The 2001 BMW 323iT has 2 recalls, both involving Takata airbag inflators on the driver and passenger sides that can rupture or explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected. The driver-side recall covers inflators that may have been installed as replacement parts during a prior repair, while the passenger-side recall involves inflators using a propellant that can become unstable and explode with far greater force than intended. In either case, the danger occurs when the airbag deploys in a crash and the inflator casing fails, turning the airbag housing into a source of metal shrapnel rather than protection.
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.
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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.
