BMW 330xi Recalls

The BMW 330XI has 9 recalls spanning 1999 through 2011, with the most serious being a driver's airbag inflator defect on 2006–2011 models where a sport or M-sport steering wheel replacement can contain an inflator that explodes during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin.

The Takata airbag inflator issue runs through nearly the entire production history of these vehicles and affects both the driver and passenger sides across multiple year ranges. On 2006–2011 models, the driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture and scatter metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. The passenger-side inflator on 2000–2005 models carries the same risk, where the propellant can destabilize and cause an explosive rupture. Earlier production from 1999–2001 also has a driver's airbag inflator that can explode during deployment, and a separate 2002–2005 driver's inflator recall covers the same fragmentation risk on those model years.

Two fire-related recalls affect 2006 models. The heating element inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit, melting internal components and creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked and off. Separately, on 2006–2011 vehicles, the wiring and electrical connectors that control airflow through the heating and air conditioning system can overheat, melt, and start a fire, again including when the vehicle is unattended.

A 2006 model year recall covers vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option, where the passenger seat sensor that determines whether the front passenger airbag should deploy can fail, leaving the airbag deactivated in a crash.

Going back to 2002–2005 production, electrical resistance can build up in the rear lamp contacts over time, causing the tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals to work intermittently or stop functioning, reducing visibility to other drivers.