The 1999 BMW 323i has 4 recalls, all involving the same serious defect: the driver-side airbag inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin.
All four recalls cover variations of the same Takata airbag inflator issue, including vehicles that may have received a replacement inflator as part of a prior repair that used the same defective part. In a crash where the airbag deploys, the inflator can explode rather than inflate normally, either sending metal fragments toward the driver and other occupants or leaving the airbag underinflated and unable to provide proper protection.
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 air bag inflator can absorb moisture, which may cause it to rupture or prevent the air bag from inflating properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing issue, causing it to rupture or the air bag to not inflate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflators in certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing defect, which can cause the inflators to rupture or the air bag to not inflate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver air bag inflators as needed, at no cost. Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
