The 2011 BMW 328xi has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver's frontal airbag can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver's side inflator. One affects vehicles that may have had the original steering wheel swapped for a sport or M-sport wheel carrying a defective inflator, while the other is a broader inflator issue spanning the 3 Series lineup. Either way, the result is the same: an airbag that can rupture violently rather than deploy safely. There is also an electrical concern: the wiring and connectors that control airflow through the heating and air conditioning system can overheat, melt the surrounding connectors, and start a fire, including 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.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
