The 2008 BMW 328XI has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate driver's airbag inflator defects where the inflator can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver's side frontal inflator. One affects the original factory-installed inflator module, which can rupture violently when the airbag deploys. The other applies to vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel, as the inflator in that wheel carries the same explosion risk. Either way, the result is the same: metal fragments can travel toward the driver or other occupants at the moment the bag fires in a crash. There is also a fire risk unrelated to the airbags: the wiring and electrical connectors for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat, melt the surrounding connectors, and potentially ignite 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.
