The 2001 BMW 328i has 3 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators are affected. On the passenger side, the inflator contains a propellant that can destabilize over time, causing the inflator to rupture violently rather than deploy normally. On the driver side, two overlapping recalls cover inflators that can similarly explode during a crash, either spraying metal fragments at the driver or, in some cases, leaving the airbag underinflated and unable to provide meaningful protection. The driver-side recalls also cover vehicles that may have received a replacement airbag through an earlier repair, meaning even a previously serviced inflator may still be affected.
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.
