BMW 325i Recalls

The BMW 325i has 10 recalls spanning 1999 through 2011, with the most serious being airbag inflator defects across multiple model years where the inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver or passengers.

The airbag inflator issue runs through nearly the entire production span of this model and covers both driver and passenger side systems. On 2006-2011 vehicles, the driver-side inflator in sport or M-sport steering wheels that may have been installed as replacements can explode during deployment. A separate driver-side Takata inflator defect affects 2002-2005 sedans and sportswagons with the same rupture risk. The passenger-side Takata inflator issue covers 2000-2005 vehicles. Going back to the earliest years, 1999-2001 models that received a replacement driver airbag as part of a prior repair may have received a Takata inflator with the same rupture potential, meaning the prior repair did not fully resolve the underlying hazard.

Two fire-related recalls affect 2006 model year vehicles. The heating and air conditioning wiring on 2006-2011 models can overheat, melt its connectors, and start a fire even while the vehicle is parked. On 2006 models specifically, the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater can short circuit, causing internal components to melt and raising the same fire risk when the car is not running.

The 2006 model year also has a recall where the passenger seat sensor, on vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option, can fail and deactivate the front passenger airbag in a crash.

The 2003 model year, on automatic transmission vehicles, can experience an unexpected rise in engine idle speed while the car is stationary, which may cause the vehicle to lurch when a gear is selected.

On 2001 models, the inner rim flange of certain wheels may have been damaged during tire mounting at the factory, which can cause a sudden loss of tire pressure and affect handling.