The 2006 BMW 328xi has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
Two separate conditions can lead to this airbag inflator risk. The first involves the original airbag inflator fitted at the factory, which can rupture violently when the airbag deploys. The second applies to vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel: the inflator in that replacement wheel carries the same risk of explosion and fragmentation. Because both paths lead to the same life-threatening consequence, any affected vehicle warrants attention regardless of which steering wheel is currently installed.
The third recall concerns the wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow through the heating and air conditioning system. That wiring can overheat, causing the connectors to melt, and the heat generated is enough to start a fire 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.
