The 2000 BMW 323i has 4 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators in the driver and passenger frontal airbags that can rupture or explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected. On the driver side, multiple filings cover different populations of vehicles depending on whether the inflator was original equipment or installed as a replacement during a prior repair. In all cases, the inflator can rupture during deployment rather than inflating the bag properly, which means the bag may not cushion the driver in a crash and metal fragments can fly toward the driver and nearby occupants at the same time. The passenger side inflator carries the same risk: the propellant inside can cause an explosive rupture that sends sharp metal fragments across the front of the cabin, with potential for serious injury or death. These are among the most widely known defective inflators in automotive history, and every variant of the problem on this vehicle points to the same outcome: an airbag that can injure rather than protect during a collision.
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 passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown of the propellant inside, which happens after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front 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 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.
