The 2004 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 sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both airbag inflators use a propellant that can destabilize over time, and earlier repair attempts on some vehicles did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns cover this problem. The risk is the same on both sides: in a crash where the airbag deploys, the inflator housing can burst and scatter metal shards toward the driver or anyone in the front passenger seat. On the lighting side, electrical resistance can build up in the rear lamp contacts and cause the tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals to stop working intermittently, making the vehicle harder for other drivers to read during braking or lane changes.
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.
