The 2011 BMW 330i has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where the driver's frontal airbag can explode during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin.
The first airbag concern is part of a broad Takata-related campaign covering multiple BMW models: the driver-side inflator can rupture violently rather than deploy cleanly, throwing sharp metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. The second airbag concern involves vehicles where the original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport wheel carrying a similarly defective inflator, presenting the same risk of fragmentation in a crash. Both defects carry a risk of serious injury or death. On the electrical side, 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 while the vehicle 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.
