The 2003 BMW 325i has 3 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect affecting both the driver and passenger frontal inflators, which can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both airbag inflators contain phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant that can degrade over time, making the inflators prone to explosive rupture during deployment. Because this affects both sides of the front seat, anyone in the front of the vehicle is at risk in a crash that triggers airbag deployment. Prior repair attempts for this defect did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist covering overlapping model ranges.
There is also a concern on automatic transmission models: with the engine running and the vehicle sitting still, the idle speed can surge unexpectedly up to around 1,300 RPM. If the driver selects a gear while this is happening, the vehicle can lurch forward or feel as though it is being pushed, raising the risk of a low-speed collision.
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 dual-stage driver front air bag can allow moisture inside. Over time, moisture can cause the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain automatic transmission vehicles, engine idle speed may unexpectedly increase up to 1,300 RPM while the engine runs and the vehicle is parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit software to correct the idle speed issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
