The 2009 BMW 325i has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Two separate airbag concerns exist for this vehicle, both with the same consequence. The first affects the original factory steering wheel, where the inflator can rupture violently on deployment. The second applies if the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport unit, as certain replacement wheels contain an inflator with the same explosion risk. Prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why both remain open. On the electrical side, the wiring and connectors that control airflow for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat, melt the surrounding connectors, and potentially start a fire, including when the car is parked and unattended.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's air bag inflator in certain replacement sport or M-sport steering wheels can explode when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow in the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
