The 2009 BMW 325xi has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver's airbag can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver-side frontal inflator. In one case, the inflator fitted to the original steering wheel can rupture during deployment. The second issue involves vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel carrying an inflator with the same rupture risk. In either scenario, a crash that triggers the airbag can turn the inflator into a source of metal fragments, raising the risk of serious injury or death to the driver or nearby occupants. The remaining recall covers the wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow through the heating and air conditioning system. That wiring can overheat and melt the connectors, creating a fire risk that persists even 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.
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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.
