue: certain vehicles can lose one or more rear lamp functions, including the tail light, brake light, or turn signal, in the body-mounted portion of the rear lamp assemblies. A driver behind the vehicle would receive no warning of braking or turning, raising the risk of a rear-end collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag inflator may build excessive pressure during deployment, causing it to rupture and send fragments toward occupants. This can injure occupants, damage the airbag module so it won't deploy in a crash, or cause fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The rear lamps mounted on the body (not the trunk) may lose tail, brake, or turn signal functions. This makes the vehicle less visible at night and prevents other drivers from seeing your intentions, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will add an electrical ground connection to the rear lamp circuits and check all functions. If needed, the 8-pin connector housing will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect may have created a crack where the rear brake rotor disc meets the parking brake drum. Braking forces can cause this crack to grow, potentially causing the drum to separate from the disc. If separation occurs, that wheel loses braking power.
What the fix does
Both rear brake rotors will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
