The 2010 BMW 330i has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver's airbag can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Both airbag concerns involve the driver's frontal inflator. One affects the original steering wheel, while the other applies to vehicles where the original steering wheel was replaced with a sport or M-sport unit carrying a different inflator — in either case, the failure mode and potential consequence are the same: a violent rupture that turns the inflator housing into a source of metal fragments directed toward the driver and front occupant. There is also a fire risk unrelated to the airbags: the wiring and electrical connectors for the climate control system can overheat, causing the connectors to melt and potentially 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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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.
