The 2002 BMW 330XI has 3 recalls, the most serious being defective Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both the driver and passenger frontal airbags are affected: in a crash that triggers deployment, the inflator can explode rather than inflate the bag normally, turning the housing into a source of metal shrapnel directed at whoever is seated in front of it. Prior repair attempts for these inflators did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings exist for what is the same underlying hazard. There is also an exterior lighting concern: electrical resistance in the rear lamp contacts can cause the tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals to stop working intermittently, leaving other drivers without warning of braking or turning.
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.
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At a glance
What can fail
The dual-stage driver front air bag can allow moisture inside. Over time, moisture can cause the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical contacts in the rear lamps may develop resistance over time, causing tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the rear lamp contacts at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
