The 2003 BMW 325xi has 3 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver-side and passenger-side frontal airbag inflators are affected. The inflators contain a propellant that can build excessive pressure and explode rather than deploy normally, turning the inflator housing into a source of metal shrapnel directed at the driver and front passenger. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same underlying defect.
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
The passenger-side front air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
BMW will replace the passenger air bag at no cost once replacement parts become available in July.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
