The 1999 BMW 328i has 7 recalls, all rated at the highest severity level, with the most critical being a brake failure risk where a retaining clip can detach and disconnect the brake booster pushrod from the pedal, leaving the driver with no braking ability.
The remaining recalls fall into two clusters. The driver-side airbag inflator, part of the wide-ranging Takata recall, can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin toward the driver or other occupants. This defect is covered across several filings that all describe the same underlying hazard. On the side airbag side, the system can deploy without an actual side collision, triggered instead by hitting a large pothole or curb at speed. When this happens, the door-mounted thorax bags and the head protection system fire unexpectedly, and the battery safety terminal also activates, cutting the starter cable from the battery and leaving the vehicle unable to restart.
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 driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing issue, causing it to rupture or the air bag to not inflate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it if necessary, at no cost.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver air bag inflators in certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles may absorb moisture due to a manufacturing defect, which can cause the inflators to rupture or the air bag to not inflate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver air bag inflators as needed, at no cost. Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side air bags may deploy during non-crash events, such as hitting large potholes or curbs at high speeds.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the central air bag control module to prevent unwanted side air bag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The retaining clip securing the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm may not have been properly installed during manufacturing. The clip could detach from the pin, causing the pushrod to disconnect from the arm.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the clip to ensure it is tight and replace it if loose.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side airbag system's electronic sensors are overly sensitive and can trigger airbag deployment from non-crash impacts like hitting large potholes or curbs at high speed.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the central computer module that controls all occupant protection systems to adjust sensor sensitivity.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
