The 2000 BMW 328i has 4 recalls, all of them involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin.
All four recalls trace back to the same underlying hazard: frontal airbag inflators manufactured by Takata that can explode rather than inflate normally when triggered in a crash. On the driver's side, the inflators involved are Takata Non-Azide Driver units, and in some cases the defective inflator may have been installed as a replacement during a prior repair rather than being the original factory part. On the passenger side, the concern involves non-desiccated inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which can become unstable over time. In either case, the result during a crash is the same: instead of cushioning the occupant, the inflator can burst and scatter sharp metal fragments through the interior, while the airbag itself may also fail to fully inflate and provide protection. Because these filings cover overlapping but distinct inflator types on both sides of the vehicle, a BMW dealer can confirm through the VIN exactly which remedy applies to a specific car.
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.
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.
