The 2001 BMW 330i has 3 recalls, all involving Takata airbag inflators that can rupture or explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious injury or death risk to the driver and passengers.
Both the driver and front passenger airbag inflators are affected. On the driver side, two separate inflator types are covered: vehicles that received a replacement driver airbag as part of a prior repair may have a Non-Azide inflator that can rupture and shed metal fragments, and the original Takata inflators on certain 3 Series models face the same risk of explosion during deployment, with the added possibility that the airbag itself underinflates and fails to cushion the driver in a crash. The front passenger inflator contains a propellant compound that can degrade over time, and an explosion during deployment can also scatter sharp metal fragments toward the front occupants. Together, these recalls mean both front airbags in the car carry the risk of turning a safety device into a source of injury rather than protection.
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.
