The 2001 BMW 328CI has 3 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture or explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin.
Both front airbag positions are affected. The driver-side inflator recalls cover units that were either original equipment or installed as replacement parts during a prior repair, and in either case the inflator can burst rather than deploy cleanly, leaving the driver exposed to metal shrapnel at the exact moment the airbag is supposed to protect them. The passenger-side inflator contains a propellant that becomes unstable over time, particularly in vehicles that have seen humidity and temperature swings, and an explosion during deployment can send sharp fragments toward the front passenger. In both cases, the airbag may also underinflate, meaning it fails to cushion the occupant even if the inflator does not rupture violently.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver-side air bag inflator may absorb moisture, causing it to explode or fail to properly inflate the air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator 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 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.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflator can absorb moisture, which may cause it to rupture or prevent the air bag from inflating properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
