The 2000 BMW 325CI has 3 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected. The passenger side uses a phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant that can cause the inflator to rupture violently in a crash. The driver side concern covers two related issues: original Takata inflators that can explode and scatter metal fragments, and replacement driver airbags that may have been installed during prior repairs but contain the same defective inflator design, meaning the earlier repair did not fully resolve the risk. In some cases, a ruptured driver inflator may also underinflate, leaving the occupant without adequate cushioning in the crash itself. Taken together, both airbag positions on this vehicle carry the same core danger: a part meant to protect occupants can instead become a source of high-speed metal debris at the moment it fires.
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.
