The 2000 BMW 323i has 4 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides 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, certain vehicles may have the original inflator, a replacement inflator installed during a prior repair, or both at different points in the vehicle's history, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue in all cases. On the passenger side, the inflator contains a propellant that can degrade over time and explode rather than inflate the bag in a controlled way. In any of these scenarios, a crash that triggers airbag deployment can result in metal fragments striking the driver or passengers instead of the bag providing 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 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.
