The 2012 BMW 328xi has 4 recalls, the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator that can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
This airbag inflator concern covers two related scenarios. In the first, the inflator in the original steering wheel can rupture on deployment. In the second, vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel may have received a replacement inflator with the same rupture risk, meaning the danger exists regardless of which steering wheel is currently installed. Separately, a wiring connector in the electrical system can short and start a fire. That risk exists even with no crash or other triggering event, making it a concern under normal driving conditions. The fourth recall involves the side marker lights, which can fail to illuminate at night, reducing how visible the car is to other drivers and pedestrians and raising the chance of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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 front side marker lights may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will upload corrected software to restore proper marker light operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
